Lead Preschool Educator

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse (Lawrenceville)

Status: Salaried/Exempt

Hours: Mornings and Afternoons M-F

Compensation: $45,000- $47,000 annually

The Role

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA), our Preschool Teachers create safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where every child can thrive. The Preschool Teacher serves as the lead educator in the classroom, delivering high-quality early childhood programming that supports the cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development of children ages 3–5.

This position plays an essential role in advancing BGCWPA's mission by building strong relationships with children and families, implementing evidence-based curriculum, maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS expectations, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) standards, while fostering a culture of safety, belonging, and excellence.

The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, believes every child deserves high-quality learning experiences, and demonstrates professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Responsibilities

High Quality Teaching and Learning

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences using Frog Street (or approved curriculum) aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
• Lead the creation of weekly lesson plans.

Foster children's growth across all developmental domains, including:

• Social-emotional development
• Language and literacy
• Mathematics
• Science and STEM
• Creative arts
• Gross and fine motor development
• Social studies
• Create engaging classroom environments that promote exploration, creativity, curiosity, and independent learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the individual developmental needs of each child.
• Utilize positive behavior support strategies that encourage self-regulation and social-emotional growth.
• Maintain classroom schedules and routines that maximize learning while supporting children's emotional well-being.

Child Assessment and Family Partnership

• Complete developmental screenings and assessments in accordance with DHS regulations and program requirements.
• Conduct required child evaluations within established timelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of child progress.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding children's development and learning.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Support family engagement opportunities including conferences, classroom events, and educational activities.

Safety and Supervision

• Maintain active supervision of children at all times utilizing BGCA's "See, Hear, Direct, and Assess" supervision model.
• Ensure compliance with all BGCA Youth Protection Policies and safety requirements.
• Maintain classroom ratios and supervision standards.
• Follow all emergency procedures and health & safety protocols.
• Report suspected child abuse immediately in accordance with mandated reporting laws.
• Conduct daily health and safety checks of classroom environments.
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free learning spaces.

Program Quality and Compliance

• Lead compliance systems in the Preschool classroom to ensure adherence to BGCA regulations, Pennsylvania DHS licensing regulations (3270), and other applicable standards.

Ensure classroom compliance with:

• PA DHS Chapter 3270 Regulations
• Keystone STARS Standards
• Licensing Requirements
• CACFP requirements (when applicable)
• BGCA Youth Development practices
• Maintain organized compliance documentation and prepare materials for licensing visits, monitoring reviews, and audits.
• Maintain accurate attendance, health, incident, medication, and classroom documentation.
• Prepare classroom environments for licensing visits, quality assessments, and monitoring.
• Participate in classroom observations, coaching, and continuous quality improvement activities.

Youth Development and Club Experience

• Strong, consistent and appropriate communication with families.
• High quality implementation of the classroom curriculum.
• Create opportunities and activities that produce strong evidence of learning within the classroom environment.
• Create meaningful relationships with children built upon trust, encouragement, and respect.
• Promote confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills.
• Support smooth transitions throughout the daily schedule.
• Integrate literacy, STEM, arts, movement, outdoor play, and social-emotional learning into daily instruction.
• Celebrate children's accomplishments and developmental milestones.

Your Skills and Experiences

Successful candidates will possess:

• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania DHS Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS standards, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience implementing evidence-based early childhood curriculum, such as Creative Curriculum, and conducting child assessments (Teaching Strategies GOLD experience preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes children's social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
• Strong classroom management skills with the ability to implement positive behavior support strategies and foster inclusive learning environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate documentation, child records, lesson plans, and licensing compliance requirements.
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service and maintaining positive partnerships with families.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team while also demonstrating initiative and leadership within the classroom.
• Strong time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Flexibility to participate in occasional evening family engagement events, professional development opportunities, and organizational activities as needed.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field meeting PA DHS Chapter 3270 Group Supervisor qualifications.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Strong classroom management and positive behavior support skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic technology applications.

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or Early Childhood Education.
• Pennsylvania Teaching Certification.
• Experience with:
  • Frog Street Curriculum
  • Teaching Strategies GOLD
  • Keystone STARS
  • Inclusive classroom practices
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs function require the following physical demands: lifting & carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing, any/or pulling, climbing to include steps, balancing, stooping, standing, sitting, kneeling, crawling, and crouching.

Certifications and Clearances

CPR/Pediatric First Aid, Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal History, FBI Clearance, NSOR Certificate, TB Test, Mandated Reporter Training, and other required certifications must be obtained upon hire or within established timelines.

Who We Are

For over 135 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) has been a trailblazer in youth development, committed to unleashing the potential of every child. Rooted deeply in the values of safety, fun, and inclusivity, BGCWPA prides itself on cultivating an environment where every child and employee can flourish.

At the heart of our vision lies a commitment to providing opportunities that transcend boundaries. Through creative and forward-thinking programs, we aim to equip our youth with the skills, knowledge, and resilience necessary for a brighter future. BGCWPA is not merely an organization; it is a dynamic force that shapes destinies, cultivates dreams and empowers the leaders of tomorrow.

As a proud affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCWPA aligns itself with a nationwide network of organizations dedicated to empowering young people. Our collective impact extends beyond our local community, fostering positive change on a national scale. Annually, BGCWPA reaches over 12,300 young individuals through a rich tapestry of innovative programs, services, and outreach initiatives.

Commitment to Inclusion

BGCWPA is committed to building a culturally diverse community and we believe in the importance of equity and inclusion. We understand that every individual brings a unique set of skills and experiences. While our job description lists specific qualifications, skills, and competencies, we also recognize that true potential can often transcend those lines. If you're enthusiastic about social impact and helping others succeed, even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Our organization prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.