Lead Teacher

Worcester Community Action Council, Inc.; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. seeks a Lead Teacher for its Head Start programs in Southern Worcester County. You will plan developmentally appropriate activities, guide families, and support children's readiness for school.

The role runs Monday–Friday 8:00am–4:00pm across Head Start centers in East Brookfield, Southbridge, and Webster. The position requires a DEEC Lead Teacher license, or enrollment toward a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education.

Qualifications

• Lead Teacher license in DEEC is required.
• Bachelor’s degree or in progress in Early Childhood Education.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ability to learn WCAC databases.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate program for children.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate classroom staff.

Skills

Lead Teacher

Bilingual Spanish (bonus)

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

DEEC Lead Teacher License

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or enrolled toward degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

Our vision is to break the cycle of poverty one neighbor at a time.

Through safety-net services and asset building solutions, Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) creates economic mobility opportunities for tens of thousands of people annually through programs such as energy assistance, early education and care, financial empowerment, positive youth development, and career pathways. WCAC serves 45 towns in Central and South-Central Massachusetts with offices located in Worcester, Southbridge, Webster and East Brookfield. We are a team of 135 employees and an annual budget of approximately $30 million.

We are committed to a workplace culture with a shared passion for our vision that promotes teamwork, respect, and the opportunity to make a difference.

What we offer:

• WCAC provides on-the-job training and professional development opportunities.
• As well as an excellent benefit package with no waiting period to enroll in health, dental, vision, life/LTD, and 403(b) retirement plan.
• Generous paid holiday calendar, vacation, personal and sick time.
• In addition to fair and transparent pay practices, we offer an additional pay differential to bilingual employees.

Position Summary:

Through our Early Head Start and Head Start Programs, WCAC provides a continuum of early education and care programming for families throughout Southern Worcester County prenatally through kindergarten enrollment. We strive to support positive parent/child interactions through developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities for the whole family to participate in. We offer weekly home visits from prenatal through age three. And then transition to center-based programming for pre-school aged children, helping children learn the kindergarten readiness skills they need to do well in school. Families receive the support they need to meet and advocate for the needs of their children. We currently operate three Head Start Centers in East Brookfield, Southbridge, and Webster. The successful Lead Teacher candidate is responsible for planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program that contributes to children's overall growth, self-esteem, social competence, development and safety of all children. Supervise, train mentor and evaluate classroom staff. This is a full time, school year position, Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm. For more information, please see full job description here - Lead teacher Job Description

Requirements

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At WCAC we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace so if you are excited about this position, but don't meet all of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyways.

• Department of Early Education and Care License, Lead Teacher.
• Bachelor’s degree required or enrolled and working toward a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to learn software and databases used by WCAC.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Positive, friendly, and resourceful demeanor required.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Embraces teamwork with staff and caregivers and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Must work cooperatively and effectively with a diverse population
• Ability to speak Spanish or other languages, a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Job site may change based on program needs.
• Ability to successfully complete a CORI/SORI/DCF review annually.
• Evening hours may be required to meet the needs of the families and programs.
• Mandatory physical and evidence of negative Mantoux, required by DEEC. Hepatitis B (optional)
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental ability, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, membership in the uniformed services or any other classification which is protected under state or federal law.