Certified Pre-K Teacher in Sharon FT

Gilson JCC Early Learning Center in Sharon, MA seeks a passionate and experienced Certified Pre-K Teacher to join our mission-driven team of professional educators. This full-time, salaried position offers the opportunity to shape the educational journeys and social-emotional growth of young children while collaborating with a dedicated team of educators.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends. Staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated.

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with co-teacher(s), colleagues, and director to develop a high-quality program based on observations supporting intellectual, social/emotional, moral, and physical development of each child.
• Implement developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum aligned with JCC's core values.
• Communicate and document children's interactions and experiences following best practices and policies.
• Assess developmental stages of children and maintain records, including writing progress reports using COR Advantage; produce play-based assessments and evaluations.
• Incorporate Mass EEC and JCC SHEVA frameworks and curriculum guidelines; adhere to all EEC regulations.
• Maintain an aesthetically pleasing, organized, and vibrant classroom environment promoting health, safety, and positive developmental experiences.
• Set limits using positive language and provide emotional safety; maintain excellent classroom management.
• Work with and incorporate suggestions from the Child Development Specialist.
• Document learning through portfolios, observational checklists, play-based assessments, digital photography, journals, or other methods.
• Review and maintain files for all children, noting allergies or special traits pertinent to maximizing each child's potential.
• Instruct and foster learning through a variety of activities encouraging exploration and development through play.
• Utilize the environment as the "third teacher" in the classroom.
• Help each child develop a positive self-image and respect their individuality.
• Facilitate physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth; encourage verbalization of feelings and emotions.
• Encourage independence leading to a sense of competency.
• Foster awareness of personal needs and respect for others' rights.
• Establish positive, interactive relationships with families through conversations, feedback, and conferences.
• Assist parents and children with school transitions and adjustments.
• Provide excellent communication to inform parents about developmental stages and curriculum; maintain classroom newsletters.
• Participate in scheduled parent conferences several times a year.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality regarding children and families; represent JCC's mission and philosophy.
• Provide mentorship to assistant teachers.
• Actively create a welcoming environment where each individual is valued and respected.
• Support JCC Greater Boston's mission, vision, and values through personal role modeling.
• Attend JCC meetings and actively participate in department goals and initiatives.

Requirements

• EEC Teacher certification required; A.A. in Early Childhood Education and a minimum of one year of relevant supervised work experience.
• B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field (e.g., elementary education, social work, psychology) preferred but not required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at JCC's discretion.
• Must be EEC certified or eligible/willing to become certified immediately.
• Knowledge of families with young children; ability to translate ideas and feedback into meaningful experiences.
• Commitment to best practices fostering a child's self-image as a competent and capable learner.
• Excellent classroom management, oral and written communication skills.
• Welcoming and warm toward children; enjoys working with young children and their families.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize while keeping child safety at the forefront.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively; build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• In-person work with daily outside playground duties in various weather conditions.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods, climb stairs or hills for activities.
• Climb stairs with children between floors or in emergencies.
• Continually bend, kneel, and reach.
• Lift and carry young children (up to 20-30 pounds) regularly.
• Frequently stoop or squat to be at a child's eye level.
• Frequently sit on the floor or in small chairs.

Pay

Competitive starting salary of $47,840-$49,920 annually, determined based on qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including:
  • Competitive cost-sharing health and dental insurance.
  • JCC-sponsored/paid health reimbursement account.
  • JCC-sponsored/paid group life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • 403(b) retirement plan enrollment.
  • Voluntary supplemental vision insurance.
  • Additional voluntary supplemental life/AD&D coverage for you and your family.
  • Generous paid time off.
• Complimentary individual JCC membership, including:
  • Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman.
  • Access to group fitness classes and arts & culture adult programming at member rates.
  • Discounts on JCC programs and services, including:
    • Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school programs.
    • Discounted JCCGB camp tuition.

Benefits and eligibility are subject to review and change by the organization; plan documents are the primary determinant.