Lead Teacher, Preschool - Head Start

Summary: Positive and creative leader/team member who provides a nurturing classroom. Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child. Supports the readiness of children through social/emotional, cognitive, physical and language activities. Establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment. Encourages the involvement of families and strengthens the relationships between children, families and community. This is a school year position.

Why Work for SMOC?

• Flexible schedule, work/life balance and a 35-hour work week.
• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer Paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability after 6 months of employment.
• Two Comprehensive Medical Plans with HRA Employer cost-sharing and 79% of premiums covered by the Employer.
• Dental w/ Orthodontic Coverage with 75% of premiums covered by the Employer
• EyeMed Vision Insurance
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match on day one.
• Additional voluntary benefits including – additional Term and Whole Life Insurance policies, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

Be knowledgeable and follow all SMOC Child Care and Head Start philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (EEC, Head Start, NAEYC and QRIS) applicable to the assigned classroom.

Runs and facilitates classroom- prepares and implements a successful learning environment that supports and challenges each child's development.

Maintains compliance in the classroom and creates a positive environment for the team.

Participates in opportunities for staff growth and development.

Communicates regularly with teacher, Lead Teacher, and/or supervisor and shares all pertinent information as quickly as possible.

Observes and records children's behavior for the purpose of assessing skills and planning appropriately to meet individual and group needs. Recognizes areas of concern, assists in appropriate intervention or needed referrals and participates in conferences.

Assesses classroom needs for equipment, materials and supplies and reports to Lead Teacher and/or supervisor.

Maintains the space, equipment, materials and supplies in a safe, clean and orderly fashion.

Assists in providing accurate and timely reports, record keeping and other documentation required for assigned classroom.

Maintains strict adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.

Attends all required staff meetings, workshops, trainings, committee meetings and parent functions.

Contributes to a positive, supportive relationship by maintaining contact with families by phone calls, conferences, home visits, arrivals & departures, and family volunteer opportunities.

Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.

Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.

Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.

Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

EEC Lead PS Teacher certificate preferred

Degree in ECE or related field preferred

Must be comfortable working with diverse backgrounds and able to effectively communicate with children, families and co-workers.

Bi-lingual skills a plus.

Priority given to past or present Head Start parents for positions for which they are qualified in the Head Start program.

• Organizational Leadership:

Directly reports to Assistant Center Director.

Indirectly reports to Center Co-Director.

Direct reports of this position are none.

Physical Requirement: Must be able to handle the physical aspects of the position including the lifting of a child. Recent physical exam determining good health and meeting all EEC requirements.

Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position the Lead Teacher will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

Hiring Locations: Hiring Lead Teachers in Framingham, Medway, and Marlboro.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.25 - $26.51 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you EEC Lead Teacher or EEC Teacher certified?
• Are you certified in CPR and First Aid?
• Are you bilingual? If you are bilingual, what languages do you speak?
• Do you have previous experience working with young children?

Work Location: In person