Preschool Teacher, Foundations for Learning

Preschool Teacher, Foundations for Learning

• Approved Salary: $19-$31/hr, dependent on relevant education, experience, and certifications
• Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week; typical schedules include 8:30am-4:30pm, 9:00am-5:00pm, or 9:00am-5:30pm

You are a caring, dedicated, and energetic educator who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center dedicated to healing and uplifting individuals, families, and communities. Our Child and Family Services programs provide high-quality early education and family support services that promote school readiness, healthy development, and long-term success for children and families.

Summary/Objective

The Preschool Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment for preschool-aged children in the Foundations for Learning program. This role supports children's social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development through developmentally appropriate curriculum, relationship-based practices, and individualized learning experiences. Teachers work closely with families, teaching teams, and program specialists to support positive child and family outcomes while ensuring compliance with all program, EEC, and Head Start standards.

Essential Functions

• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children.
• Plan and implement curriculum and weekly lesson plans aligned with MA Early Learning Standards and program curriculum guidelines.
• Incorporate the Pyramid Model and positive behavior support strategies into classroom routines and interactions.
• Conduct ongoing child observations and developmental assessments to individualize instruction and monitor progress.
• Promote children's social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development through engaging classroom experiences.
• Build strong partnerships with families through regular communication, conferences, and home visits.
• Collaborate with Family Services Specialists and program staff to support child and family needs.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure children's safety at all times.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, including developmental and program records.
• Guide and support Teaching Assistants within the classroom environment.
• Participate in trainings, meetings, coaching, and professional development activities.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, punctuality, and adherence to all program policies and procedures.
• Act as a mandated reporter and report suspected abuse or neglect as required by law.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced classroom environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a classroom setting and includes indoor and outdoor activities.

Physical Demands

This role requires frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds.

Required Qualifications

• MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Teacher Certification required.
• To be eligible for Early Head Start classrooms, candidates must possess a CDA credential or equivalent coursework focused on infant and toddler development.
• To be eligible for Head Start classrooms, candidates must possess an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field as required by Head Start regulations.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with diverse children and families preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual skills in English/Spanish, English/Cape Verdean Creole, or Haitian Creole are a plus.

Other Duties

This 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 Statement

The Dimock Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.