Location
Northampton, Massachusetts
Salary
$21 - $25/hr
Provide comprehensive support to supervising teachers by supervising children and promoting their cognitive, social, and physical development. Maintain a clean, orderly classroom environment and collaborate with team members and families to implement the program's philosophy.
Requires a background check and eligibility for Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care certification and First Aid/CPR. Coursework or experience in early childhood programs is preferred, along with the physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu. Department Center for Early Childhood Education
Job Summary Provide comprehensive support to the supervising teachers. Build and maintain positive working relationships with CECE team members, families, and children and supporting the classroom environment and curriculum within the context of the philosophy of the program. 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 and for pursuing professional development as required. This is a Casual, Non Benefit Eligible Position. Essential Functions Supervision and Teaching Children (55%): Supervise children individually or in small groups in the classroom, in common areas, on the playground and on field trips. Responsible for knowing individual children’s needs, ensuring the health and safety of children and promoting the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children. Serve as a positive role model for children and families and anticipate and respond to children’s needs for guidance by implementing the philosophy of the CECE in all interactions with children. Facilitate daily activities and transitions to ensure smooth classroom operations and maintain a positive, respectful environment for children and adults. Support children’s investigations and explorations in a team-based environment. Assist with instruction and evaluation of children as assigned by the supervising teacher. This includes working with individuals or small groups of children on activities and projects, reading to children, promoting healthy sleep and nutrition habits, sharing observations of children with the supervising teacher, and assessing children’s work as designated by the supervising teacher. Maintenance of classroom environment and common building spaces (20%): Prepare and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and an orderly physical facility. This may include cleaning surfaces, inventory and stocking materials, preparing food, laundering, setting up napping or playground areas, creating displays, organizing materials, setting up activities or areas, record-keeping, documentation of children’s learning and experiences, etc. Collaboration and communication (20%): Attend classroom team meetings and participate in team discussions to support a high quality education and care program for children infancy – preschool. This may include individual children’s needs and development, curriculum planning and evaluation, family involvement, resources, policies and procedures, etc. Interact with families on an informal basis concerning their child’s daily school experience. Attend CECE events as requested. Assume Teaching Responsibilities (5%): Assume the duties of the supervising teacher during short-term absences. Back up other staff needs as necessary. Perform related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses): Background Record check, including fingerprinting Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field preferred. Eligibility for appropriate Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification within one year of employment, first aid and CPR within first two months of employment.
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. Interact with all levels of the CECE. Communication, literacy and interpersonal skills. Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice. Commitment to supporting family and staff diversity in the CECE. 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.
Pay for this role is typically between $20.71 - $25.31 hourly covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications. Position Type Fixed Term Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position. Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button. Review of applications will begin March 13, 2026 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. Smith College seeks to attract individuals who are committed to our mission of providing the highest quality education to women. Smith College enjoys the reputation as one of the finest colleges in the country. This reputation, tempered by time and challenged by change, holds strong because of the dedicated work of our staff, faculty and administration. We are a diverse group bringing to our community different talents, perspectives and experiences. Our strength arises from this diversity and is sustained by a community value of providing an outstanding educational environment for our nearly 2,700 students. Smith at a Glance https://www.smith.edu/about-smith/smith-glance
Market context
In Massachusetts, CECE teacher roles are typically tied to steady demand in early childhood settings, where employers look for candidates who can meet state certification and safety requirements. These positions can be competitive because programs often prefer applicants with early childhood coursework or experience, plus the ability to pass a background check and maintain First Aid/CPR eligibility. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your certification status and highlight any hands-on classroom experience in your application.