Center Philosophy
The Children's Center's philosophy is based on blending a variety of early childhood educational philosophies and approaches, including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Constructivist. Children at the Center are viewed as active participants in their own learning, making choices and seeking out experiences that further their development. Educators at the Center strive to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports children as they learn and grow at their own pace through play-based and child-centered experiences. Educators at the Center believe in viewing each child as an individual, and they understand the importance of getting to know each child and meeting them where they are developmentally.
Position Summary
The primary responsibility of the Mentor Teacher is to support teachers in creating responsive classroom environments, inquiry-based emergent curricula, and overall classroom management systems that align with the program's mission and philosophy. Mentor Teachers observe in classrooms to provide constructive feedback in the moment and in team meetings. Information from classroom observations will be used by the Mentor Teacher to identify areas of growth and professional development topics to be explored in team meetings or staff meetings. The Mentor Teacher must act as a role model for appropriate practice and step into classrooms to provide coverage when needed. Mentor Teachers develop and maintain relationships with children and families across the program. In addition, the Mentor Teacher assists the Administration in supervising and orienting Assistant Teachers. The Mentor Teacher facilitates professional development for Assistant Teachers with the support of the Lead Teachers and the Assistant Directors. They must abide by all Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensing standards and all policies and procedures outlined in the staff handbook.
Skills
- Lead Teacher certified (Infant/Toddler and/or Preschool) certified by MA Department of Early Care and Education (EEC)
- Director I and II Certified preferred
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in child development, early childhood education, or a related field
- Minimum four years of experience in a Lead Teacher or similar role in an early childhood setting
- Experience in the respective program (Infant and Toddler or Preschool) required for the corresponding Mentor Teacher position
- Demonstrated leadership ability and supervisory experience
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and communicate well with others
- Certificate of CPR and First Aid Training Ability to build strong parent partnerships
- Understanding of emergent and child-centered curriculum
- Experience working with children with a variety of learning needs and styles
- Highly engaged in personal professional development and up-to-date on the latest early childhood education research
- Ability to create and facilitate professional development training for staff members
- Experience in Reggio Emilia-based program
- Experience with classroom documentation
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
