Associate Teacher – Preschool

Sep 2, 2026 | Employment-Full Time

Associate Teacher – Preschool

SUMMARY:
Square One is a private nonprofit organization that provides a range of family-friendly education and support services that are unique to each child and every family served. Our focus is on providing opportunities for children and families to build the foundation for lifelong learning and to grow strong cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.

Our William Street location is both Reggio-Emilia- and Educare-inspired, committed to developing a child- and family-centered program that utilizes data and imbedded professional development to achieve high-quality teaching practices.

Square One’s programs include early education and care at centers in Springfield, home-based care settings located throughout greater Springfield, and out-of-school time care for elementary-school age children. In addition, Square One provides family support services through a variety of home visiting programs with parenting education and support groups in addition to youth workforce  development programming.

The Associate Teacher works cooperatively with the Lead Teacher/Director to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. The role of the teacher is seen as a facilitator, co-learner, and researcher within a child-centered, inquiry-based learning environment. Core responsibilities
include planning, implementing and facilitating inquiry-based activities, observing and documenting children’s learning to reflect and guide children’s further learning, collaborating with colleagues and families, and creating a rich, stimulating learning environment. Under the supervision of the lead Teacher/Director, the Associate Teacher will ensure the education program is developmentally appropriate, meeting the individual needs of children as well as program standards of Square One. In the absence of the Lead Teacher, the Associate Teacher takes responsibility for the management of the classroom.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development or;
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related area with a minimum of 30 credits of college level coursework to include 18 credits of Early Childhood coursework and an additional 12 credits earned from a related area.
  • Related areas can include, but are not limited to, child development, early childhood curriculum, early childhood assessment, psychology, and family development.
  • A minimum of one-year experience teaching in an early childhood program.
  • A minimum of one-year experience teaching in a Reggio Emilia inspired program or willingness to learn and implement Reggio inspired practices.
  • Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for preschoolers.
  • Ability to communicate and cooperate with families, various professionals and community
    groups.
  • Assist with the implementation of all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.
  • Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.

For In-House Applicants Only:

  • In-house applicants who do not meet the education or experience listed above MUST be enrolled in an Associate’s program in Early Childhood Education and commit to taking three courses per school year. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the staff member being returned to their former position, hours, and location, if available.
  • In-house applicants MUST complete 60 hours of Reggio training prior to starting in the classroom. This training will be provided by Square One and will include audio, video, writing, and reading assignments. This training will be on the educator’s own time and will not be paid by Square One.
  • Upon starting in the classroom, the educator will complete another 60 hours of training. This training will be provided by Square One and will include audio, video, writing, and reading assignments. This will be paid time and may occur outside of the educator’s regular working hours. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the staff member being returned to their former position, hours, and location, if available.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:
Child Development

  • Observe, assess, and document each assigned child’s health, skills, behavior, growth and
    development.
  • Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
  • As assigned, develop an individualized plan for each child.
  • As assigned, coordinate referrals for children with special needs or mental health needs with the Lead Teacher/Director and Classroom Coach.
  • Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom.

Classroom Management

  • Maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage child’s
    independence and self-selection of activities.
  • Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.
  • Maintain a clean, safe and healthy classroom environment.
  • Assist with the timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, incident reports, etc.
  • Participate in reflective supervision with Lead Teacher/Director and /or Classroom Coach.

Curriculum

  • Assist in the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child.
  • Assist in the development of lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children and participate in implementing them intentionally.
  • Assist in the integration of other areas, i.e., health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, and
    family involvement, into the education plan.
  • Assist in, or take responsibility for as assigned, the creation of documentation panels on a regular basis to make the learning that the children are experiencing visible to children, families and visitors.

Parent Involvement

  • Develop effective relationships with families through regular informal conversations.
  • As assigned by the Lead Teacher/Director, communicate with families regularly about their
    child’s progress.
  • Encourage family participation in program activities and in implementing education activities for their children at home.
  • Develop effective partnerships with families by encouraging input into all aspects of the educational program.
  • Attend family conferences, as assigned by Lead Teacher/Director

Other

  • Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.
  • Participate in ongoing training to build a deeper understanding of Reggio Emilia influences and high quality teaching practices.
  • Assist in data entry, as assigned by Lead Teacher/Director
  • Engage in a system of reciprocal, regular data feedback and utilization for individualized planning for children and families and continuous program improvement
  • Collaborate with the Family Engagement Specialist, Support Staff, and other Square One personnel to promote individual children’s goals relating to language development, fine and gross motor development, social-emotional and cognitive development.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of curriculum, Reggio Emilia principles, and best practices of early childhood
    education.
  • Willingness to participate in Square One’s commitment to continuously review, analyze and apply findings from local and national evaluations to current program design.
  • Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
  • Ability to establish supportive relationships and form an alliance with staff and families from diverse backgrounds on behalf of children.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.
  • Ability to take or think about the perspective of others and demonstrate selfawareness of one’s own culture, beliefs, and values.
  • Ability to physically interact with children including the ability to walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on floor, bend and lift, walk over rough or uneven ground, while in or outside of facility.
  • Ability to lift, carry and move center/classroom equipment and supplies and/or bulky objects or children weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to collaboratively problem-solve.
  • Maintain boundaries and perform all duties in an ethical and professional manner.
  • Compliance with all confidentiality regulations as required.
  • Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, a telephone, fax machine, and copier.

ACCOUNTABILITY:
To the Lead Teacher/Director

Job Type: Full-Time (40 Hours a Week)

Pay: $25.37 – $28.26 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • 186 William Street, Springfield, MA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work. (Required)

LOCATION: 186 William Street, Springfield, MA – (In person)

Internal Applicants: If you are applying for a position internally, you must make sure you inform your immediate Supervisor or Director of your intent. Failure to comply with this process may result in the loss of internal candidate status. Please contact Melanie Salvaggio by email at msalvaggio@startatsquareone.org. All internal applicants must apply by contacting the Human Resource Dept. within (10) ten working days of the date of the actual posting.

External Applicants: Please apply in person or by mailing in your resume and cover letter to Square One, 186 William Street; Springfield, MA 01105.
You may also e-mail your resume or cover letter to msalvaggio@startatsquareone.org

Square One is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Employer