Early Childhood Certified Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher

Godine Early Learning in Newton, MA seeks a passionate and experienced Certified Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher to join our professional team of educators. This role offers the opportunity to become part of our mission-driven team within our highly reputable Godine ELC and the respected JCC Greater Boston community. Work with children of all backgrounds in a positive, nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth. Our ideal candidate is an experienced, dedicated educator with a passion for helping students achieve their full potential through a kind and compassionate approach.

About the role

As a Certified Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher, you will play a vital role in shaping the educational journeys and social-emotional growth of our students. You will collaborate with a dedicated team of educators to develop captivating, age-appropriate lesson plans that ignite curiosity and inspire young learners while fostering a loving and supportive atmosphere.

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual. While proudly Jewish, we 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 aligned with JCC's core values, supporting the intellectual, social/emotional, moral, and physical development of each child.
• Work with the Lead Teacher to implement developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum.
• Communicate and document children’s interactions and experiences following best practices and policies.
• Collaborate with Co-Teachers to assess developmental stages, maintain records, and write progress reports using COR Advantage; produce play-based assessments and evaluations.
• Incorporate Mass EEC, JCC SHEVA frameworks, and NAEYC guidelines into best practices; adhere to all EEC regulations.
• Maintain an aesthetically pleasing, organized, and vibrant classroom environment that promotes health, safety, and positive developmental experiences.
• Set limits using positive language to ensure emotional safety and maintain excellent classroom management.
• Work with and incorporate suggestions from our Child Development Specialist.
• Document learning through portfolios, observational checklists, play-based assessments, digital photography, journals, or other methods as directed.
• Review and update children’s files, noting allergies or special traits to maximize each child’s potential.
• Instruct and foster learning using age-appropriate activities and materials that encourage exploration and development through play.
• Foster a healthy, safe, secure, positive, nurturing, and fun learning environment.
• Help each child develop a positive self-image and respect their individuality.
• Facilitate physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth, encouraging verbalization of feelings and emotions.
• Encourage independence and a sense of competency in each child.
• Foster awareness of personal needs and respect for the rights of others.
• Establish positive, interactive relationships with families through informal conversations, feedback, and conferences.
• Assist parents and children with transitions and adjustments to school.
• Provide excellent communication to inform parents about developmental stages and curriculum; maintain daily supportive communication and classroom newsletters.
• Participate in scheduled parent conferences throughout the year.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality regarding children and families; represent the mission and philosophy of JCC Early Learning Centers.

Staff Expectations

• 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 departmental goals and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• EEC Certification or eligibility and willingness to become certified immediately.
• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of supervised relevant work experience.
• An A.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field (e.g., elementary education, social work, psychology) is preferred but not required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion.

Skills & Abilities

• Computer literate with working knowledge of MS Office Suite and Outlook email.
• Commitment to best practices in fostering a child’s self-image as a competent and capable learner.
• Welcoming and warm demeanor toward children and families; enjoys working with young children.
• 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, building strong relationships with stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Must be willing and able to work in person at the Newton site, including daily outdoor playground duties in various weather conditions.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods, climb stairs or hills for activities.
• Ability to climb stairs with children between floors or in emergencies.
• Ability to continually bend, kneel, and reach.
• Must be able to lift and carry young children (up to 20-30 pounds) regularly.
• Ability to frequently stoop or squat to be at a child’s eye level; ability to sit on the floor or in small chairs.

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 early learning centers, day camps, teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In a recent employee survey, staff rated their experiences with direct management and organizational alignment close to 90% positive.

Pay

This is a full-time, salaried position offering a competitive starting salary of $43,000–$44,625 annually. The final salary will be determined by the scope of the position, the candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Competitive cost-sharing health and dental insurance.
• JCC-sponsored/paid health reimbursement account.
• JCC-sponsored/paid group life insurance and long-term disability (LTD) coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) tax benefit.
• 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.

Perks

• Complimentary individual JCC membership to the JCC Greater Boston facility in Newton, offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, fitness classes, and workout facilities.
• Access to group fitness classes, arts & culture adult programming at member rates.
• Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school programs.
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition.