About Us
Rainbow Child Development Center is a non-profit early education and childcare agency serving the Worcester community since 1972. Our mission is to enhance the lives of underserved infants and children and their families by providing quality educational and therapeutic programs and services. With the capacity to serve over 400 children from infants to age 13, we offer School Age, Preschool, and Family Child Care (FCC) programs. Working with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to deliver subsidized and supportive care, we operate year-round, offering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children thrive.
Job Overview
We are seeking a passionate Assistant Preschool Coordinator to join our Preschool team. The Assistant Preschool Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Preschool Coordinator in the management of the Preschool Program, including classroom oversight, social service needs of children and families, and administrative assistance.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate in the initial intake process with parents, in collaboration with Preschool Coordinator, maintaining open communication with DCF staff as needed. Assist Preschool Coordinator in the completion of all paperwork related to the intake process.
- Assist Preschool Coordinator in assessing the needs of children and/or their families. Develop rapport with families and make referrals as needed.
- Coordinate case management services as needed, including case conferencing, abuse/neglect reporting, and information/referral services, in collaboration with Preschool Coordinator
- Conduct regular classroom observations, in collaboration with Preschool Coordinator, to identify children’s needs and coordinate referrals to agency interns and community resources as appropriate
- Coach and mentor education staff on Pyramid Model
- Serve as classroom lead teacher when necessary to maintain required ratios and program operations (e.g., staff breaks, staff vacations, or unexpected absences)
- Assist in the development and execution of parent programs and activities, including parent support groups, parent advisory committee, and parent workshops, in collaboration with other agency staff
- Assist in the recruitment, supervision, training, evaluation, and support of undergraduate and graduate interns, working with other community agencies involved in the internship experiences
- Perform administrative program duties and staff supervision in the absence of Preschool Coordinator
- Maintain daily attendance records, keeping Preschool Coordinator, Enrollment Coordinator, and DCF staff (for supportive childcare slots) aware of unexcused and excessive absences
- Maintain children’s medical records, in accordance with Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and Department of Public Health (DPH) requirements
- Assist with EEC licensing process and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) program documentation
- Train staff on Teaching Strategies Gold and create reports for grant purposes, as needed
- Assist in planning and executing special program activities and events
- Create monthly preschool newsletters
- Collect and summarize statistics on meal counts and menus, in accordance with Child and Adult Food Care (CACFP) regulations
- Work with the Director of Education and Preschool Coordinator in developing new program ideas and identifying funding sources
- Keep Director of Education and Preschool Coordinator regularly informed of all activities and concerns related to the care and management of the children and their families
- Participate in all staff meetings and other meetings assigned
- Participate in a minimum of 20 hours of professional development activities per year. One-third of the required professional development must address diverse learners.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Preschool Coordinator or Director of Education
Qualifications
- Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Bachelor's degree a plus.
- Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in a center-based preschool
- Lead Teacher certification from EEC required. Director I certification preferred.
- Knowledge for EEC/DCF regulations
- Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for ages 2.9-6
- Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold, Pyramid Model, or other social-emotional learning curriculum
- Experience in establishing and maintaining positive, trusting, supportive relationships
- Experience communicating with culturally, linguistically, developmentally, and age diverse groups
- Basic knowledge of computers and basic software programs used at the agency
- Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently, and be self-motivated
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
- Possess excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
- Ability to speak Spanish preferred
Requirements
- Mandatory physical every 2 years, as required by EEC
- Evidence of MMR vaccination or immunity, as required by EEC
- Ability to navigate stairways and lift a minimum of 25 pounds
- Ability to be physically active in a playground or gym setting
- Ability to successfully pass EEC-mandated fingerprint-based background records check
- First Aid and CPR certificates
Reporting Structure
- Reports to the Preschool Coordinator
- No direct reports
- Indirectly supervises all preschool classroom teaching staff. Currently, we have four preschool classrooms with 11 classroom staff. We are licensed for 64 preschool children.
Hours of Work
- Full-time: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm
Join a dedicated and experienced team and make a meaningful impact working with our Preschool children and families!
All job descriptions are subject to change by the Executive Director.
Rainbow Child Development Center is committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. We embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where every individual is respected, valued, and able to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you available to work 9:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday?
Education:
Experience:
- Preschool: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- EEC Lead Teacher certification (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Worcester, MA 01605 (Required)
Work Location: In person
