Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program Assistant Teacher | Mary Louise Curtis Branch

Settlement Music School, a non-profit organization founded in 1908, is one of the largest community schools of the arts in the country serving children and adults of all ages at five branches in Pennsylvania located in South, West and Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and its virtual branch, Settlement Music Online. Settlement provides over $3 million dollars each year in financial aid and scholarships to 60% of its students. Settlement’s reach is broad, and it continues the principles of its founders, that there be no barriers to participating in music and arts education.

Settlement Music School is one of only 18 community schools of the arts in the country that has national accreditation through ACCPAS – the Accrediting Commission of Community and Precollegiate Arts School. Kaleidoscope – the national award-winning arts-integrated Head Start Pre-School program – has NAEYC accreditation and 4 Keystone Stars.

Position: Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program Assistant Teacher

Location: 416 Queen St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Yearly Work Schedule: Preschool runs from late August through late June with summers and holidays off. The salary is divided up over the full calendar year.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Reports to: Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs

Position Overview

Settlement is looking for a Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program Assistant Teacher for our award-winning program. The Assistant Teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive environment with children, staff, and parents. They will work collaboratively with all Settlement Music School staff, Early Childhood Program staff, and all other support service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides all documentation necessary for program licensing under PA Department of Public Welfare and PA Department of Education regulations.
• Knowledge of and compliance with all Settlement Music School Code of Personnel Practices and Head Start Performance Standards, PA Early Learning Standards, and requirements including safety and emergency procedures.
• Works cooperatively with Settlement Music School staff, Early Childhood Program staff, Head Start and all other support service personnel. Communicates all information on children’s health, welfare, education, and family issues to Head Teacher and Kaleidoscope Family Services Provider/Teacher Liaison.
• Takes the leadership position in the classroom in absence of Head Teacher.
• With the Head Teacher, shares in all phases of curriculum planning and assessment using NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice and the Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program Curriculum, and PA Learning Standards.
• With the assistance and supervision of the Head Teacher, prepares and conducts small group activities during homeroom time. Adheres to appropriate supervision policies. Communicates daily with artist teachers and fully participates as assistant to artist teachers. Assists Head Teacher with individual child assessment.
• Abides by all active supervision policies and procedures.
• With Head Teacher, shares in all classroom preparation and maintenance responsibilities.
• With Head Teacher maintains daily, weekly, and monthly record-keeping.
• Supports orientation and training of all new staff, parents, volunteers, students.
• Supports special events, staff meetings, research projects, conference presentations or other assignments.
• Facilitates and encourages positive daily parent communication and involvement in the Kaleidoscope Program.
• Assists in the set up and maintenance of classroom, ordering of supplies, and inventory. Ensuring all postings are clear and presentable and keeping the classroom clean and tidy.
• Participates and contributes to program planning, evaluation and professional development. Seeks ongoing professional development.
• Performs any other duties assigned by the Early Childhood Executive Director necessary to sustain the growth and improvement of all programs included in the Settlement Music School Early Childhood Initiatives.
• Maintains professional demeanor with co-workers, administration, children, and parents always.

Qualifications

• CDA Certification or Associate’s in Early Childhood or qualifying field. Two years’ experience working as a teacher in a preschool program.
• Provide all documentation necessary for program licensing under PA Department of Public Welfare and PA Department of Education regulations.
• Able to create a joyful environment when working with children and coworkers.
• Embody the School’s values and support Settlement’s mission.
• Belief in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and arts education.
• State and federal clearances (Criminal, Child Abuse, FBI), as well as 6-hour state Health and Safety training and child mandated reporter training that can be found on betterkidcare.com.

Salary: Dependent upon qualification and experience $20,000- $35,000

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume by email only to; Tarrell Davis at [email protected].

Settlement Music School is an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.