Educare Associate Teacher Toddler/Preschool

Jan 7, 2026 | Employment-Full Time

Educare Associate Teacher Toddler/Preschool

SUMMARY:

At Educare Springfield, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to achieve their dreams, and it starts by leveling the playing field from the day we are born. As one of the nation’s most effective early childhood network of schools, we ensure young children from underserved communities have the best possible chance for success in life. Our approach extends beyond the classroom to help children, families, educators, and communities thrive. Along with Square One and Springfield Public Schools – equally committed to serving our greater Springfield community – this tri-partner collaboration is a pioneer of innovation and excellence!

The Associate Teacher works cooperatively with the Lead Teacher/Director to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the supervision of the lead Teacher/Director and Mentor teacher, the Associate Teacher will ensure the education program is developmentally appropriate meeting the individual needs of children as well as program standards of Educare and 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, family development Square One with information on the college courses taken and to demonstrate that the courses address early childhood education or child development.
  • A minimum of one-year experience teaching in an early childhood program.
  • Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for toddlers and 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.

 

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.
  • Contribute information for child and family staffing.
  • As assigned, coordinate referrals for children with special needs or mental health needs with the Lead Teacher/Director and Mentor 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 Mentor 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 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 training to build an understanding of the Educare Model.
  • Assist in data entry, as assigned by Lead Teacher/Director.
  • Participate in the local evaluation and national Educare Implementation Study, engaging 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 (assigned to each child), and other Educare/Square One personnel and support staff to promote individual children’s goals relating to early communication development, fine and gross motor skills, development of social and self-care skills.

 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of curriculum, principles, and best practices of early childhood education.
  • Willingness to participate in Educare’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 self-awareness 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 32.5 – 40 hours per week.

Pay: $22 – $24.50 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • Springfield, MA 01118: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work. (Required)

LOCATION: 100 Hickory 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 Mary Sobran by E-mail: msobran@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 01105. You may e-mail your resume or cover letter to Squareonejobs@sdn.org

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