EEC Certified Preschool Teacher, Godine

JCC Greater Boston is seeking a dedicated and experienced Early Learning Center Certified Pre-School Teacher to join our team. This position offers the chance to be part of a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community that nurtures meaningful relationships, promotes connection and learning, and values collaboration and transformation.

About the role

This is a full-time, salaried position. The starting salary is $47,940-$53,040, determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate regularly with co-teacher(s), colleagues, and the director to develop a high-quality program based on observations that support each child's intellectual, social/emotional, moral, and physical development.
• Ensure the health, safety, and security of all children.
• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum and document children's interactions and experiences.
• Provide a positive, nurturing environment and conduct observation, play-based assessment, and written evaluations of all children using COR Advantage.
• Maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality regarding children and families, adhering to all EEC regulations and guidelines.
• Help each child develop a positive self-image and facilitate their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
• Encourage independence and respect each child's individuality, assisting them in verbalizing feelings and emotions.
• Provide a positive climate for learning, complying with MA EEC Guidelines/Frameworks.
• Offer a wide variety of activities, materials, and experiences that encourage exploration and learning through play.
• Maintain an aesthetically pleasing, organized classroom environment to promote health and safety.
• Set consistent limits using positive language and provide emotional safety for each child.
• Work with and incorporate suggestions from the Ledgewood Developmental Specialist.
• Assess developmental stages of children, maintain records, and write progress reports using COR Advantage.
• Document children's learning through portfolios, observational checklists, play-based assessments, digital photography/iPad, journals, or other methods as determined by the center director.
• Review and update files of all children, noting allergies or special traits pertinent to maximizing each child's potential.
• Use computer, internet, and digital equipment for curriculum development, implementation, and related activities.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training sessions, and meet all EEC requirements for early education and care.
• Participate in regular planning with co-teacher(s) to reflect on the program and forecast future projects in the emergent curriculum.
• Support an emergent curriculum approach and utilize the environment as the third teacher in the room.
• Establish positive, interactive relationships with families through informal conversations, feedback, and conferences.
• Aid parents and children in adjusting to school and inform parents about developmental stages and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Participate in scheduled parent conferences several times a year and communicate daily with parents, maintaining classroom newsletters.
• Embody principles of good customer service and professionalism in all interactions with parents.
• Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education or a related field (e.g., elementary education, social work, psychology) or an A.A. in Early Childhood Education is preferred but not required.
• Requires EEC Professional Teacher level or higher Certification (Strong Start is not considered equivalent). Applicants must include a copy of EEC Teacher Certification or proof of pending certification along with demonstrated eligibility.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet minimum criteria.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be EEC certified or willing to become certified immediately.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the needs of families with young children, with a creative ability to translate ideas, feedback, and data into innovative experiences.
• Awareness of best practices relating to a strong image of a child as a competent and capable learner.
• Good classroom management skills, oral and written language skills, and excellent communication skills with parents, children, and colleagues.
• Must be welcoming and warm toward children and enjoy working with young children and their families.
• Ability to multi-task and juggle competing priorities while keeping child safety at the forefront.
• Interest in continuing professional development and a view of oneself as a lifelong learner.
• Works well independently and with others, building and sustaining collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to work in person and perform daily outside playground duties.
• Ability to climb stairs or hills to access outside spaces for various activities.
• Must be able to climb stairs with children between floors or in an emergency.
• Ability to continually bend, kneel, and reach.
• Lift and carry young children, 20-30 pounds, regularly.
• Frequently stoop or squat to be at the child's eye level.
• Frequently sit on the floor or in very small chairs.
• Must work during training week (usually the last week of August each year) and coordinate vacation periods with the ELC Center Director. Usually, no vacation can be taken in September, and there may be other periods when time off is not granted due to school needs.

About the Organization

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, 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.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. The organization is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each individual, providing an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. Core values include Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health insurance.
• Flexible spending account.
• Group life insurance.
• Long-term disability.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Support of a child development specialist.
• Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program.
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition (50-100% off).
• Generous paid time off.
• A free membership to the JCC Greater Boston facility in Newton, offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, fitness classes, workout facilities, and discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, and outdoor pool.
• Engaging professional development opportunities, including 7 development days per year.
• Outstanding classroom environments, materials, and outdoor play and nature spaces.

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization.