Educator Trainee

Educator Trainee

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, various shifts as scheduled. Early Head Start & Head Start: between 8:15am and 3:45pm. Foundations for Learning: between 7:30am and 5:30pm.
• Status: Non-exempt
• Reports To: Education Manager or designated Team Leader

Summary/Objective
The Educator Trainee gains in-service experience with early childhood classroom operations while working under the mentorship and support of experienced educators and content area specialists. Working in a supportive role within the classroom, the Educator Trainee works alongside teaching staff to provide safe and nurturing learning environments, routines, and interactions that promote positive outcomes for young children and families. They ensure safety and supervision of children at all times by adhering to all program policies and in accordance with all federal, state, and local standards and best practices. Educator Trainees have the opportunity to complete the supervised work experience and receive support in accessing the coursework and/or professional development required to attain Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Teacher certification.

Essential Functions

• Support teachers and assistant teachers in daily activities designed to foster children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development, and to successfully engage all learners, including those with diverse learning needs and those for whom English is a second language.
• Perform assigned classroom duties and support routines including, but not limited to, greeting families, preparing activity supplies, assisting with transitions, and assisting in care routines such as napping, mealtimes, and diapering/toileting.
• Learn and practice integrating the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children into routines, interactions, and activities.
• Interact respectfully with children, families, and colleagues.
• As assigned by mentoring teachers, support teachers and assistant teachers in following weekly lesson plans that align with the program's established curriculum, Massachusetts Early Learning Standards, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
• In partnership with teachers and assistant teachers, share feedback on the observed interests, skills, and abilities of assigned children for the purposes of completing developmental assessments, individualizing instruction, assessing and reporting on children's progress toward learning objectives, and providing timely referrals for services as needed.
• Under the guidance of classroom teachers, practice positive discipline techniques with children to promote positive behavior and prevent or reduce the likelihood of challenging behavior in compliance with all state licensing regulations and program policies.
• Ensure children's safety at all times, including providing appropriate active supervision both indoors and outdoors, and supporting educators in maintaining a clean, well-organized classroom.
• Practice family partnership by acknowledging all families, valuing diversity, inviting input, responding to concerns with sensitivity and respect, and sharing strength-based observations of each child's skills, interests, and abilities.
• Assist teachers in communicating regularly with Family Services Specialists (FSS) and content area specialists to coordinate efforts to respond appropriately to child and family needs.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and other educational activities to promote team building and professional development.
• Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with colleagues, and participate actively in teaching team responsibilities through communication and collaboration.
• Keep timely, accurate records as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with the supervisor to develop and follow an Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) to guide short- and long-term training, educational, and coaching goals and plans.
• Maintain the highest degree of professionalism at all times, including adherence to dress code, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, the Child & Family Services Code of Conduct, and consistency of care through regular attendance and punctuality.
• As a mandated reporter, recognize and report suspected physical and sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of a team effort in the unit/department.
• Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
• Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
• Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.
• Incorporates organization mission, goals, and policies into daily work to foster an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment for children and adults.
• Positively represents The Dimock Center in all interactions with visitors, families, colleagues, and community partners.

Work Environment
This position is primarily classroom-based and includes both indoor and outdoor environments. It may be assigned primarily to one classroom location or may act as a resource to more than one classroom and/or department, depending on the current staffing needs of the program.

Physical Demands
Duties require standing, walking, and sitting for long periods of time. May require lifting up to 40 lbs, with frequent carrying of up to 25 lbs.

Required Qualifications

• This is an entry-level position.
• High school diploma or equivalency required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrollment in college-level coursework or a CDA program strongly encouraged.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish, English/Cape Verdean Creole, or English/Haitian Creole.

Other Duties
This job description is not intended to cover a comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities and may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement
The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.