Per Diem Teacher - Early Education (Head Start / Early Head Start / All Classrooms)Approved Salary: $18.00-$36.00/hr, commensurate with education, experience, and certificationSchedule: Per diem, as needed, Monday - Friday; typical classroom hours 8:15am to 3:45pm, subject to classroom and program needsSummary/ObjectiveThe Per Diem Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children enrolled in The Dimock Center's early education programs, including Head Start and Early Head Start. This position covers teacher absences and vacancies as needed and may be assigned to any classroom or program within the Child & Family Services Division. Working collaboratively with families, teaching staff, and interdisciplinary team members, the Per Diem Teacher implements developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) standards, and program goals. The Per Diem Teacher helps maintain an inclusive, culturally responsive classroom that supports school readiness and strong family partnerships, and ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, EEC regulations, CACFP requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.Essential FunctionsProvide teaching coverage in any classroom or program as assigned, adapting quickly to different age groups, classroom routines, and team needs.Implement the classroom's developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans to 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.Ensure active supervision of children at all times and maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.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.Use observation, assessment data, and family input to support each child's learning and development, and contribute to developmental screenings and child assessments as requested.Maintain accurate and timely documentation including attendance, meal counts, incident reports, and other required records.Notify the classroom teacher and supervisor of developmental, health, or safety concerns so referrals and follow-up can occur.Develop positive, respectful communication with families that promotes children's learning and well-being.Provide guidance and support to Assistant Teachers, substitutes, volunteers, and classroom aides when serving in a lead teacher capacity.Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive classroom team environment.Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Massachusetts EEC regulations, CACFP requirements, and The Dimock Center policies and procedures.Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and program information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.Participate in required training and professional development activities.Serve as a mandated reporter and immediately report suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with state law.Demonstrate professionalism through dependable attendance, effective communication, ethical conduct, and adherence to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.Perform other duties as assigned.CompetenciesKnowledge 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.Flexibility and adaptability to work across classrooms, age groups, and teaching teams.Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and family-centered practice.Knowledge/SkillsProficiency with technology and electronic documentation systems.Work EnvironmentThis position works in early education classrooms, including infant, toddler, and preschool settings, and includes both indoor and outdoor activities. Assignments vary by day based on program needs.Physical DemandsAbility to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods. Ability to actively supervise children throughout the day, including outdoors. Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.Required QualificationsAssociate'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.Availability to work on short notice and across multiple sites and classrooms as needed.Preferred QualificationsExperience teaching preschool-aged children in a licensed early childhood education or Head Start setting.Massachusetts EEC Infant/Toddler Teacher Certification.Experience working with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse children and families.Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Cape Verdean Creole.Other DutiesThis job description is not intended to cover a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities and may change at any time with or without notice.EEO StatementThe Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
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