Teacher: Head Start

Position: Teacher: Head Start (52 wk)

Teacher:
Head Start (52 wk)

Location: Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA

Compensation: $28.62 - $39.61 / hour

Department: Head Start and Children's Services

Job Summary

The Teacher is responsible for the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team. The Teacher plans and implements the Education Component objectives of the Performance Standards and promotes the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services through communication with staff, families, and the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide pre‑school children with a joyful, nurturing, safe, and healthy individualized environment and the varied experiences that help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally.
• Balance child‑initiated and teacher‑led activities, as well as quiet and active learning activities.
• Help children gain independence and autonomy in eating, toileting, dressing, and hygiene through age‑appropriate tasks.
• Provide technical assistance and supervision to Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers to facilitate developmentally appropriate learning activities.
• Integrate health, safety, nutrition, dental health, and family components into learning opportunities.
• Develop activities and strategies to engage parents in the educational aspect of the program and enhance their understanding of child development.

Observation, Planning and Documentation

• Participate in individualized and quality educational programming, including screening, diagnostic evaluations, and the development of individualized lesson plans.
• Develop and implement written Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with special needs.
• Maintain daily observations, record‑keeping of observations, and communication with parents.
• Attend team meetings, conduct a minimum of two home visits per family per year, and hold at least three Parent/Teacher conferences per year.
• Plan and supervise periodic field trips.
• Serve as a mentor for teacher assistants enrolled in professional training.

Additional Duties & Tasks

• Attend meetings as necessary.
• Maintain Early Education Commission (EEC) requirements including staff‑to‑child ratios and classroom supervision.
• Perform any other duties contained in this job description or as required by state or federal laws.
• Report to the Program Director for all matters relating to employment terms and center operations.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office; ability to use other database systems for data collection.
• Professional demeanor; good interpersonal skills and teamwork with staff, parents, and program staff.
• Bilingual ability where appropriate.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the educational and socioeconomic needs of the children and families served.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse low‑income population.

Professionalism

• Promotes the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services and communicates this mission to staff, families, and the community.
• Engages in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills.
• Maintains professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families.
• Maintains confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

Physical Environmental Demands & Conditions

• Lift and move pre‑school age children and equipment as required.
• Remain alert during naptime supervision and supervise children both by sight and sound.
• Respond to emergencies and ensure child safety, including chasing after children who may leave the classroom.
• Attend to needs of children with disabilities, including physically challenged children.

Education & Experience

Teacher I ($28.62/hr): Associates degree in early childhood education or equivalent coursework and experience teaching preschool age children. EEC Preschool Teacher certification preferred. Bilingual in a language spoken by families served by ABCD preferred.

Teacher II ($35.20/hr): Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent coursework and experience teaching preschool age children. EEC Preschool Teacher certification preferred. Bilingual in a language spoken by families served by ABCD preferred.

Teacher III ($39.61/hr): Master’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent coursework and experience teaching preschool age children. EEC Preschool Teacher certification preferred. Bilingual in a language spoken by families served by ABCD preferred.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Education and Training (Non‑profit Organization Management)

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