Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Position Summary
The Teacher Assistant supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. They must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the Teacher Assistant observes and documents children’s interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Teacher Assistant are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
· Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by children.
· Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
· Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports.
· Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
· Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to childcare center.
· Follow all center policies and state regulations.
· Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the Lead Preschool Teacher and/or the Education Director.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
· High School Diploma
· Multilingual, preferred
· Ability to work well with others.
· Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
· An understanding of child development.
· Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
· Child/Adult CPR and First Aid certification.
· Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
· Independent thinker who believes deeply in the mission of the MLK.
· Ability to work with a diverse population.
· Have courteous and intuitive interactions with clients.
· Have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
· Adheres to all safety guidelines of the Center.
Job Type: Full Time, all year.
Benefits/Perks:
· Health insurance
· Dental insurance
· Vision insurance
· Paid Time Off
· Simple IRA matching
· Life Insurance
· Participation in Center’s many provided services
Submit cover letter/resume to: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center 20 Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02842 Human Resources Manager, Cherie Hersperger – chersperger@mlkccenter.org or Missy Davis, Education Director - mdavis@mlkccenter.org
Compensation: $17.00 per hour
EST. 1922
Founded in 1922 and renamed honoring Dr. King in 1968, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is a central service provider for at-risk individuals, families, and seniors. An independent nonprofit, the MLK Community Center fights hunger, promotes health, educates young and school-aged kids, supports families, and engages seniors.
Our Mission
Our Mission
We nourish, educate, and support Newport County residents to improve their economic, social, and physical well-being.
Our Vision
Our Vision
We build a strong and inclusive community where all people are empowered to be self-reliant and to live their best quality of life.
Programs encompass three areas:
- Hunger Prevention and Nutrition
- Early Childhood and Extended Learning Time Education
- Community Support Programs
Agency goals are to:
- Reduce hunger through our food pantry, daily meal program, and home food delivery.
- Increase health through agency-wide access to a Registered Dietitian, nutrition education, fitness and wellness programming, and other engaging programs.
- Offer high-performing educational programs for children while holistically supporting the needs of their parents and families.




