Teacher, CECE

Smith College; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Smith College's Center for Early Childhood Education is seeking a casual, non-benefit eligible position to support supervising teachers and nurture a positive classroom environment.

You will collaborate with CECE families and colleagues to implement best practices, pursue professional development, and help shape a model early childhood program based on current knowledge.

Qualifications

• Background check including fingerprinting.
• Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field preferred.
• Eligibility for MA Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification within one year; first aid and CPR within first two months.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children individually or in small groups in the classroom, common areas, playground, and on field trips.
• Maintain health, safety, and promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Assist with instruction and evaluation of children as assigned by the supervising teacher.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Observation & reflection

Child development knowledge

Confidentiality

Clerical skills

Physical stamina

Education

Massachusetts EEC certification eligibility

First aid & CPR readiness

Job description

For questions about the position or application process, contact [e-mail].

Department

Center for Early Childhood Education

Job Summary

Provide comprehensive support to supervising teachers. Build and maintain positive working relationships with CECE team members, families, and children, supporting the classroom environment and curriculum within the philosophy of the program. Build partnerships with families and colleagues to develop a model early childhood program based on best practice and current knowledge. Understand and implement CECE policies and principles, and pursue professional development as required.

Position Type

Fixed Term (Casual, Non-Benefit Eligible)

Essential Functions

• Supervision and Teaching Children (55%)
  • Supervise children individually or in small groups in the classroom, common areas, playground, and on field trips.
  • Know individual children’s needs, ensure health and safety, and promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
  • Serve as a positive role model for children and families, anticipate and respond to children’s needs for guidance by implementing the CECE philosophy in all interactions.
  • Facilitate daily activities and transitions to ensure smooth classroom operations and maintain a positive, respectful environment for children and adults.
  • Support children’s investigations and explorations in a team-based environment. Assist with instruction and evaluation of children as assigned by the supervising teacher.
  • Work with individuals or small groups on activities and projects, read to children, promote healthy sleep and nutrition habits, share observations with the supervising teacher, and assess children’s work as designated.
• Maintenance of Classroom Environment and Common Building Spaces (20%)
  • Prepare and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and an orderly physical facility.
  • Clean surfaces, inventory and stock materials, prepare food, launder items, set up napping or playground areas, create displays, organize materials, set up activities or areas, maintain record-keeping, document children’s learning and experiences, etc.
• Collaboration and Communication (20%)
  • Attend classroom team meetings and participate in team discussions to support a high-quality education and care program for children from infancy to preschool. May include individual children’s needs and development, curriculum planning and evaluation, family involvement, resources, policies, and procedures.
  • Interact with families on an informal basis concerning their child’s daily school experience.
  • Attend CECE events as requested.
• Assume Teaching Responsibilities (5%)
  • Assume the duties of the supervising teacher during short-term absences.
  • Back up other staff needs as necessary.
  • Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Background record check, including fingerprinting.
• Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field preferred.
• Eligibility for appropriate Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification within one year of employment; first aid and CPR within first two months of employment.

Skills

Commitment to supporting an environment of trusting relationships, enjoyment and learning for children and staff in a laboratory early childhood education and care program; operate with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality; collaborate with team members to assess complex and sensitive child, family, staff, and programmatic issues, identify and implement solutions; interact with all levels of the CECE; communication, literacy and interpersonal skills; experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice; commitment to supporting family and staff diversity in the CECE; ability to regularly lift and carry up to 10 lbs., frequently lift and carry up to 25 lbs., occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; communicate with children at eye level; climb stairs; push a stroller with up to 6 toddlers; supervise children on walking trips; ability to supervise and interact with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions; nurturing, patient, appreciative of children’s capacities, flexible and adaptive to changing situations; value observation, risk-taking and reflection; clerical and organizational skills; appreciative of the importance of environment in children’s programs; responsive to and appreciative of individual temperaments; knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice; interact in collegial and professional manner with families, children, and staff.

Compensation

Pay for this role is typically between $20.71 and $25.31 hourly, covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail]. As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.