Lead Teacher - Preschool Expansion - Edison

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Teacher, under the direction and coaching of the Center Director will be responsible for the class of children in a provider program for the Preschool Expansion Program – Edison School District, a state funded preschool program to which s/he has been assigned.  S/he will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the curriculum, the health and safety of the children, communication with the parents and supervision of support staff.  S/he will use the philosophy of the YMCA mission, the accreditation guidelines and the four core values of character development (honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility) to develop and implement a program of the highest quality. The lead teacher will be working with a paraprofessional in a classroom of 15 children, ages three to five years old.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   

1. Working closely with the Director, ensure all curriculum is reviewed and approved per the Director’s schedule.
2. Carry out the curriculum plans and daily activities for children.
3. Supervise and guide teacher assistants.
4. Learn to identify child abuse and have a clear understanding of reporting requirements and responsibilities.
5. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a child’s growth and development when working with children, recording activities, and talking with parents.
6. Demonstrate, verbally and by role-modeling, a sound knowledge of good teaching practices.
7. Mentor, coach and guide teacher assistants are working towards the YMCA mission and have a clear understanding of and follow the four core values, leading by example.
8. Prepare developmentally appropriate educational material needed to implement the daily activity.
9. Maintain a safe, clean, pleasant physical environment conducive to optimal growth and development of children.  Ensure all health and safety standards are met.
10. Observe, record, and evaluate children’s significant behavior.
11. Supervise indoor-outdoor activities and nap periods.
12. Attend staff and parent meetings and contribute to the meeting.
13. Meet with individual parents at least twice yearly to report on child’s progress, discuss concerns with parents and act on those concerns.
14. Check on supplies and equipment and request needed items from the Director.
15. Administer first aid as needed and supervise children’s personal hygiene.
16. Oversee the administration of medication after receiving written permission from the parents.
17. Be responsible for all daily paperwork needed to maintain state code.
18. Oversee all bathroom procedures, diapering, potty training, hand washing, etc.
19. Be responsible for conducting classroom staff meetings to maintain state code.
20. Show a professional enthusiasm for teaching.
21. Be responsible for attending mandated workshops presented during “Center Shut Down” and at least two more professional days besides those mandated by the Director.
22. Be responsible for any other duties requested by the Director.
23. Accurately record time worked utilizing the assigned time management system or tool.

REQUIREMENTS:

• New Jersey State P-3 Certification, Certificate of Eligibility or Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing
• BA/BS degree
• Knowledge of/familiar with High Scope Curriculum 

PHYSICAL REQURIEMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal amounts of walking, standing, sitting, running, jumping, lifting, pushing, pulling, speaking, reading, and writing.  Must be able to hear, see and respond quickly to children’s needs.