Join Our Mission to Make a Difference in Young Lives 

At Pathways, we believe that to teach is to touch lives. If you’re passionate about early childhood education and want to work in a mission-driven environment that values your professional growth and well-being, we invite you to become part of our team. 

We are currently seeking a Preschool Teacher Assistant who is enthusiastic, nurturing, and committed to supporting the development of young children. The ideal candidate brings a solid background in early childhood education, a deep understanding of child development, and experience creating engaging and supportive classroom environments. 

Location – Salem, MA

Schedule – this position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, 43 weeks for the 2025/2026 school year with a planned reduction in force at the end of the school year (June, 2026).  Scheduled hours and weeks are based on need and subject to change, including reduction in force. 

Rate - starting at $19 based on education and experience

What will you do?

• Assists in the implementation of an individualized curriculum and guidance strategies for each child and the class based on the school readiness goals of Pathways for Children
• Implements positive guidance strategies in the classroom consistent with Pathways for Children Behavior Management Plan
• Provides appropriate supervision of children to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment
• Ensures that the learning environment is clean, organized and that all materials are developmentally appropriate for children
• Assists with record keeping, child observations, planning, and documentation related to child, family or the classroom.
• Assists with weekly lesson planning that supports appropriate curriculum and activities for the ages and developmental stages of children
• Assists/conducts home visits and works in collaboration with each child’s family supporting a learning partnership with a family

Why Work With Us? 

At Pathways, we don’t just nurture children and families—we invest in our teachers. We offer: 

• Professional development and training opportunities 
• Clear pathways for career advancement 
• A collaborative, supportive workplace culture 

We are proud to center our work around the core values of respect, trust, collaboration, and opportunity. We believe in open communication and fostering strong relationships among our staff, families, and communities. 

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and grow your career in early childhood education, we’d love to hear from you.  

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

Required Education:

Teacher Assistants: CDA Credential or EEC Preschool Lead Teacher

Teacher Assistant Trainee: Must be enrolled in a program that will lead to a CDA Credential or Associate’s Degree (completed) within 2 years of the date of hire.

Required Experience:

Teacher Assistant: 9 months experience in an EEC licensed program

Teacher Assistant Trainee: No prior experience needed

Preferred:

Bilingual preferred in languages that represent our student and family population (Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian-Creole)

Other Requirements 

• Successfully complete an employment physical and proof of vaccination
• Pass CORI, SORI, DCF, and fingerprinting 
• Possess valid MA driver’s license and proof of auto insurance and acceptable driving record 

WHAT DO WE OFFER? 

• Internal growth! We often hire from within to help our employees reach their greatest potential 
• On-going training and Professional Development provided free of charge, and tuition reimbursement 
• Generous Heath and Dental Insurances, Life and Long Term Disability Insurances 
• Retirement Plans such as 401 (K) and ROTH – with employer match upon meeting eligibility and vesting requirements 
• Earned Time Off (sick, personal, and vacation time) 

Pathways for Children provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.