Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: 45,000-50,000/yr
Job Title: Lead Early Childhood Teacher
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood / Head of School
School Type: Private Independent Preschool
Location: Wakefield, Massachusetts
Start Date: ASAP
About Our School: Odyssey Day School, located in Wakefield, MA, is a vibrant and fully accredited independent school that believes in empowering children to be "out-of-the-box thinkers" through a distinctive experiential and theme-based educational approach. Serving students from infants through Grade 8, Odyssey is dedicated to fostering natural curiosity, enthusiasm, and critical thinking skills that will serve children throughout their lives.
At the heart of Odyssey's philosophy is a commitment to engaging the whole child, promoting social, emotional, academic, and physical development within a safe, nurturing, and inclusive community. The school believes that when children feel accepted, connected, and loved, they gain the confidence to take intellectual risks and grow into empathetic and imaginative thinkers.
Position Summary:
Odyssey Day School is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and experienced Lead Early Childhood Teacher to join our dedicated team. The Lead Teacher will be responsible for designing and implementing a dynamic, developmentally appropriate, and child-centered program for a classroom of [Specify age group, e.g., Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, or age range, e.g., 3-5 year olds]. This individual will create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment, foster strong partnerships with families, and collaborate with colleagues to uphold the school's commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
Pay Range: $45,000 - $50,000
Key Responsibilities:
- Curriculum & Instruction:
- Plan, prepare, and implement a rich, experiential, and theme-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for the assigned age group, aligning with the school's philosophy.
- Create a stimulating, organized, and inviting classroom environment that encourages exploration, play, and discovery.
- Facilitate a variety of learning experiences, including art, music, movement, dramatic play, literacy, early math concepts, and outdoor activities.
- Observe, assess, and document children's progress and development using appropriate assessment tools, and use this data to inform instruction and differentiate learning.
- Integrate nature-based education and STEAM concepts into daily activities where applicable.
- Classroom Management & Student Well-being:
- Establish and maintain a positive, safe, and respectful classroom culture that promotes social-emotional development, self-regulation, and positive peer interactions.
- Implement effective classroom management strategies grounded in positive guidance and a deep understanding of child behavior.
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the classroom, adhering to all school policies and licensing regulations (EEC in Massachusetts).
- Provide nurturing care, including assisting with personal care routines (e.g., toileting, napping) as needed.
- Parent & Family Partnerships:
- Build and maintain warm, professional, and collaborative relationships with families.
- Communicate regularly and openly with parents regarding their child's progress, daily activities, and any concerns.
- Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss developmental milestones and learning goals.
- Engage families as partners in their child's educational journey.
- Team Collaboration & Professional Growth:
- Collaborate effectively with co-teachers, assistant teachers, and other specialists (e.g., art, music, French teachers) to ensure a cohesive program.
- Actively participate in faculty meetings, professional development workshops, and school-wide events.
- Engage in reflective practice, seeking feedback and opportunities for continuous professional growth.
- Maintain all required certifications and professional development hours as per Massachusetts EEC regulations.
- Administrative Duties:
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, health, and developmental progress.
- Contribute to classroom organization, material inventory, and cleanliness.
- Assist with classroom opening and closing procedures.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required.
- EEC Lead Teacher certification for the appropriate age group (Preschool/Infant-Toddler Lead Teacher) in Massachusetts is required.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Lead Teacher in a private preschool setting.
- Deep knowledge of child development principles, developmentally appropriate practices, and early learning standards.
- Experience with experiential, play-based, and/or theme-based curriculum preferred.
- Excellent classroom management skills with a positive and nurturing approach.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Patience, flexibility, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for working with young children.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF document.
- A cover letter expressing your interest in this position and highlighting your relevant experience.
- A current resume.
- Contact information for two professional references.
Odyssey Day School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.