Teacher Assistant- Aftercare

Teacher Assistant•

Aftercare Department:

Head Start Employment Type:

Part Time Location:

Newport•

Chafee Head Start Reporting To:

Angela Musco Compensation:

$17.50•$21.00 / hour Description Make an Impact in Early Childhood Education Every Afternoon If you're passionate about supporting young learners and creating a safe, engaging environment where children can thrive, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to do just that. As an Aftercare Teacher Assistant, you'll play a key role in shaping positive daily experiences for preschool-aged children while supporting families and classroom teams. Job Description The Aftercare Teacher Assistant supports afternoon programming for preschool children enrolled in Pre-K and Head Start. This role focuses on maintaining a structured, nurturing environment that promotes children's social, emotional, and developmental growth. Working on-site at our Head Start locations, this position ensures appropriate supervision, contributes to classroom management, and helps create a welcoming space where children feel safe and supported after the school day. Key Responsibilities Primary Responsibilities Plan and lead engaging, developmentally appropriate activities for children Maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing classroom environment Supervise children at all times and ensure required staff-to-child ratios are met Support classroom and playground organization, cleanliness, and readiness Complete supervision tracking and required documentation Communicate with families at pick-up, sharing key updates about each child's day Core Responsibilities Complete required reports, including incident, illness, and communication documentation Participate in assigned trainings and ongoing professional development Attend in-service sessions to stay aligned with program standards and best practices Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Skills Strong ability to build positive relationships with young children and families Effective classroom management and supervision skills Clear communication and collaboration skills Organized and detail-oriented, especially with documentation Flexible, dependable, and team-focused approach Positive, patient, and engaging attitude Education and Credentials High School Diploma or GED required Preschool CDA or Associate's/Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred Experience Experience working with preschool-aged children Familiarity with classroom environments and child supervision practices Knowledge Solid understanding of early childhood development Knowledge of Head Start programs and childcare licensing regulations is a plus Certifications CDA credential preferred Pediatric CPR and First Aid required (training provided if needed) Benefits Full-time employees working 30-40 hours per week are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution Paid time off including vacation, holidays, sick, and personal days Tuition reimbursement and agency-supported training opportunities Life insurance and employee assistance program Flexible spending accounts and mileage reimbursement