Worcester Cultural Academy Charter Public School is seeking a caring, energetic, and dedicated Kindergarten Instructional Assistant to support our youngest learners. This is a hands-on role at the heart of our K classroom — working alongside our Kindergarten teacher to create a warm, structured, and joyful environment where five- and six-year-olds take their first steps as curious, confident learners. We are looking for someone who brings genuine enthusiasm for early childhood, patience in abundance, and a deep belief that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and capable. Candidates who reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of our Worcester community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Who We Are
Worcester Cultural Academy (WCA) is a growing charter public school that opened in August 2023 with a vision of becoming a K–8 community. We launched as a K–4 school and have added a grade every year since — this fall we welcome our first 7th graders. As an EL (Expeditionary Learning) Education school, we believe in hands-on learning that challenges students to grow in three dimensions: mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work. We partner with organizations like the EcoTarium, Worcester Art Museum, and Hanover Theater, anchoring our curriculum in Learning Expeditions that make learning meaningful and real.
Our faculty and staff — our “Adult Crew” — show up for students and each other every day. As a Kindergarten Instructional Assistant, you’ll be an essential part of our youngest students’ experience of school, helping shape how they understand themselves as learners from the very beginning.
What You’ll Do
Classroom Instruction and Student Support
- Work alongside the Kindergarten teacher to support daily instruction, small group activities, and individual student learning
- Provide targeted support to students who need additional scaffolding, reinforcement, or one-on-one attention during literacy, math, and other learning blocks
- Support students’ participation in Learning Expeditions and hands-on project-based learning activities
- Help create and maintain an organized, welcoming, and print-rich classroom environment that reflects students’ identities and cultures
- Assist with transitions, routines, and procedures to help students build independence and self-regulation
Student Wellbeing and Community
- Build warm, consistent relationships with students that support their sense of belonging and emotional safety
- Support students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times
- Assist with the management of student behavior using positive, restorative approaches consistent with WCA’s school culture
- Communicate observations about student progress, needs, or concerns to the classroom teacher and other team members
Support for Multilingual Learners and Students with IEPs
- Provide additional language and academic support to English Language Learners, working in close coordination with the MLL Teacher
- Assist in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with IEPs under the direction of the classroom teacher and special education staff
- Maintain a respectful, asset-based approach to supporting students with diverse learning needs
Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities
- Collaborate actively with the classroom teacher, specialists, and other instructional staff to support student success
- Participate in team meetings, professional development, and school-wide events and activities
- Assist with recordkeeping, data collection, and preparation of instructional materials as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or school leader
What You Bring
- High school diploma or G.E.D. required; Associate’s degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field preferred
- Experience working with young children in a school, childcare, or community setting
- Patience, warmth, and a genuine love of working with five- and six-year-olds
- Ability to support students with a wide range of learning needs, including English Language Learners and students with IEPs
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues
- Ability to follow direction, work collaboratively as part of a team, and take initiative when appropriate
- Flexibility and a positive, can-do attitude in a fast-paced school environment
- Commitment to WCA’s mission and to the belief that all children can achieve at high levels
- Bilingual (English/Portuguese or English/Spanish) and bicultural candidates strongly preferred
Pay: $19.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
