Preschool Teacher, Head Start

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences that promote children's school readiness across all developmental domains.
• Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
• Utilize observation, assessment data, and family input to individualize instruction and support each child's learning and development.
• Integrate the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence into daily classroom routines and interactions.
• Support children with diverse learning needs, including dual language learners and children with disabilities, through inclusive instructional practices.
• Conduct developmental screenings, ongoing observations, and child assessments in accordance with program requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including lesson plans, child assessments, attendance, meal counts, incident reports, and other required records.
• Use assessment data to monitor progress, inform instruction, and support continuous program improvement.
• Initiate referrals and collaborate with specialists when developmental concerns are identified.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) in collaboration with supervisors.
• Participate in staff meetings, coaching, training, and professional development activities.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Massachusetts EEC regulations, CACFP requirements, and The Dimock Center policies and procedures.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance teaching skills and knowledge.
• Collaborate with Family Support Specialists and other program staff to coordinate services and address family needs.
• Encourage family participation in classroom activities, events, and program initiatives.
• Lead daily classroom operations and provide guidance and support to Assistant Teachers, substitutes, volunteers, and classroom aides.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive classroom team environment.
• Ensure active supervision of children at all times and maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Participate in mandated reporting of suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with state law.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education, or qualifications consistent with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Preschool Teacher Certification required.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within established program timelines.
• Experience teaching preschool-aged children in a licensed early childhood education or Head Start setting preferred.
• Experience working with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse children and families preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Cape Verdean Creole preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, early childhood education principles, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Understanding of Head Start Performance Standards and Massachusetts EEC regulations.
• Strong classroom management and positive behavior support skills.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with technology and electronic documentation systems.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and family-centered practice.

Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Compensation

The approved hourly range for this position is $21.00 – $36.00, commensurate with education, experience, and certification.