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Summary: The STEAM Lab Educator is a fun, creative, energetic, and dynamic educator who enjoys working with children ages 2–13. This individual is responsible for designing and leading engaging, hands-on learning experiences centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) that foster creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The educator will spend mornings in the STEAM Lab, planning and delivering developmentally appropriate STEAM experiences to children across all age groups, while collaborating with classroom staff to integrate STEAM concepts into the curriculum. Afternoons will be spent supporting the school-age after-school program and ensuring a safe, engaging, and positive environment for children.
The educator will also be responsible for supervising and monitoring the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Room, providing a supportive space for children who need assistance with self-regulation and social-emotional skill development.
The highest priority of this position is supporting the classrooms and the after-school program. The educator must be flexible and willing to provide coverage across all age groups as needed to ensure safe staffing ratios and uninterrupted program operations. Responsibilities may also include assisting with transportation, including supervising children during transportation and supporting transportation needs when required.
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:
- Deliver age appropriate STEAM oriented instruction through project-based learning methods.
- Create a schedule to include all pre-school and younger school age children.
- Work directly with classroom teachers or Center Directors on “themes” to enhance classroom curriculum.
- Prepare assignments and create innovative methods of teaching as per the students' varying learning styles and developmental levels.
- Maintain proper supplies and work within the budget.
- Oversee our SEL room by monitoring the clinician schedules, small socialization groups, and helping cover when needed.
- Responsible for the overall cleanliness, appearance, inventory and security of the STEAM lab classroom, supply rooms, as well as the SEL room.
- Liaison between the classrooms and the clinicians.
- Create small socialization groups based on individual children’s needs.
- Encourage students to use different skills to solve problems and collaborate.
- Organize, develop and coordinate special STEAM activities.
- Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities and guide students in learning from those activities.
- Responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the STEAM classroom.
- Participate in Center meetings and Professional Development.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Document curriculum/schedules for each class to build upon each week to expose children to new ideas and technologies.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials in order to prevent injuries and damage.
- Create an effective learning environment with attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Stay abreast of new innovative ideas to incorporate into the program.
- Actively supervise children and know how many children are in the lab at all times.
- All EEC and Head Start regulations and Standards must be adhered to at all times.
- All SMOC policies and procedures must be followed.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
- Degree and EEC Teacher Certification preferred.
- Background in quality Early Education and STEAM.
- Works well alone and with others.
- High energy and flexible.
- Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced environment.
- Strong behavior management skills.
- Effective communicator with children, staff, and supervisors.
Organizational Relationship:
- Directly reports to Center Director.
- There are no direct reports for this position.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to undergo fingerprinting and pass DCF, CORI/SORI background check.
- Must have the ability to bend, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Must have the physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Must be able to perform all the technological requirements of STEAM classroom
- Must be able to act quickly in an emergency.
Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the STEAM Lab Educator 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: 9:00AM - 5:30PM. Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.
40 Hours per week.
Skills Required
- Background in quality Early Education and STEAM
- Strong behavior management skills
- Effective communicator with children, staff, and supervisors
- Ability to undergo fingerprinting and pass DCF, CORI/SORI background checks
- Ability to bend, sit, and stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
- Must be able to perform technological requirements of STEAM classroom
- Works well independently and as part of a team; high energy and flexible
- Degree and EEC Teacher Certification
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
