Teacher, Center for Early Childhood Education

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

The Center for Early Childhood Education is a Reggio Emilia-inspired, laboratory, early childhood center, enrolling children from eight weeks to 5 years old. The CECE abides by health and safety regulations as required by the MA Department of Early Education and Care.

The Smith College Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill is seeking dedicated, dynamic, joyful early childhood educators to join our Reggio-Emilia inspired early childhood program, serving infants through preschoolers. The CECE offers a collegial and supportive team, great benefits, and a professional environment in which to grow your career and your expertise in the field. In a state-of-the-art building surrounded by beautiful playgrounds, and with the support of a music studio and visual arts program, our excellent resources and child:teacher ratios create a unique and supportive working environment.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Please submit current resume and cover letter. Include a list, with details, of all educator certifications and licenses you currently hold. Please include Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certifications, or similar credentials issued by states other than Massachusetts. If you have taken a Child Growth and Development Course, and/or hold current CPR and First Aid certification, please include this in your resume or cover letter. Three references required.

PRIMARY FUNCTION(S):

Provide comprehensive support to the supervising teachers. Build and maintain positive working relationships with CECE team members, families, and children and supporting the classroom environment and curriculum within the context of the philosophy of the program. Build partnerships with families and colleagues to develop a model early childhood program based on best practice and current knowledge. Understand and implement CECE policies and principles and pursue professional development as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervising and Teaching Children: Work closely with a supervising teacher and teaching team to supervise and guide children in a developmentally appropriate way that aligns with the program philosophy. Supervise children individually or in small groups in the classroom, in common areas, on the playground and on walking trips. Responsible for knowing individual children's needs, ensuring the health and safety of children and promoting the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children. Serve as a positive role model for children and families and anticipate and respond to children's needs for guidance by implementing the philosophy of the CECE in all interactions with children. Facilitate daily activities and transitions to ensure smooth classroom operations and maintain a positive, respectful environment for children and adults. Support children's investigations and explorations in a team-based environment. Assist with instruction and evaluation of children as assigned by the supervising teacher. This includes working with individuals or small groups of children on activities and projects, reading to children, promoting healthy sleep and nutrition habits, sharing observations of children with the supervising teacher, and assessing children's work as designated by the supervising teacher.

Maintenance of classroom environment: Prepare and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and an orderly physical facility. Assist lead teacher in creating a classroom environment in keeping with the school philosophy. This may include cleaning surfaces, inventory and stocking materials, preparing food, laundering, setting up napping or playground areas, creating displays, organizing materials, setting up activities or areas, record-keeping, documenting children's learning and experiences, etc.

Collaboration and communication: Attend classroom team meetings and participate in team discussions to support a high quality education and care program for children infancy - preschool. This may include individual children's needs and development, curriculum planning and evaluation, family involvement, resources, policies and procedures, etc. Interact with families on an informal basis concerning their child's daily school experience. Attend CECE events as requested.

Assume teaching responsibilities: Assume the duties of the supervising teacher during short-term absences. Collaborate and communicate with other teachers as necessary. Perform related duties as required.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Background Record check required, including fingerprinting. Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field preferred. Eligibility for appropriate Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification within one year of employment, first aid and CPR within two months of employment.

Skills: Commitment to supporting an environment of trusting relationships, enjoyment and learning for children and staff in a laboratory early childhood education and care setting; operate with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality; collaborate with team members to assess complex and sensitive child, family, staff and programmatic issues; identify and implement solutions to support children and families. Communication, literacy and interpersonal skills required. Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice required. Commitment to supporting family and staff diversity in the CECE. Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 10lbs., frequently lift and carry up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs., communicate with children at eye-level, climb stairs, push a stroller with up to 6 toddlers and supervise children on walking trips. Ability to supervise and interact with children outdoors for extended periods of time in varied weather conditions. Nurturing, patient, appreciative of children's capacities, flexible and adaptive to changing situations; value observation, risk-taking and reflection; clerical and organizational skills; appreciative of the importance of environment in children's programs, responsive to and appreciative of individual temperaments, knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice. Interact in collegial and professional manner with families, children, and staff.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.