Job Description
Job Description POSITION SUMMARY
Help children learn, explore, and grow at Nature’s Playground Preschool. The Attleboro Norton YMCA seeks caring, dependable educators with Massachusetts EEC Teacher or Lead Teacher certification to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging preschool experience.
The Teacher supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through play, hands-on learning, and nature exploration. This position builds positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues while modeling the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, independence, and kindergarten readiness.
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Incorporate outdoor play, nature exploration, and hands-on discovery into daily learning experiences.
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Maintain a safe, inclusive, and nurturing classroom that supports each child’s individual needs.
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Provide active supervision throughout classroom activities, outdoor experiences, and transitions.
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Use positive guidance strategies to help children develop social skills, manage emotions, and resolve conflicts.
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Observe and document children’s progress and use observations to support lesson planning.
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Communicate respectfully and regularly with families about their child’s experiences and development.
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Work collaboratively with teaching staff and program leadership to maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations.
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Maintain accurate attendance, classroom records, and incident documentation.
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Follow applicable EEC regulations and YMCA policies for health, safety, child protection, and confidentiality.
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Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development.
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Support classroom cleanliness, organization, and the safe use of materials and equipment.
For educators hired in a Lead Teacher capacity: Guide classroom planning and daily routines, support teaching team collaboration, and model effective teaching and supervision practices.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Teacher or Lead Teacher certification in Preschool required. Applicants with either certification are encouraged to apply.
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Experience working with preschool-age children.
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Understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
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Interest in nature-based learning and outdoor exploration.
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Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
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Ability to create an inclusive environment that respects different backgrounds, abilities, and family structures.
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Ability to meet applicable EEC and YMCA background screening, training, and employment requirements.
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Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certifications within required timelines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position works in indoor classrooms and outdoor learning spaces. Responsibilities include moving throughout the program, engaging with children at their level, supervising active play, and responding promptly to safety needs. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
BENEFITS
Benefits for eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms and YMCA policies, include:
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Family YMCA membership
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YMCA Retirement Fund participation
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Paid time off
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Paid sick time
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Medical insurance
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Dental insurance
OUR COMMITMENT
The Attleboro Norton YMCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We seek educators who share our commitment to helping children feel safe, valued, and supported.
**The Attleboro Norton YMCA is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all children, families, members, volunteers, and staff. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, neglect, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct of any kind.**