Lead Teacher, Toddler or Preschool Classroom

The Norment School is currently seeking a lead teacher for their early childcare center – A Children’s PLAYce. The Center is a developmentally appropriate, play based, full-day program. A Children’s PLAYce enrolls children ages 1-5. Reporting to the School Director, this position is responsible for the planning and implementation of a play-centered curriculum and educational program that meets the needs of the whole child, assessing and documenting young children’s learning and development, and working effectively and collaboratively in a team of early childhood educators.

The lead teacher will also serve as group supervisor, supervising assistant teachers and floaters under the direction of the school Director, and leading & supervising a toddler or preschool classroom in accordance with NAEYC and DPW guidelines. This is a full-time position.

Duties and Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

· Reports directly to school Director.

· Develop and execute lesson plans, setup classroom and learning centers.

· Develop curriculum content and appropriate instructional materials; to prepare and plan lessons; to develop materials for use in instructional programs; to express ideas clearly and concisely; and to exercise good judgement in addressing and resolving problems.

· Adapt curriculum and expectations, based on children’s individual needs.

· Deliver a well-rounded curriculum that provides a solid foundation for primary school. Ensures educational standards are met.

· Sets up a safe, functional, inviting, and child-centered classroom environment and establishes a balanced, effective, consistent daily schedule.

· Sets the tone for creating a safe, respectful, enjoyable, community-oriented classroom environment and school community.

· Establish and sustain a positive learning environment for young children, ages 1 to 6.

· Provides experiences and activities for children including songs, games, and storytelling.

· Classroom daily routine (cleaning, attendance, circle time, lunch, nap, hand-washing, etc.).

· Maintain discipline and encourage acceptable behavior.

· Teach basic skills including personal hygiene and social skills.

· Supervise children at all times when on duty.

· Maintain state licensure, quality standards, and safety requirements. Ensures that the school complies with all Federal, State, Local and Center requirements & laws

· Utilizes assessment techniques such as observation, screening, readiness, and achievement as appropriate. Conducts ongoing assessment of children’s growth and development in all developmental areas. Assesses and documents children’s development and learning in collaboration with other teachers and teacher assistants including preparing portfolios of each child’s work and development.

· Supervises, directs, and coordinates floater teachers, assistant teachers, and student workers. Mentors through role modeling, constructive support, and feedback.

· Stand in as classroom teacher in another classroom (on occasion) to keep ratio, open and close classrooms. Ensures that adequate supervision of children is always maintained.

· Keeps parents informed of the learning taking place in the classroom on an ongoing/daily basis, keeps communication open with parents about their child’s progress and school experience, and meets with parents to discuss any concerns regarding the child’s behavior or development.

· Conduct annual parent-teacher conferences.

· Ensures that the physical and emotional environment is safe for staff and children, ensures compliance with health and safety requirements.

· Understand and implement effective classroom management, conflict resolution, and lesson planning to ensure the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of students are met.

· Be familiar with the school’s philosophy and policies, act in accordance with them, and monitor to make sure that those who report to him/her are also acting in accordance with the center’s philosophy and policies.

· Is familiar with routine paperwork (accident/incident reports, sign in/out, headcount, emergency contact, medication administration, etc.).

· Position requires ongoing professional growth and education – through in-service professional development, workshops, seminars, and/or the completion of additional ECE/CDA coursework.

· Other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

· Associate’s degree (or higher) in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, educational psychology, special education or a related human services field

· At least 2 years of classroom teaching experience directly in a daycare, childcare, or a preschool setting

· Current clearances – PA State Criminal History, FBI Criminal History (DHS), PA Child Abuse History (DHS), and NSOR

· Annual physical exam w/TB test

· CPR/1st Aid Certification (may be completed after hiring)

· Child abuse & mandated reporter training (ACT 31 and ACT 126) (may be completed after hiring)

· Health & safety certification (6 hours) Better Kid Care (may be completed after hiring)

· Extensive knowledge of methods, principles, and practices of early childhood education; of child growth and development; and of the content, methods, and materials used to teach children in early childhood education

· Excellent understanding of child development theories and current best practices in early childhood education

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in English

· Must be willing to assist in all Center activities, including covering other classrooms or staying late, as needed

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

· Ability to plan and organize work

· Ability to maintain confidentiality

· Ability to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action

· A strong love for children and child development

· Accepts individual differences

· Maintain a professional appearance, attitude, and work ethic

Preferred Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or higher in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, educational psychology, or a related human services field

· Child development associate (CDA)

Physical Requirements and Hours:

Must meet all requirements stipulated by the state of PA including a health exam, mandated reporting training, CPR/1st aid certification, state police, child abuse and FBI clearances.

Maintain physical healthy condition, so as to have the ability to lift children, boxes, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and to actively play with children.

Monday – Friday work schedule.

The Norment School is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), disability status, ancestry, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Questions? Send an email to [email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person