Prekindergarten Teacher Assistant Substitute (46 weeks)

Job Description

Job Description

Description

The Prekindergarten Program is a new initiative with classrooms supported by the Boston’s Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK) Program. Through this program, children ages 3 and 4 will be exposed to a variety of learning tools to further enrich their early childhood education experience.  

The Prekindergarten (PreK) Teacher Assistant Substitute is responsible for serving as a substitute teaching staff in the Head Start classroom currently participating in assisting the Boston’s Universal Pre-kindergarten (UPK) Program. Prekindergarten (PreK) Teacher Assistant Substitute will assist other qualified UPK teaching staff with the care and education of the children in the Prekindergarten Program. This position assists in the day-to-day implementation of the Education Component objectives for the Building Blocks, Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learners (CSEFEL), and Opening the World of Learning (OWL) teaching practices. 

The PreK Teacher Assistant Substitute is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community. 

The PreK Teacher Assistant Substitute follows all instructions given by the Teacher and Lead Teacher to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures. 

All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G.  Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities

• Within the framework of the Building Block, OWL and CSEFEL teaching practices, provide pre-school children with a joyful, nurturing, safe, healthy individualized environment and the varied experiences which help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development in relationship to the overall goal of social competency.
• Participate in the daily observations of children.
• Develop activities and strategies for involving parents in the educational aspects of the program in order to enhance their role as the principle influence in their child's education and development and increasing their knowledge and understanding of the skills and experiences in child growth and development.
• Provide classroom coverage in the absence of the Teacher or Lead Teacher.
• Report to the Teacher or Lead Teacher regarding the daily implementation of classroom duties. 
• Report to the Program Director for all matters relating to terms of employment and center operations.
• Participate in a minimum of two home visits and three parent/teacher conferences per family per year.
• Participate in the development of and implementation of developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and individualized activities.
• Participate in the development and implementation of written Individual Education Plans (IEP's) for children with special needs.
• Engage in record keeping activities (e.g. keeping records of daily observations of children and of communication with parents).
• Participate in Team meetings.
• Engage in coaching sessions through assessment of strengths and needs, asking questions, sharing pertinent information, reflecting, listening and identifying goals and means to achieve those goals in collaboration with the coach.
• Be open to being observed and receiving feedback from the coach (in addition to the supervisor). This will include pictures and videotaping.
• Apply new teaching practices with the support of the coach.
• Attend meetings as necessary.
• Assist with the development and implementation of special events or projects related to the Prekindergarten Program.
• Participate regularly in staff development activities, e.g. Professional Day training, the CDA program, citywide training, summer institutes, conferences, etc.
• Maintain the EEC requirements including child to staff ratios, classroom supervision, etc. Participate in the day to day operation of the classroom/center.
• Perform other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Expected Salary:  $40,942.30 annually ($25.43/hour) USD. Salary scales are set according to an explicit compensation policy and relevant market data. Due to funding restrictions and our strong focus on internal parity, this salary is thoughtfully aligned with the duties expected for this role, and offers are firm. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong interpersonal skills; work cooperatively as a member of a teaching team, with other program staff and parents.
• Possess bilingual skills in English and Spanish preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivity to the education and socioeconomic needs of the children and families served in Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Possess the ability to work 

PROFESSIONALISM:

• Engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills. 
• Maintain professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families. 
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times. 

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS & CONDITIONS:
The PreK Teacher Assistant Substitute must have the capability to engage in the physical activities incident to the job duties listed above, including without limitation, the capability to:

• Lift and move pre-school aged children for Head Start or infants and toddlers for Early Head Start;
• Control such a child’s movement in order to protect that child’s or other children’s safety or to effect disciplinary goals, such as in an instance where two children are engaged in a confrontation;
• Respond to children in the case of an emergency in order to ensure safety, such as the capability to respond quickly if a child should run into a street on a field trip or in the case of fire or other emergency situations;
• Implement the tasks relating to the physical educational goals of children enrolled;
• Lift and move equipment and furniture in the execution of classroom activities; and
• Attend to the need of children with disabilities, including physically-challenged children;
• Carry out any of the duties or responsibilities contained in this job description or otherwise assigned or as required by federal law.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Teacher I: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Active Preschool Child Development Associate Credential; ECE Certificate or EEC Preschool Lead Teacher certified, or enrolled in a degree program leading to an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field, or enrolled in a CDA program to be completed within two years with experience teaching preschool age children.  EEC preschool teacher certified preferred. Bilingual in a language spoken by families served by ABCD preferred.

Teacher II:  

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education or Associate’s degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool age children required. EEC Preschool Teacher certified preferred. Bilingual in a language spoken by families served by ABCD preferred.

Why Work Here

• Make a Difference: Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.
• Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.
• Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.
• Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.
• A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.
• Teamwork & Camaraderie: Be a part of a passionate team, united in their mission to combat poverty, and ensure every individual can reach their fullest potential.