Early Childhood Certified Pre-K Teacher

Godine Early Learning at JCC Greater Boston in Newton, MA, seeks a passionate and experienced Certified Pre-K Teacher to join our mission-driven team of professional educators. This role offers the opportunity to work with students of all backgrounds in a positive, nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth. The 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 Pre-K Teacher, you will shape the educational journeys and social-emotional growth of young children by facilitating a loving and supportive atmosphere. You will collaborate with a dedicated team of educators to develop captivating, age-appropriate lesson plans that ignite curiosity and inspire learning. JCC Greater Boston values and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual, providing an open and welcoming setting for all, guided by core values of 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.
• Implement developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum and document children’s interactions and experiences following best practices and policies.
• Assess developmental stages using COR Advantage, including writing progress reports, play-based assessments, and evaluations.
• Adhere to Mass EEC, JCC SHEVA frameworks, NAEYC guidelines, and 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, ensuring emotional safety and excellent classroom management.
• Work with the Child Development Specialist to incorporate feedback and document learning through portfolios, observational checklists, digital photography, and other methods.
• Review and update children’s files, noting allergies or special traits to maximize each child’s potential.
• Foster learning through play using a variety of activities, materials, and experiences to encourage exploration and development.
• Help each child develop a positive self-image, respect individuality, and foster physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
• Encourage independence, verbalization of feelings, and respect for others’ rights.
• Build positive, interactive relationships with families through informal conversations, feedback, and conferences.
• Assist parents and children with transitions and adjustments to school, providing supportive and informative communication daily.
• Maintain classroom newsletters and participate in scheduled parent conferences.
• Uphold professionalism and confidentiality regarding children and families, embodying JCC’s mission and philosophy.
• Actively create a welcoming environment where each individual is valued and respected.
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values through role modeling and participation in department goals.
• Mentor assistant teachers and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• EEC Teacher certification and an A.A. in Early Childhood Education with a minimum of one year of supervised relevant work experience.
• B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field (e.g., elementary education, social work, psychology) preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Computer literacy with working knowledge of MS Office Suite and Outlook email.
• Knowledge of the needs of families with young children and ability to translate ideas, feedback, and data into meaningful experiences.
• Commitment to best practices in fostering a child’s self-image as a competent and capable learner.
• Excellent classroom management, oral and written communication skills, and ability to build strong relationships with parents, children, and colleagues.
• Passion for working with young children and their families, with a strong desire to make a difference daily.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize child safety, and commit to continuing professional development.
• Strong organizational skills, teamwork, relationship-building, and ability to manage situations diplomatically.
• Commitment to fostering a dynamic environment where play and learning are top priorities.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, building strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to building strong relationships with families, co-workers, and leadership.

Physical Requirements

• Must work in person at the Newton site, including daily outdoor playground duties in various weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and navigate outdoor spaces for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, stooping, or squatting to engage at a child’s eye level.
• Regularly lift and carry young children (up to 20-30 pounds).
• Ability to sit on the floor or in small chairs.

About JCC Greater Boston

JCC Greater Boston is a nonprofit organization offering a wide range of services and programs, including preschools, day camps, Jewish family engagement, fitness and aquatic centers, arts and culture classes, performances, lectures, and Jewish holiday celebrations. Our vision is to create a vibrant and evolving Jewish community where everyone belongs, supporting the building of unique identities rooted in Jewish values and deeper connections to Jewish life.

Pay

This full-time position offers a starting salary of $47,940–$53,040 annually, determined by qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Part-time positions with multiple shift options are also available. Opportunities for teachers interested in other age groups (infants, toddlers, preschool) or floater positions may be explored.

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/ADD coverage for you and your family.