Playgroup coordinator
A position at Countdown to Kindergarten
Work with Countdown to Kindergarten, the Boston Public Schools, and the Family Nurturing Center to lead Parent-Child Playgroups for families with children ages one to three at two Boston Public Elementary Schools in Dorchester and Roxbury.
Hours: Full Time
Job Title: Playgroup coordinator
Employment Status: Full-Time
Job Description:
The Playgroup coordinator will work with Countdown to Kindergarten, the Boston Public Schools, and the Family Nurturing Center to lead Parent-Child Playgroups for families with children ages one to three at two Boston Public Elementary Schools in Dorchester and Roxbury. Parent-Child Playgroups are two hour structured playtimes for children and caregivers that provide developmentally appropriate activities for young children and foster parent-child interactions in an environment that supports the social, emotional, cognitive, creative and physical needs of young children. Playgroups also facilitate social networking for adults, connect families to community resources, and introduce families to the public schools.
The playgroup coordinator is responsible for planning and running eight, two hour playgroups per week— 4 groups at each school. The coordinator is also responsible for creating relationships with community organizations and services in order to make referrals for playgroup families as needed. The coordinator will be required to take part in ongoing evaluation of the implementation of this new program, and to provide documentation of activities that are key to evaluation. This position will work with staff at Countdown to Kindergarten, the Department of Early Childhood at the Boston Public Schools, the Family Nurturing Center, and many community based organizations.
Reports to:
Christine Coche, Play to Learn Program Manager, Countdown to Kindergarten
Responsibilities:
1. Organize and lead weekly Parent-Child Playgroups
2. Plan and implement curriculum to facilitate and scaffold learning and development for children ages 1-3
3. Work with the school Principals and other school personnel to connect the playgroups to their host schools
4. Conduct outreach and recruit families; work to maintain steady enrollment
5. Assist families by providing referrals and access to community resources
6. Keep attendance and other basic records
7. Develop and maintain relationships with neighborhood community organizations
8. Participate in and coordinate program evaluation with Countdown to Kindergarten and FNC staff
9. Represent Countdown to Kindergarten at various community meetings and events
10. Other duties as needed, including trainings, community events, etc.
11. Flexible hours; 40 hour work week will include occasional evenings and weekends
12. Moderate to heavy lifting (of equipment, materials, books, etc.) required periodically
Qualifications
Required:
1. Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience
2. Background in early childhood education, social work, family support, parenting education or a related field
3. Experience working with infants and toddlers, and/or families with young children
4. Experience working with ethnically and economically diverse communities
5. Ability to develop strong working relationships with others (individuals and agencies)
6. Ability to lead others, work independently with minimal supervision, and as part of a team
7. Ability to multi-task
8. Strong oral and written communication skills
9. Strong organizational skills
10. Computer proficiency including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Excel, and internet use.
11. Must have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and access to a car.
Preferred:
1. Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
2. Knowledge of the Boston Public Schools
3. Experience in an urban school setting
Terms:
Managerial, Tier B. School vacations and the month of July constitute vacation time. Some evenings and weekends may be required; subject to City of Boston residency requirements.
Additional Qualifications:
Ability to speak Spanish strongly preferred.
Position subject to a Boston Recidency Requirement
How to Apply:
email resume, cover letter to ccoche@boston.k12.ma.us
