Curriculum and Staff Support Coordinator in Lawrence, Massachusetts at YWCA NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS INC

YWCA MISSION:

All YWCA employees are expected to know and understand the YWCA Mission, model the tenants of the Mission, and advocate for economic empowerment and racial justice.

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Curriculum and Staff Support Coordinator oversees curriculum planning and supporting teaching staff in our infant, toddler, preschool, and school age classrooms. We have three sites. Lawrence and Haverhill. The ideal candidate is flexible, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings experience in early childhood education, curriculum development, and staff engagement. This role ensures our classrooms are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with our center’s mission. This role is a unique opportunity for an experienced teacher who is looking to transition out of a traditional classroom instruction role while remaining active in classroom setting. It allows you to use your teaching background in leadership and mentoring capacity, contribute to curriculum development, and stay closely connected to early childhood and school age education. This is a developing role, and responsibilities may evolve over time based on the needs of the YWCA Northeastern Ma

Key Qualities

• Flexible and willing to step in where needed.
• Collaborative and supportive of team success.
• Organized and proactive with planning and documentation.
• Detail-oriented with strong compliance awareness.
• Creative with fresh, engaging curriculum ideas.
• Dependable and passionate about early childhood development.

Responsibilities include but are NOT limited to the following areas:

Curriculum Management

Support Infant, toddlers, preschool, and school age programs with weekly and monthly curriculum Planning.

Ensure curriculum aligns with developmental standards and our center’s philosophy.

Provide materials, ideas, and coaching to enhance classroom learning.

Observe classrooms and offer feedback for effective curriculum implementation.

Continuously update and improve curriculum tools based on best practices.

Staff Support and Management

Act as a mentor and point of contact for teaching staff.

Assist with onboarding and training related to curriculum and classroom operations.

Help teachers adapt lesson plans to meet the needs of all children.

Foster a positive, team-oriented environment.

Assist with daily classroom schedules and transitions as needed. Assist in classrooms due to absence and lunch breaks as needed.

Center Leadership Support

Work closely with the Director to address classroom needs and support initiatives.

Step into classrooms to support teachers during busy periods.

Stay adaptable to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic childcare environment.

OVERSEE CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT & OBSERVATION

The curriculum is a way to ensure that the teacher is intentional in planning a daily schedule that maximizes children’s learning through effective use of time, materials used for play, self-initiated learning, and creative expression. Linking the curriculum with the assessment tools is critical in developing individualized learning. Assessment is the process of observing, recording and otherwise documenting what children do and how they do it as a basis for a variety of educational decisions that affect the child.

• Implement the Breakthrough To Literacy curriculum and monitor individual student progress;
• Incorporate outdoor activities in your daily curriculum ensuring a well-balanced and healthy daily routine;
• Develop culturally appropriate activities and programs with written lesson plans.
• Develop activities that introduce math and literacy concepts.
• Observe children and record their progress by keeping daily notes;
• Complete Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum four times a year.
• Complete the ITERS * ECERS environmental assessment annually;

QUALITY COMPLIANCE

The YWCA is committed the providing the highest standard of quality care and education to the children we serve. The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, progressive and developmentally appropriate program in accordance with all relevant legislation, policies and procedures.

• Complete health and safety checklist on a daily basis, report any issues immediately to Director and follow-up when completed.
• Know and comply with EEC Licensing Standards and NAEYC Accreditation Standards
• Know and maintain USDA Food Service Program guidelines and reports
• Know and implement emergency procedures.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

To meet the highest program standards staff must possess the skills and education to provide those services. The YWCA is committed to supporting the individual professional growth and development of our lead teachers. Staff are expected to engage in as many activities as possible to build their skills and further their professional goals.

• Participate in a minimum of 20 of training annually with at least 5 hours dedicated to special needs training and ensure that all training and certifications are entered into your PQR;
• Complete and maintain a written Individual Professional Development Plan and a Professional Work Portfolio;
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and increase your childcare skills and competence by taking advantage of ongoing training opportunities.

• Must have a minimum of an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education: or a Baccalaureate Degree/Advanced Degree in Early Childhood Education; PLUS have current EEC Lead Teacher Licensure in IT and/or Pre-school. Certification in both is preferred;
• Strong background in curriculum development and classroom support.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Familiarity with state licensing standards and EEC best practices.
• Demonstrated skills in classroom management and the ability to effectively guide and mentor other staff;
• Dependable and efficient with strong interpersonal, planning and organizational skills, and the ability to work in partnership with parents and children;
• A non-judgmental attitude and sensitivity to children who may have behavior problems and to parents who may lack appropriate parenting skills;
• Effective leadership and crisis management skills, the ability to adapt to change, performs multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision;
• Current first Aid/CPR Certification (or within 3 months of employment);
• Outgoing and enthusiastic with the ability to work as part of a team with others;
• Knowledge of group process - must agree to work in harmony with other staff
• A strong commitment to excellence, professional ethics and the desire to work in a team centered environment; the ability to read/write and express oneself in English;
• Show documented proof of current physical exam, negative TB test and proof of MMR immunity. (Hepatitis B immunity is advisable). A CORI check is require;
• Current driver’s license and transportation preferred;
• Commitment to the philosophy and goals of the YWCA;

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit (at times on the floor with children) and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Work is varied in nature and is performed with frequent interruptions and some emergency situations, which demand the ability to respond immediately, calmly, effectively, and efficiently.

It is expected that all program staff will function as self-directed members in a team effort. Your activities and performances should meet appropriate professional standards and adhere to the philosophy and Mission of the YWCA.