Job Description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu

Department

Center for Early Childhood Education

Plan, develop and evaluate a comprehensive early childhood program in the music studio, coordinate the studio space, and develop and implement a studio curriculum that is integrated with the classroom curriculum. Develop and maintain the studio, assess children’s musical development and curriculum within the context of the philosophy of the program. Participate in the afternoon program as a classroom teacher. Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues at the College and in the community, CECE team members, families, and children. Build partnerships with families and colleagues to develop a model early childhood program based on best practice and current knowledge. Understand and implement CECE policies and principles; pursue ongoing professional development; and, support the work of students and faculty at the Center. Effectively communicate about and implement the philosophy, vision, and core values of the school.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Supervising and Teaching Children (65%):

Music Studio:

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum for the music studio that aligns with the Reggio Emilia- and RIE-inspired philosophy of the program, utilizes the First Steps in Music approach developed by John Feierabend, and is based on current research and knowledge of child development and early education and care, while adhering to Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) regulations.
• Maintain ongoing written observations and assessments of children and their development.
• Lead schoolwide musical events, including Friday morning All-school sings. Participate in facilitation of student and faculty research projects and course-related experiences, as appropriate.

General Teaching:

• Responsible for supervising children, knowing individual children’s needs, ensuring the health and safety of children, and promoting the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children.
• Serve as a positive role model for children and families and anticipate and respond to children’s needs for guidance by implementing the philosophy of the CECE in all interactions with children.
• Facilitate daily activities and transitions to ensure smooth classroom operations and maintain a positive, respectful environment for children and adults.
• Support children’s investigations and explorations in a team-based environment. In the afternoon, assist with instruction and evaluation of children as assigned by the supervising teacher.
• This includes working with individuals or small groups of children on activities and projects, reading to children, promoting healthy sleep and nutrition habits, sharing observations of children with the supervising teacher, documenting children's play, and assessing children’s work as designated by the supervising teacher.

Record keeping, collaboration, and communication (20%):

• In all interactions, support a high quality education and care program for children, infancy through preschool, and develop collaborative relationships with families and colleagues in the CECE.
• Participate in team meetings of afternoon teachers that focus on individual children’s needs and development, curriculum planning and evaluation, family involvement, collaboration across levels and classrooms, resources, policies and procedures, etc.
• Interact with families on an informal basis concerning their child’s daily school experience.
• Maintain written records of curriculum and children’s development; document children’s learning and experiences; publish written reports and portfolios on children’s development; publish weekly electronic communication in the form of documentation and blogs; in cooperation with Associate Director, manage the studio budget; and, participate in school-wide events, some of which may involve weekends and evenings.
• Develop collaborative relationships with families and colleagues in the CECE and community; and, collaborate with associate director to coordinate all-school and studio events (e.g., WOYC, Welcome Picnic, PTO participation, All-School Sing, websites, school songbooks, documentation of schoolwide unifying idea, etc.).

• All staff members share responsibility for preparing and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, organization and aesthetics in the environment.
• This may include cleaning surfaces, inventory and stocking materials, preparing food, laundering, preparing napping or playground areas, creating displays, organizing materials, setting up activities or areas, etc.
• Primary responsibility for maintaining the music studio classroom environment and materials.
• Collaborate with other teachers to maintain afternoon classroom environments, record-keeping, documentation of children’s learning experiences, etc.
• Create and maintain a studio environment that reflects the aesthetic and pedagogical philosophy of the school and provides members of the community with an engaging, supportive, and safe space.
• Assist in the creation of such an environment in the classroom.
• Back up other staff needs as necessary. Perform related duties as required.

Assume teaching responsibilities (5%):

• Assume the duties of the classroom supervising teacher during short-term absences.
• Fill in as classroom teacher as needed in the morning.
• Back up other staff needs as necessary.
• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses):

• Background Record check, including fingerprinting; bachelor’s degree; two years teaching experience preferred, or equivalent combination.
• Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field and in the music studio discipline; experience with Reggio Emilia and music education preferred but not required.
• Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification or eligibility required; obtain lead teacher certification within two years of employment; obtain appropriate first aid and CPR within first two months of employment.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background Record check, including fingerprinting; bachelor’s degree related to music preferred (performance, composition, or education), and two years experience with music education preferred; experience as an early childhood classroom teacher preferred; or equivalent combination.
• Obtain appropriate Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care teacher certification within a time frame agreed upon with director; obtain appropriate first aid and CPR within first two months of employment.
• Coursework and/or experience in early childhood program or related field preferred; coursework in studio discipline required.
• Experience with Reggio Emilia and arts education preferred, but not required.

Skills:

• Commitment to supporting an environment of trusting relationships, enjoyment and learning for children and staff in a laboratory early childhood education and care program; operate with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality; collaborate with team members to assess complex and sensitive child, family, staff and programmatic issues, identify and implement solutions.
• Commitment to upholding the Reggio Emilia-inspired vision and principles for the school.
• Maintain high levels of communication, literacy, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with electronic communication, e.g., Power Point, Word, Word Press, Gmail, Google Docs, etc.
• Experience with and demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education principles and practice. Demonstrated commitment to supporting family and staff diversity.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 10lbs., frequently lift and carry up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs., communicate with children at eye-level, climb stairs, push a stroller with up to 6 toddlers and supervise children on walking trips.
• Ability to supervise and interact with children outdoors for extended periods of time in varied weather conditions.
• Nurturing, patient, appreciative of children’s capacities, flexible and adaptive to changing situations, value observation, risk-taking and reflection; clerical and organizational skills, appreciative of the importance of environment in children’s programs, responsive to and appreciative of individual temperaments, knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Interact in collegial and professional manner with families, children, and staff.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $23.43 - $28.64 hourly covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Position Type

Regular

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Review of applications will begin

July 15, 2026

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.