JCC Greater Boston·Newton, Massachusetts
The teacher will collaborate with colleagues to implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum that supports children's intellectual, social, and physical growth. They are also responsible for maintaining a safe, nurturing classroom environment and communicating regularly with families regarding children's progress.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: To collaborate regularly with co-teacher(s), colleagues, and the director to develop a high-quality program based on observations that support each child's intellectual, social/emotional, moral, and physical development. Health, safety and security of all children Implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum Communication and documentation of children’s interactions and experiences Providing a positive, nurturing environment Observation, play-based assessment, and written evaluations of all children using COR Advantage Maintain at all times the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality regarding children and families Adhere to all EEC regulations and guidelines Children: To help each child develop a positive self-image To facilitate the child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth and development To encourage the child’s independence, leading to a sense of competency To respect the child’s right to be an individual. To assist child’s awareness of their own needs and the rights of others To facilitate each child in the verbalization of feelings and emotions Teaching: To provide a positive climate for learning, growth and development To comply with MA EEC Guidelines/Frameworks To offer a wide variety of activities, materials, and experiences that encourage children to explore and learn through play To maintain an aesthetically pleasing, organized classroom environment to promote the health and safety of each child To set consistent limits using positive language and provide emotional safety for each child To work with and incorporate suggestions from Ledgewood Developmental Specialist To assess the developmental stages of children and maintain records, including writing children’s progress reports using COR Advantage To document children’s learning as an instructional/curriculum tool through portfolio, observational checklist, play-based assessment, digital photography/iPad, journals, or other methods as determined by your center director To review and update files of all children in your classroom, noting allergies or special traits pertinent to the maximization of the child’s potential To be familiar with and use computer, internet, and digital equipment for curriculum development, implementation, and related school activities To meet for supervisory direction as appropriate To attend all staff meetings and in-service training sessions To meet all EEC requirements for early education and care To participate with co-teacher(s) in regular planning to reflect on the program and to forecast future projects in the emergent curriculum. To support an emergent curriculum approach To utilize the environment as the third teacher in the room Parents: Establish positive, interactive relationships with families through informal conversations, feedback, and conferences. To aid parent and child in the adjustment to school To inform parents about the developmental stages of young children and developmentally appropriate curriculum To participate in scheduled parent conferences several times a year To communicate daily with the parents of each child and maintain classroom newsletters To be professional at all times and embody the principles of good customer service in working with parents professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills Education and Experience: B.A. in Early Childhood Education or a related field (e.g., elementary education, social work, psychology) or an A.A. in Early Childhood Education is preferred but not required. Requires EEC Professional Teacher level or higher Certification (Strong Start is not considered equivalent and does not meet this requirement). For consideration applicants must include a copy of EEC Teacher Certification or proof of pending certification along with demonstrated eligibility. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria. Skills and Abilities: Must be EEC certified or willing to become certified immediately Knowledge and familiarity with the needs of families with young children, with a creative ability to translate ideas, feedback, and data into innovative and meaningful experiences that meet the needs of families. Awareness of best practices relating to a strong image of a child as a competent and capable learner. Good classroom management skills, oral and written language skills, and excellent communication skills with parents, children, and colleagues Must be welcoming and warm toward children and enjoy working with young children and their families. Must be able to multi-task and juggle competing priorities while keeping child safety at the forefront at all times. Must be interested in continuing professional development and view yourself as a lifelong learner. Works well independently and with others, building/sustaining collaborative working relationships Ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders Physical Requirements: Able to work in person. Requires daily outside playground duties. Ability to climb stairs or hill to outside space for various activities. Must be able to climb stairs with children between floors or in an emergency. Ability to continually bend, kneel, and reach. Lift and carry young children, 20-30 pounds, regularly. Frequently stoop or squat to be at the child’s eye level. Frequently sits on the floor or in very small chairs. Must work during training week (usually the last week of August each year) and coordinate with the ELC Center Director to schedule vacation periods. Usually, no vacation can be taken in September, and there may be other periods when time off is not granted due to school needs. ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities. Organization Information Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends. JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you are interested in upgrading your working experience and/or having a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team! The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all. To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/ JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. In addition to a rewarding career where you help shape children’s futures, the JCC Greater Boston provides competitive exempt compensation packages for full-time salaried toddler teachers. Benefits include: Competitive salary Health insurance Flexible spending account Group life insurance Long term disability 403(b) retirement plan Support of a child development specialist Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program Discounted JCCGB camp tuition (50-100% off) Generous paid time off A free membership to the JCC Greater Boston facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more Engaging in professional development opportunities, including 7 development days per year Outstanding classroom environments, materials, and outdoor play and nature spaces Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization.
Candidates must hold an EEC Professional Teacher level or higher certification and possess a strong understanding of early childhood development. A bachelor's or associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.
Market context
Classroom teacher openings in Massachusetts are often driven by school staffing needs, student support priorities, and subject-area coverage. These roles are competitive because employers look for strong communication, classroom management, and the ability to meet state and district expectations; in this listing, the requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, which can save candidates research time. Before applying, review the certification, schedule, and any required documentation to confirm you meet the posted qualifications.
