Details
Posted : 11-May-24
Location : Northampton, Massachusetts
Type : Full-time
Salary : Open
Internal Number : R-202400246
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at .
Center for Early Childhood Education
Job Description
Job Summary
Plan, develop and evaluate a comprehensive early childhood program in the music studio and in the afternoon program, coordinate the studio space, and develop and implement a studio curriculum that is integrated with the classroom curriculum. Supervise the afternoon program. Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues at the College and in the community, CECE team members, families, and children. Develop and maintain the studio, assess children's development, 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; 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
Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the music studio and the classroom afternoon program that aligns with the Reggio Emilia- and RIE-inspired 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 (EEC) regulations. Responsible for implementing a robust music studio curriculum, and collaborating with colleagues to design a music program that aligns with the Reggio approach and appropriately meets the needs of children. Responsible for supervising children, knowing individual children's needs, ensuring the health and safety of children, and promoting 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; may assume duties of director or assistant director in case of absence.
Provide leadership at all meetings to support a high quality education and care program for children in infancy through preschool, and develop collaborative relationships with families and colleagues in the CECE. Manage team meetings of afternoon teachers assume role of chairperson, develop agenda, publish minutes, and ensure follow-up with the classroom 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. Interact with families on an informal and formal basis concerning their child's development and daily school experience. 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 the studio budget; and, participate and plan classroom and school-wide events and join school-wide committees, some of which may involve weekends and evenings; collaborate with supervising teachers to coordinate classroom and studio experiences; develop collaborative relationships with families and colleagues in the CECE and community; meet with visitors and prospective families to discuss the studio program; and, collaborate with assistant director and level coordinators to coordinate all-school and studio events WOYC, Welcome Picnic, PTO participation, big common monitor displays, All-School Sing, websites, school songbooks, documentation of schoolwide unifying idea, etc.).
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, inventorying and stocking materials, preparing food, laundering, preparing napping or playground areas, creating displays, organizing materials, setting up activities or areas, etc. Primary responsibility for maintaining the music studio classroom environment and materials. Collaborate with other teachers to maintain afternoon classroom environments. 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.
Other Functions
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 (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)
Background Record check, including fingerprinting, with suitable finding; bachelor's degree; two years teaching experience preferred, or equivalent combination. Coursework and / or experience in early childhood program or related field and in visual arts studio discipline; experience with Reggio Emilia and arts education preferred but not required. Supervisory experience preferred, but not required. Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification or eligibility required; obtain lead teacher certification within two years of employment; obtain appropriate first aid and CPR within first two months of employment. Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 10 lbs., 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.
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
Commitment to upholding the Reggio Emilia-inspired vision and principles for the school.
Maintain high levels of communication, literacy, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency with electronic communication, Power Point, Word, WordPress, Gmail, Google Docs, etc and music-related programs, as needed.
Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice
Demonstrated commitment to supporting family and staff diversity
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
Ability to interact in collegial and professional manner with families, children, and staff
Additional Information
This is a full-time position that will work year round from 9 : 15a - 5 : 15p..
Start date for this position would be as soon as possible.
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
May 23, 2024
Compensation Grade : Grade X Exempt
Position Type : Regular
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 .
As set forth in our , 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.