Assistant Teacher - Early Headstart

You are a caring, hard-working individual who thrives in a team environment and is committed to excellence.

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 care, education, and support to young children and their families.

Summary/Objective
The Assistant Teacher gains in-service experience with early childhood classroom operations while working under the mentorship and support of experienced educators and content area specialists. In a supportive classroom role, the Assistant Teacher works alongside teaching staff to provide safe, nurturing learning environments, daily routines, and developmentally appropriate interactions that promote positive outcomes for young children and families. The Assistant Teacher ensures the safety and supervision of children at all times by adhering to all program policies and applicable Federal, State, and local standards and best practices. Assistant Teachers have the opportunity to complete supervised work experience and receive support in accessing coursework and professional development required to attain Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Teacher certification

Essential Functions
• Support teachers and assistant teachers in daily activities designed to foster children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, including engagement with diverse learners and children for whom English is a second language.
• Perform assigned classroom duties including greeting families, preparing activity supplies, assisting with transitions, and supporting care routines such as napping, mealtimes, and diapering/toileting.
• Learn and practice integrating the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children into classroom routines, interactions, and activities.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with children, families, and colleagues.
• Support implementation of weekly lesson plans aligned with the program’s curriculum, Massachusetts Early Learning Standards, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• Share observations of children’s interests, skills, and abilities with teaching staff to support developmental assessments, individualized instruction, progress monitoring, and referrals when needed.
• Under the guidance of classroom teachers, practice positive discipline techniques that promote positive behavior and reduce challenging behaviors in compliance with State licensing regulations and program policies.
• Ensure children’s safety at all times by maintaining appropriate active supervision indoors and outdoors and supporting a clean, organized classroom environment.
• Promote family partnerships by welcoming families, valuing diversity, responding to concerns respectfully, and sharing strength-based observations of children’s development.
• Assist teachers in communicating with Family Services Specialists (FSS) and program specialists to coordinate support for children and families.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain cooperative and respectful relationships with colleagues and contribute to team responsibilities through communication and collaboration.
• Maintain accurate and timely records as assigned.
• Work with supervisors to develop and follow an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP).
• Maintain professionalism at all times, including adherence to dress code, the NAEYC Code of Ethics, Child and Family Services code of conduct, and consistent attendance and punctuality.
• As a mandated reporter, recognize and report suspected physical or sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
• Maintain confidentiality of all program and family information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies
• Demonstrates responsibility and accountability in delivering services as part of a team.
• Takes initiative in identifying opportunities to improve services and classroom support.
• Meets deadlines and completes assignments in a timely manner.
• Uses time, materials, and resources efficiently.
• Incorporates the organization’s mission, goals, and policies into daily work to promote an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment.
• Positively represents The Dimock Center in interactions with families, colleagues, visitors, and community partners.

Work Environment
This position is primarily classroom-based and includes both indoor and outdoor environments. Staff may be assigned primarily to one classroom or may support multiple classrooms or program areas 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 and Head Start Programs: Monday – Friday; shifts scheduled between 8:15 AM and 3:45 PM.
Foundations for Learning Program: Monday – Friday; shifts scheduled between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

Compensation
Hourly rate typically ranges from $16 – $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 deeply committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We value the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of both our staff and the communities we serve. We believe that a team rich in diversity is essential to our mission of providing high-quality, accessible health and human services to all. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply and are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective impact.