Preschool Teacher – Head Start

Position Summary

The Preschool Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development of preschool-aged children enrolled in The Dimock Center's Head Start program. Working collaboratively with families, teaching staff, and interdisciplinary team members, the Teacher plans and 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 Teacher is responsible for creating an inclusive, culturally responsive classroom that supports school readiness while fostering strong family partnerships. This position ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, EEC regulations, CACFP requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Instruction

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences that 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.
• Utilize observation, assessment data, and family input to individualize instruction and support each child's learning and development.
• 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.

Child Assessment and Documentation

• Conduct developmental screenings, ongoing observations, and child assessments in accordance with program requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including lesson plans, child assessments, attendance, meal counts, incident reports, and other required records.
• Use assessment data to monitor progress, inform instruction, and support continuous program improvement.
• Initiate referrals and collaborate with specialists when developmental concerns are identified.

Family Engagement

• Develop positive, respectful partnerships with families that promote children's learning and well-being.
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences, home visits, and ongoing family communication as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
• Collaborate with Family Support Specialists and other program staff to coordinate services and address family needs.
• Encourage family participation in classroom activities, events, and program initiatives.

Classroom Leadership

• Lead daily classroom operations and provide guidance and support to Assistant Teachers, substitutes, volunteers, and classroom aides.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and positive classroom team environment.
• Ensure active supervision of children at all times and maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

Compliance and Professional Responsibilities

• 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 staff meetings, coaching, training, and professional development activities.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) in collaboration with supervisors.
• 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.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate'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.

Licensure/Certification

• Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Preschool Teacher Certification required.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or obtained within established program timelines.

Experience

• Experience teaching preschool-aged children in a licensed early childhood education or Head Start setting preferred.
• Experience working with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse children and families preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Cape Verdean Creole preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge 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.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with technology and electronic documentation systems.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and family-centered practice.

Working Conditions

This position works primarily in a preschool classroom environment and includes both indoor and outdoor activities. Teachers may occasionally support other classrooms based on program needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability 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.

Schedule

Monday – Friday
8:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Compensation

The approved hourly range for this position is $21.00 – $36.00, commensurate with education, experience, and certification.