About Us
Shalom Corner Early Learning Center is a play-based, Reggio inspired, child-centered community preschool located in Westwood, MA. We are a small, relationship-driven program (3 classrooms, ~37 children) where educators are supported, valued, and given opportunities to grow.
Our program emphasizes:
- Strong social-emotional development
- Clear routines that support children’s independence and confidence
Position Overview
We are seeking an Experienced Preschool Teacher to join our team.
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has experience leading or co-leading a classroom
- Can bring structure, consistency, and energy to the afternoon portion of the day
- Is confident supporting children through transitions and routines
- Enjoys working collaboratively while also taking initiative and ownership
What Success Looks Like in This Role
A strong candidate will be able to:
- Implement and maintain a clear, consistent daily structure
- Support children through transitions (rest → snack → activity → gross motor → dismissal) with intentional planning and flow
- Use developmentally appropriate strategies (songs, cues, routines) to guide behavior and engagement
- Balance warmth and leadership—supporting children while maintaining expectations
- Prepare materials and activities ahead of time to ensure smooth transitions
- Create an environment where children are engaged, participating, and responsive
Key Responsibilities
- Lead or co-lead classroom programming
- Design and implement play-based, Reggio-inspired, developmentally appropriate activities (on-site professional development will be provided as the candidate develops these skills)
- Support children’s social, emotional, and behavioral development
- Collaborate with teaching team to maintain consistency across the day
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and families orally and in writing
- Maintain a safe, organized classroom aligned with licensing standards
- Provide support across classrooms as needed
Qualifications
- Experience in early childhood education (classroom experience strongly preferred)
- EEC certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
- Strong understanding of child development and classroom management
- Ability to lead transitions and maintain structure in a group setting
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Reliable, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds to enhance child safety.
- Ability to sit, bend, crouch, kneel, stoop, and reach frequently to assist children with daily activities and care needs.
- Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time.
- Ability to hear, see, speak, and move effectively to supervise, communicate with, and respond to the needs of children in a childcare environment.
- Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
Work Environment / Physical & Environmental Conditions
- Regular exposure to bodily fluids and other biohazardous materials while assisting children with toileting, diapering, and personal care needs.
- Exposure to cleaning and sanitizing agents, including bleach and disinfecting solutions, in accordance with health and safety procedures.
- Frequent work in both indoor and outdoor environments, with exposure to varying weather conditions, temperatures, and sun exposure.
- Ability to work in environments with moderate to high noise levels typical of active preschool classrooms and playground settings.
- Potential exposure to children with illnesses or contagious conditions while maintaining established health and safety protocols.
- Ability to comply with all health, safety, sanitation, and infection-control procedures required in an early childhood education setting.
Compensation & Benefits
- $22–$27/hour (target range for experienced candidates)
- Health care stipend for full time candidates
- Paid time off aligned with:
- Westwood Public School vacations (December, February, April)
- Major Jewish holidays
- Childcare discount for enrolled staff children
- Opportunities for leadership, growth, and advancement (Shalom Corner will reimburse for teachers wishing to get Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Director certified)
Schedule
- Full-time preferred (approx. 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
- Part-time candidates with strong afternoon availability will be considered
- Optional summer hours available
- Ability to attend required monthly staff meetings, typically held on the first Monday of the month from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Why Join Shalom Corner?
- Small, tight-knit school community
- Leadership that values clarity, support, and growth
- Opportunities to take on a meaningful leadership roles without formal title pressure
- A role where your skills directly impact classroom success every day
Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour
Work Location: In person