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

Department

Job Description

Job Summary

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.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

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.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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.

Compensation

Position Type

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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.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.