Group Leader, Childcare

Summary: Working with the classroom team, plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child in the child care program.  Support the readiness of children through social/emotional, cognitive, physical and language activities and by establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.  Encourage the involvement of families and strengthen the relationship between children, families and community.   

Why Work for SMOC?

• Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
• 403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
• Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain working knowledge of SMOC Child Care philosophy and all regulations and performance standards (EEC, NAEYC and QRIS) applicable to the assigned classroom.
• Support classroom team in planning, preparing and implementing a successful learning environment that supports and challenges each child’s development.
• Participate in opportunities for staff growth and development.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor and share all pertinent information as quickly as possible.
• Observe and record children’s behavior for the purpose of assessing skills and planning appropriately to meet individual and group needs.  Recognize area of concern assists in appropriate intervention or needed referrals and participate in conferences.
• Assess classroom needs for equipment, materials and supplies and reports to lead teacher and/or supervisor.
• Maintain the space, equipment, materials and supplies in a safe, clean and orderly fashion.
• Assist in providing accurate and timely reports, record keeping and other documentation required for assigned classroom.
• Maintain strict adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Attend all required staff meetings, workshops, trainings, committee meetings and parent functions.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive relationship by maintaining contact with families by phone calls, conferences, arrivals & departures, and family volunteer opportunities.
• Designated mandated report.
• Mandated Reporter training on filling 51A’s – all staff are mandated reporters. 
• Actively supervises children.
• Maintain accurate attendance and the whereabouts of all children under your care at all times.
• Engage all children and parents by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
• Attend & participate in team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
• Maintain confidentiality of program, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• EEC certified Group Leader or 9 months experience working with children ages 5-12.
• Experience working with school age children.
• Must be comfortable working with diverse backgrounds and able to effectively communicate with children, families and co-workers.
• Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Must be or become certified in CPR & First Aid within the time frame required by EEC licensing. 

Organizational Relationship: 

• Directly reports to School Age Site Coordinators and Center Director.  
• Direct reports of this position are none.  

Physical Requirement: 

• Lifting of children – up to 30 lbs.
• Proof of physical exam within the last year determining good health and meeting all EEC requirements. Must submit proof of physical exam every 2 years thereafter.
• Physically able to perform CPR including 1) ability to get on the floor, 2) ability to give an effective breath (making the chest rise) and 3) ability to give effective chest compressions.

Working Conditions: Work is performed indoors and outdoors on most days regardless of the weather.  As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Group Leader will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services or the Department of Early Education & Care.  A successful background check is required.