Work At Children First!
Hear what our team has to say and find open positions below.
See What Our Team Has To Say
Teaching The Little Hands In The Dirt
“Working at CF is special because every day we get to connect deeply with nature, whether exploring the garden, observing wildlife, being barefoot, or simply feeling the sun on our faces. That sense of wonder fuels everything we do! We also honor each child’s voice with the support of our open curriculum which means we listen first, then support so children have the chance to lead their own learning paths in ways that are meaningful and empowering. We embrace flexibility by adapting plans to the rhythm of the group, the seasons, and the moment which keeps learning relevant and joyful. We build a real community in which teachers, families, and children form a genuine village by us working together, celebrating together, and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. A final reason is that we grow together as educators. Our center fosters collaboration, reflective practice, and ongoing professional learning so we’re constantly inspired, challenged, and supported in becoming our very best.”
Open Positions
Full-Time Pre-School Co-Teacher
We are currently looking for a full-time preschool co-teacher!
Typical Work Schedule: M-F – 9-5:30 (some flexibility – CFE seeks to provide a very supportive work environment and will try to accommodate staff in maintaining a healthy work/life balance)
Status: non-exempt (hourly)
Compensation: exact amount based on level of education, certifications, and experience (transparent pay scale); range: $16.65 – $24.00 per hour
Benefits: paid holidays, health and dental (50% employer coverage for full-time staff), paid time off (personal, sick, vacation), paid professional development days, applicable childcare benefit, and retirement benefit (with an employer match); strong dedication to supporting work/life balance
Position Summary: Be part of a dynamic co-teaching team, working with a Lead Teacher in one of our 4 nature-based preschool classrooms. Help to maintain overall classroom/program operations, implement daily curriculum, and maintain health and safety practices according to DEEC regulations and Children First Enterprises’ (CFE) philosophy, policies, and procedures. Ensure that children are lovingly supported in their growth and development.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Department of Early Education and Care Preschool Teacher certified required.
- Prefer an Associate’s Degree (or higher) in Early Childhood Education or related field or matriculation in an ECE program.
- Obtain and maintain current certificate in Emergency First Aid and CPR within three (3) months of employment and complete DEEC-required Strong Start Essentials training.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of one (1) years’ experience working in a preschool program setting preferred.
- Knowledge of or training in the following preferred: EEC regulations, Teaching Strategies – Gold.
- Strong communication and effective problem-solving skills
- Effective and strong classroom/time management and organizational skills.
- Computer Literacy: basic Word processing and computer skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in a professional manner.
- Ability and willingness to work as a team member.
- A strong commitment to quality childcare and education.
- Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 119, Section 51A you are a mandated reporter and held to the statutory reporting requirements.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supporting the teaching, role-modeling, and activities of the assigned classroom each day, helping to supervise and contributing to the functioning of the classroom, both indoors and in our extensive outdoor play environment.
- Supporting the daily closing of the center through cleaning, supervision of children, and maintaining relationships with families at pick-up time.
- Must continuously stoop, crawl, kneel, and bend in order to speak to children at the child’s eye level; to play with children indoors and outdoors, and to pick up items from the floor.
- Continuously maintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and during field trips/events.
- Communicate any questions, problems, or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
- Other duties and responsibilities assigned by management.
- Maintain ongoing communication with team members and support staff.
- Maintain strong relationships with each child.
- Attend training and professional development opportunities and maintain all PQR data in system regularly.
ADMINISTRATION:
- Participate in monitoring the classroom to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
- Work as a member of a team with others within the assigned classroom and the program as a whole.
- Maintain daily written and verbal communication with parents/guardians as applicable.
- Monitor attendance and documentation.
- Facilitate and participate in the daily closing of the center.
COORDINATION :
- Establish positive and productive relationships with families.
- Assist in maintaining adequate supplies and equipment for the classroom.
- Attend regular CFE staff meetings and Professional Development days.
- Support lead teacher in assigned classroom in terms of classroom and behavior management.
- Provide guidance and involvement in center activities as needed.
- This list of responsibilities is not meant to be all-inclusive and may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Occasionally required to lift or move average weight material in the classroom.
- Frequently required to lift, carry, and hold children approximately 20-70 pounds.
- Flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
- The work environment is an indoor classroom environment with daily extended exposure to outdoor weather. The noise level of the classroom is lively.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Background Record Check as required.
- Complete new employee orientation.
- Every employee is expected to respect and interact in a positive manner with coworkers, program participants, and the public at large.
Children First is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Employer.
- Please apply by emailing your resume and cover letter to Heather Locklear, Executive Director at: hlocklear@childrenfirstofgranby.org
You may email your resume or cover letter: hlocklear@childrenfirstofgranby.org
Pre-School & School-Age Support Teachers
We are looking for preschool and school-age teachers to work at our amazing nature-based center!
We are hiring for part-time and full-time positions, year-round. Scheduling to be discussed during interview process.
(CFE seeks to provide a very supportive work environment and will try to accommodate staff in maintaining a healthy work/life balance)
Status: non-exempt (hourly)
Compensation: based on level of education and experience
Benefits: paid holidays, health and dental (50% employer coverage), paid time off (personal, sick, vacation), paid professional development day, applicable childcare benefit, and retirement benefit (with an employer match); strong dedication to supporting work/life balance
Position Summary: In cooperation with the Lead Teacher of each classroom, maintain overall classroom operations, implement daily curriculum, and maintain health and safety practices according to DEEC regulations and Children First Enterprises’ (CFE) philosophy, policies, and procedures. Support teachers rotate between rooms throughout the day to support breaks, meetings, etc. and then serve as closers each day.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Prefer Department of Early Education and Care Preschool Teacher certified (or working towards this certification)
- Prefer an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field or matriculation in an ECE program.
- Obtain and maintain current certificate in Emergency First Aid and CPR within three (3) months of employment and complete DEEC required Strong Start Essentials training.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in a preschool program setting preferred.
- Knowledge of or training in the following preferred: EEC regulations.
- Strong communication and effective problem-solving skills
- Effective and strong classroom/time management and organizational skills.
- Computer Literacy: basic Word processing and computer skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in a professional manner.
- Ability and willingness to work as a team member.
- A strong commitment to quality childcare and education.
- Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 119, Section 51A you are a mandated reporter and held to the statutory reporting requirements.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supporting the teaching, role-modeling, and activities of each assigned classroom each day, and contributing to the functioning of each classroom.
- Supporting the overall supervision of the classroom.
- Supporting the daily closing of the center through cleaning, supervision of children, and maintaining relationships with families at pick-up time.
- Must continuously stoop, crawl, kneel, and bend in order to speak to children at the child’s eye level; to play with children indoors and outdoors, and to pick up toys from the floor.
- Continuously maintain visual and auditory supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and during field trips/events.
- Communicate any questions, problems, or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
- Other duties and responsibilities assigned by management.
- Maintain ongoing communication with team members and support staff.
- Maintain strong relationships with each child
- Attend training and professional development opportunities and maintain all QRIS PQR data in system regularly.
ADMINISTRATION:
- Participate in monitoring the classroom to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
- Work as a member of a team with others within each assigned classroom and the program as a whole.
- Maintain daily written and verbal communication with parents/guardians as applicable.
- Monitor attendance and documentation
- Facilitate and participate in the daily closing of the center.
COORDINATION :
- Establish positive and productive relationships with families.
- Assist in maintaining adequate supplies and equipment for the classroom.
- Attend regular CFE staff meetings
- Support teachers in each assigned classroom in terms of classroom and behavior management.
- Provide guidance and involvement in center activities as needed.
- This list of responsibilities is not meant to be all-inclusive and may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Occasionally required to lift or move average weight material in the classroom.
- Frequently required to lift, carry, and hold children approximately 20-70 pounds.
- Flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
- The work environment is an indoor classroom environment with daily extended exposure to outdoor weather. The noise level of the classroom is lively.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Background Record Check as required.
- Complete new employee orientation.
- Every employee is expected to respect and interact in a positive manner with coworkers, program participants, and the public at large.
Children First is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Employer.
- Please apply by emailing your resume and cover letter to Heather Locklear, Executive Director at: hlocklear@childrenfirstofgranby.org
Pay: $15.00 – $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person