Willow Blossom Learning Center is a small child care center in the woods in Leverett, on over 2 acres of land. At Willow Blossom Learning Center we believe that children will learn at their own pace and in their own way when given the opportunity and freedom to do so. Caring and resourceful adults - parents, families, and teachers - need to work together to nourish children's developing image of themselves as strong, compassionate people.

We are looking to bring on educators who are in line with our vision of nurturing and encouraging young children to be their best selves, in a safe and reliable environment. Willow Blossom is in a period of growth and transition, and we hope to welcome educators who want to grow with our program. To learn more about our program please visit our website at ------------

Job Description: Teaching Assistant

Summary:

Assists teachers in providing a nurturing, healthy, environment for children, infant through preschool; facilitates the emotional, intellectual, and physical growth of all the children; contributes to curriculum planning and implementation in team-teaching situation under teacher’s supervision; assists with general upkeep of materials, supplies, classroom; participates in periodic training sessions with full time staff person, and in relevant workshops or conferences whenever possible

Rights: Access to information pertaining to all aspects of the operation of the center (both as a human service provider and as a business); as much personal freedom as possible, within the bounds of the center’s ethical and educational standards; equal voice with other staff members in all teaching and administrative matters

Responsibilities: Assist with classroom management, support of teaching team, attend monthly staff meetings, administrative tasks as needed, reporting of unsafe building and grounds conditions, parent concerns about a program practice or policy, and individual health and safety needs of children including information regarding child abuse or neglect, assist teaching team in curriculum development and implementation

Duties:

Helps carry out planned activities

Interacts with children and co-workers in ways consistent with the Center’s policies, goals, standards, and philosophy

Demonstrates reliability and consistency in meeting the children’s individual and group needs and classroom commitments

Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of children and parents resulting from the cultural diversity of the Center

Reads message book daily and adds messages as necessary

Relays information to and from parents and co-workers to maintain open and positive channels of communication

Meet regularly with classroom teachers and Program Director.

Qualifications:

Suitable BRC

At least 16 years old

Have completed or be currently enrolled in high school or equivalent, which may include, but is not limited to, a Chapter 74 approved voc tech high school program in Early Education or another approved Massachusetts high school program in Early Education

Completion of Staff Orientation

Completion of EEC Essentials

Demonstrated capacity to relate to children with warmth, understanding, and creativity; and to relate to parents with respect and sensitivity (as documented in resume, employment history, and reference checks)

Good physical health (including ability to lift up to 60 pounds), evidence of physical exam within six months of employment (including documentation of MMR inoculation), possession of first aid and infant/child CPR certification (upon hiring or as soon as possible thereafter)