Casual Teacher, CECE - Smith College - NORTHAMPTON

Job Summary

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 for pursuing professional development as required.

This is a Casual, Non Benefit Eligible Position.

Essential Functions

Supervision and Teaching Children (55%):

• Supervise children individually or in small groups in the classroom, in common areas, on the playground and on field 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 and common building spaces (20%): 

• Prepare and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and an orderly physical facility.

• 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, documentation of children’s learning and experiences, etc.

Collaboration and communication (20%):

• 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 (5%):

• Assume the duties of the supervising teacher during short-term absences.

• Back up other staff needs as necessary.

• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses):

• Background Record check, 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 first 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 program; 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. Interact with all levels of the CECE. Communication, literacy and interpersonal skills. Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice. 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.

Compensation: Pay for this role is typically between $20.71 - $25.31 hourly covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.