Teacher

Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc.; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc. is seeking a Head Start Teacher to plan, coordinate, and facilitate daily classroom activities. This position requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

The ideal candidate will work closely with children in both individual and group settings, fostering their development through planned educational programs and ensuring effective home/school partnerships.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a CDA in Infant/Toddler.
• Experience in similar educational roles.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Flexibility to adjust to children's needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate classroom learning activities.
• Work in interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive services.
• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
• Implement school readiness goals and engage parents.

Skills

CDA in Infant/Toddler

Willingness to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bilingual-English/Spanish

Basic computer literacy skills

Education

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (willingness to pursue)

Job description

Job Summary

The Head Start Teacher plans, coordinates, and facilitates daily activities, assisting children in classroom learning activities in small/large groups and on an individual basis, and leads a team in reviewing children’s experiences and planning the educational program.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

• Arrange and maintain a safe, clearly defined classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and conducive to learning.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team within the Case Management System to ensure the provision of comprehensive services to children and families, and participate in team meetings as part of a case‑management approach.
• Maintain ongoing observation and anecdotal records of children to use in curriculum planning.
• Maintain children’s attendance, meal attendance records, and volunteer records.
• Facilitate the development of self‑control in children by using consistent, positive guidance techniques such as listening, reinforcement, and redirection.
• Extend the home/school partnership through monthly newsletters, Center Committee meetings, home visits, and distribution of training materials to parents.
• Annually conduct the required number of home visits and parent‑teacher conferences to discuss child’s progress, share concerns, and suggest activities.
• Implement school readiness goals monthly and work with parents continuously on school readiness goals and parent engagement, supporting and encouraging parent participation with children at Head Start with a continuum into elementary school up to the third grade.

Skills and Qualifications

Early Head Start Teacher requires a minimum of a CDA in Infant/Toddler and willingness to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Head Start Teacher requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and willingness to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

• Must meet current Office of DEEC staff requirements for the position.
• Use of a car/means of transportation is required for home visiting.
• Written references and DEEC/DCF BRC/CORI/SORI (Background Record Check) will be completed before hire.
• A First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate are preferred. Schedule flexibility is required based on the needs of our children and families.
• Classroom activities may require occasional physical activity such as lifting items weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to work flexible hours according to program needs, be a positive team player, and demonstrate patience, empathy and kindness.

Must be able to participate in classroom housekeeping duties in all areas, use bleach/cleaning solutions for sanitization, and be capable of hearing and seeing the children to monitor their health and safety.

• Must be able to comprehend/communicate in English both verbally and in writing, and have basic computer literacy skills. Bilingual‐English/Spanish beneficial.
• Attendance at relevant trainings, meetings, open house/family nights, and special events required.
• Engage in ongoing staff development to improve professional skills.
• Must show documented proof of current physical exam, negative TB test, proof of MMR immunity (Hepatitis B immunity is advisable). First Aid & CPR certification are preferred.
• Must have a suitable CORI, SORI & DCF background check on file prior to employment.
• Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, including underserved communities and people from the different racial groups, socioeconomic statuses, nationalities, and languages that make up GLCAC’s clientele, to support the agency’s mission of building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization for employees and clients alike.

Other

Supervisory Responsibility: Leading a team in planning.

Travel: Required for field trips, family visits, training, and visits to other locations.

Physical Demands: This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing daily. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.