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

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Anticipated openings for full time, full year, exempt Supervising Teacher positions; limited-term positions, in toddler and preschool age groups, with a strong possibility for extension. The Center for Early Childhood Education is a Reggio Emilia-inspired, laboratory, early childhood center, enrolling children from eight weeks to five years old. Smith College currently provides asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for all staff, and the CECE abides by all health and safety regulations set forth 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):

Plan, develop, and evaluate a comprehensive early childhood program. Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues at the College and with CECE team members, families, and children, as well as develop and maintain classroom environment, assessments of children's development, and curriculum within the context of the philosophy of the program. Team members 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; pursue ongoing professional development; and, support the work of students and faculty at the Center. Assume a leadership role in communicating and implementing the philosophy, vision, and core values of the school.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervision and Teaching: Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with the philosophy of the program, is based on current research and knowledge of child development and early education and care, and adheres to Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care regulations. Know individual children's and families' needs, ensure the health and safety of children, and promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children. Maintain a positive, respectful environment for children and adults and support children's investigations and explorations in a team-based environment. Maintain ongoing written observations and assessments of children and their development. Supervise, train, and support teachers, summer assistants, and student workers; facilitate student and faculty research projects and course-related experiences. Model positive, professional attitude towards co-workers, families, and children at all times. Provide supervision and feedback for other teachers and student assistants. May assume duties of director or assistant director in case of absence.

Record-keeping, Collaboration, and Communication: Manage classroom team meetings (i.e., assume role of chairperson, develop agenda, publish minutes, and ensure follow-up with the afternoon teachers and studio teachers) that focus on individual children's needs and development, curriculum planning and evaluation, family involvement, collaboration across levels and classrooms, resources, policies and procedures, etc. Provide leadership at all meetings to support a high quality education and care program for children infancy through preschool, and develop collaborative relationships with families and colleagues in the CECE. Interact with families on an informal and formal basis concerning their child's development and daily school experience. Conduct regular conferences with families. Maintain written records of curriculum and children's development; document children's learning and experiences; publish regular written reports and portfolios on children's development; publish weekly electronic communication in the form of documentation and blogs; manage a classroom budget; and, participate and plan classroom and school-wide events and join school-wide committees, some of which may involve weekends and evenings.

Maintenance of classroom environment and common building spaces: All staff members share responsibility for preparing and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, organization and aesthetics in the environment. This may include cleaning surfaces, inventory and stocking materials, preparing food, laundering, preparing napping or playground areas, creating displays, organizing materials, setting up activities or areas, etc. Create and maintain a classroom environment that reflects the philosophy of the school and provides members of the community with an engaging, supportive, and safe space. Back up other staff needs as necessary. Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Background Record check, including fingerprinting; bachelor's degree; two years teaching experience preferred, or equivalent combination; obtain appropriate Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care lead teacher certification within two years of employment; obtain appropriate first aid and CPR within first two months of employment.. Massachusetts DESE Preschool Teacher License preferred for preschool teachers.

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. Maintain high levels of communication, literacy, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with electronic communication, e.g., Power Point, Word, Word Press, Gmail, Google Docs, etc. Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice. Demonstrated commitment to supporting family and staff diversity. 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.

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

Position Type:

About Smith College

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.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.