Playgroup Facilitator & Off-Site Educator CFCE (SY26-27)

Position: Playgroup Facilitator & Off-Site Educator

Position Type: Part-time, 0.4fte (10-18 per week)  

Department: CFCE

Location: Watertown Public Schools

Reports to: CFCE Grant Coordinator    

Affiliation: Non-Aligned
Hourly Rate: $26.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Playgroup Facilitator & Off-Site Educator will facilitate community-based and specialized playgroups at off-site locations throughout the expansion communities. The educator will create welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that support children’s growth and development while engaging parents and caregivers as active participants in their children’s learning.

The Playgroup Facilitator & Off-Site Educator will model positive parent-child interactions, provide families with practical strategies to support children’s development and behavior, and help parents build skills and confidence they can use at home. The position will also serve as a community-based resource, strengthening connections between families, early childhood programs, schools, and community services.

Essential Responsibilities

• Facilitate high-quality, developmentally appropriate playgroups at community-based and specialized off-site locations.
• Create welcoming, inclusive environments that promote children’s learning, development, social-emotional growth, and positive peer interactions.
• Engage parents and caregivers as active participants in their children’s learning and development.
• Model positive parent-child interactions and responsive caregiving practices.
• Provide families with practical strategies to support children’s development, behavior, and learning at home.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations and off-site partners.
• Identify and utilize safe, accessible, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate community spaces for children and families.
• Implement applicable Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) initiatives across expansion communities.
• Serve as a community-based resource and connector for families seeking early childhood information, resources, and services.
• Coordinate and administer Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) developmental screenings across the community.
• Support appropriate follow-up with families following screenings and assist families in connecting with developmental resources, referrals, and services as needed.
• Coordinate ELL collaboration within the district to strengthen communication, outreach, and support for multilingual children and families.
• Collaborate with district staff, early childhood educators, community partners, and family-serving organizations to strengthen coordinated supports for children and families.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and communication related to playgroups, screenings, family engagement, referrals, and community partnerships.
• Participate in professional development, team meetings, and other activities that support continuous improvement and high-quality early childhood programming.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Ability to create inclusive and engaging learning environments for young children and families.
• Strong understanding of family engagement and positive parent-child interactions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with community organizations.
• Ability to provide practical, strengths-based guidance and resources to families.
• Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with district and community partners.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and access to high-quality early childhood experiences and supports.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.