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Summary: Playgroup Facilitator for Beginning Bridges CFCE provides outreach and support to all families with children ages birth through 6 years in Mendon, Upton, Northbridge and Uxbridge. Promotes early and family literacy, school readiness and healthy child development through parent/child groups, developmental & parent education workshops and resource/referral information. The program is funded by a Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
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:
- Recognize parents as their child’s first & primary teacher.
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with circle time music and reading for children (0-6 years).
- Integrate parent support and Strengthening Families Frameworks into playgroup routines.
- Engage and support parents, guardians, caregivers and children as they engage with the group.
- Maintain a positive, nurturing environment during every playgroup.
- Maintain a safe, clean and organized learning environment.
- Maintain playgroup attendance records.
- Share the Ages & Stages Developmental Questionnaire and other developmental information with families.
- Provide and document resources and referrals to families as necessary.
- Encourage all children to play cooperatively and the involvement of families to strengthen the relationships between children, families and community.
- Work cooperatively in a team.
- Represent Beginning Bridges CFCE at Uxbridge Taft Early Learning Center Council meetings.
- Participate in professional development trainings and staff meetings.
- Adhere to SMOC policies and procedures.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
- Degree or Course work in early childhood and special education preferred.
- Experience working with parents and children birth to 6 years old in a group setting.
- Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment for culturally diverse families.
- Experience working with ethnically and economically diverse communities.
- Experience working with families with children with special needs.
- Ability to effectively communicate and interact with parents, children and staff.
- Ability to develop strong working relationships with others.
- Ability to organize, operate independently and multi-task.
- Bilingual preferred.
- Valid Driver's License, reliable transportation, and ability to meet insurance standards.
- Computer Skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to CFCE Coordinator. Indirectly reports to Assistant Area Director and Area Director.
Physical Requirements:
- Physical exam upon hire and every two years after hire.
- First Aid Certification & Child CPR Certification.
- Proof of MMR or Titer upon hire.
Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Playgroup Facilitator, CFCE 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. A successful background check is required.
Monday through Friday: 3 days a week. Variable 8:30AM - 11:30AM.
9 Hours per week.
Skills Required
- Experience working with parents and children birth to 6 years old in a group setting
- Ability to create a warm and welcoming environment for culturally diverse families
- Experience working with ethnically and economically diverse communities
- Experience working with families with children with special needs
- Ability to effectively communicate and interact with parents, children and staff
- Ability to develop strong working relationships with others
- Ability to organize, operate independently and multi-task
- Valid Driver's License, reliable transportation, and ability to meet insurance standards
- Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Degree or coursework in early childhood and special education
- Bilingual
- First Aid Certification and Child CPR Certification
- Proof of MMR or titer upon hire
- Successful background check
What We Do
South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), founded in 1965 as part of the Federal War on Poverty, has evolved to meet a wider range of challenges that people in our communities face. Our four main areas of programming include: Behavioral Health Services | Comprehensive Housing Services | Employment and Education | Family and Nutrition. SMOC is a multi-service umbrella organization that works in the community to provide opportunities to enhance self-sufficiency. Headquartered in Framingham, Mass, the agency has expanded to meet housing needs of homeless and formerly homeless individuals in the greater Worcester region and became the Greater Worcester Housing Connection. We also are affiliated with the Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield to provide additional housing, food and supportive services throughout Western MA. Our mission is "To improve the quality of life of low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families by advocating for their needs and rights; providing services; educating the community; building a community of support; participating in coalitions with other advocates and searching for new resources and partnerships" SMOC programs apply best known practices in environments that are client-centered, strength-based and trauma-informed. To apply for our various positions, please follow this link www.smoc.org/opportunities.php
