Assistant Teacher

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Supervised by Extended Day Teacher, the Assistant Teacher duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in after-school staff team consisting of Extended Day teacher and other part-time staff.
• Participate in and support the planning and implementing of an after-school curriculum for a single elementary grade, Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade, which is well rounded, developmentally responsive, learning oriented and hands-on.  Includes co-teaching, activity planning and facilitation.
• Promote and support each child’s physical, social, emotional and academic growth during after school hours.
• Support classroom team in creation of family engagement materials such as newsletters, posters and fliers.
• Participate in and, when appropriate, create opportunities for collaborations/partnerships with other Department of Human Service Programs’ youth serving divisions in order to better serve Cambridge children and families.
• Participate in professional development from “outside” service providers.
• Participate in ongoing “in-house” staff development provided by King Open Extended Day and DHSP for professional development and to enhance program practices and overall quality.
• Maintain professional integrity and conduct by following and promoting program policies, procedures and routines.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Associates Degree and/or educational experience/studies in early childhood education, child growth and development, human service, social work and other relevant fields preferred
• Out of school and/or in school experience working with children ages 4.5 - 12 (grades k-5) with a minimum of two years relevant experience required
• Sense of humor and ability to act as a strong positive role model and organize and engage children and peers
• Excellent organizational skills and attentiveness to detail
• Proficiency with the Microsoft office suite, or similar system, and computer/internet based lesson planning preferred.
• Willingness to be flexible and adaptable in all activities and responsibilities
• Experience working with and creating strong relationships with families of diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Commitment to and experience with collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Commitment to anti-bias, culturally proficient practices
• Interpersonal skills that excel in cultural sensitivity, respect for differences, and communication
• Bilingual/bicultural background a plus
• Commitment to enhancing reflective practice and ability to accept supervision and guidance
• Commitment to the continuous improvement of service quality and the program’s mission
• Knowledge of Nurtured Heart Approach techniques and/or Responsive Classroom techniques a plus

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, walk, and hear.  The employee is occasionally required to run, during play or responding to an emergency.  Employees are frequently required to engage with children on the floor and at their eye level.  Employees are frequently required to use their hands and arms to handle and manipulate objects as well as reach.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move a child.  Vision abilities are required for supervision of children.

Reasonable acco