Jobs

Nursery School Teaching Assistant

Role: Nursery School Teaching Assistant (ages 2-5 years old)

Summary of the role:

The goals of Spruce Street Nursery School are to create a community of enthusiastic learners; provide an environment that supports each child’s developing self-esteem; teach respect and compassion for others; and to reinforce each child’s natural curiosity in the world around them.

The Nursery School Teaching Assistant is responsible for providing a warm, nurturing environment, in line with Spruce’s goals, so that every child can thrive. This role is part of a three-person collaborative team of two Lead Teachers and one teaching assistant in a classroom with a ratio of 1:5. The children in the classroom attend for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days a week and range in ages from 2 years to 5 years.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, responsive care that supports the children’s emotional security and development
• Support the Lead Teachers with planning and implementing developmentally-appropriate activities aligned with Spruce curriculum standards
• Supervise a learning environment that is a safe and dynamic space, nurturing the physical, social, emotional and cognitive domains through play and exploration.
• Communicate openly and collaborates effectively with all team members.
• Participate in school-sponsored events and activities that contribute to the school and/or broader community. This includes the Community Picnic, the Admissions Open House, Curriculum Night, the Holiday Share, the Annual Auction and Auction Excursions.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment
• Follow daily routines including toileting, and sanitation schedules in accordance with health and safety regulations
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children and families
• Collaborate with teaching team and administration to support classroom goals
• Maintain accurate records and documentation as required by our program policies
• Follow all Spruce and MA EEC health and safety procedures

Qualifications:

• Possesses a MA EEC qualification (or willing to work toward that qualification within the first nine months of employment)
• Some knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and best practices
• Previous experience working with children ages 2-5 years old (preferred)
• Experience with working in a multi-age early childhood setting (preferred)
• Current First Aid/CPR certification (or willing to complete prior to start date)
• A current Background Records Check (or willing to complete prior to start date)
• Eligible for employment in the United States

Skills & Competencies

• Patience, warmth and responsiveness toward young children
• Ability to create a calm, nurturing environment throughout the day
• Deep commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and reflection, which includes co-planning and co-teaching
• Flexibility and adaptability in a classroom setting
• Strong time management skills
• Organizational ability and initiative in planning, teaching and assessment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Contract Period:

September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (first year) and then renewed annually based on performance

Work Schedule:

• Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 1:30 pm

What We Offer

• The salary is $35,000, paid over 12 months. This salary is for a 30-hour work week.
• Holiday breaks: two weeks in December, two weeks in March, eight weeks in the summer
• Full benefits package including: health insurance + health savings account, retirement account, paid vacation, paid personal days, commuter subsidy
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment
• Additional income opportunities (optional): The Summer at Spruce Program (8:00-1:00) runs for six weeks during the summer and staff can opt to teach between one and six weeks, depending on availability and program needs.

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should send:

• A letter of interest explaining your strengths as a candidate and why you are interested in the Nursery School Teaching Assistant position at Spruce Street Nursery School (not to exceed one page).
• A current résumé
• A Philosophy of Education outlining your beliefs on how young children learn and how those align with Spruce’s pedagogy

All application materials should be sent to jobs@sprucestreet.org by September 1, 2026. The review of applications will begin as soon as applications are received. Candidates should note that, in the event an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, Spruce Street Nursery School reserves the right to make an appointment before the deadline mentioned above and to bring the search to a close. For this reason, interested candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible time.