Teacher Assistant, Early Headstart

Assistant Teacher ¢ Early Head Start

You are a caring, dependable individual who thrives in a team environment and is committed to supporting the development of infants and toddlers.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center that heals and uplifts individuals, families, and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.

Our Child and Family Services programs provide high-quality early education, care, and family support services to young children and their families.

Summary/Objective
The Assistant Teacher supports classroom operations in an Early Head Start environment serving infants and toddlers. Working under the guidance of lead teachers and program specialists, this role helps provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. The Assistant Teacher supports daily routines, active supervision, and positive interactions that promote healthy development and school readiness. This role offers supervised experience and professional development support toward Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Teacher certification.

Essential Functions

• Support classroom activities that promote childrenÆs social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Assist with daily classroom routines including greeting families, transitions, mealtimes, napping, diapering, and toileting.
• Provide active supervision to ensure childrenÆs safety at all times indoors and outdoors.
• Support implementation of lesson plans aligned with curriculum, Massachusetts Early Learning Standards, and Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with children, families, and staff.
• Share observations of childrenÆs development with teaching staff to support assessments and individualized learning.
• Practice positive guidance and discipline techniques consistent with program policies and licensing regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Promote family partnerships by welcoming families and supporting open communication.
• Assist with communication and coordination with Family Services Specialists and program staff.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation as assigned.
• Work with supervisors to develop an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
• Maintain professionalism, including adherence to dress code, NAEYC Code of Ethics, and program code of conduct.
• Serve as a mandated reporter and report suspected abuse or neglect as required by law.
• Maintain confidentiality of program and family information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to support diverse learners and families.
• Commitment to providing nurturing, developmentally appropriate care.
• Ability to manage time and responsibilities effectively.

Work Environment

This position is primarily classroom-based in an Early Head Start setting and includes both indoor and outdoor environments. Staff may support one or multiple classrooms depending on operational needs.

Physical Demands

• Duties require standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods. The position may require lifting up to 40 pounds and frequent carrying of up to 25 pounds.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• Early Head Start Program: Monday ¢ Friday; shifts scheduled between 8:15 AM and 3:45 PM.
• Additional program hours may vary based on operational needs.

Compensation

• Hourly rate typically ranges from $17 ¢ $20 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.

Required Education and Experience

This is an entry-level position. A High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Enrollment in college-level coursework in early childhood education or participation in a CDA program is strongly encouraged. Bilingual skills in English/Spanish, English/Cape Verdean Creole, or Haitian Creole are preferred.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with this position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

At The Dimock Center, we are de