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 suppo