Strong Beginnings Lead Preschool Teacher

STRONG BEGINNINGS LEAD TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree a must or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development with specialization in preschool teaching; if pursuing a bachelor degree with 2 years or more in a GSRP, Head Start program with 90 credits or more will be considered.
• Applicants may be considered if they have significant training in early childhood education or child development, OR have 5 or more years of experience as a GSRP Associate Teacher and are willing to meet an approved compliance plan.
• A minimum of three (3) years classroom / supervisory experience.
• Must pass requirements for licensing including criminal background clearance and negative TB test prior to working with children.
• Willingness to take and pass the CDA. The center will help with this process.
• Possess interpersonal skills to develop an effective, positive team.
• Computer skills necessary to complete assigned tasks.
• Demonstrate evidence of excellent professional habits and attitude.
• Demonstrate experience as a supervisor and possess effective leadership skills.
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish to support our Bi-Lingual program) or willingness to learn communicative Spanish.  Must be willing to learn about the Latinx community while being intentional about teaching and introducing other cultures to the children and families.

RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Model excellent professional work habits and positive attitude toward assigned work, clients, and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Enjoy working in a boisterous learning environment that supports learning through active engagement.
• Job may require lifting, sitting, standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and bending for periods of time. Able to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Able to work independently and provide guidance and direction to team members.
• Documented experience working with marginalized families.
• Must be culturally sensitive and desire to work in a diverse community.
• Able to read, write and communicate in Standard English, desire to learn Spanish language is a plus.
• Must be resourceful, patient, and sensitive to the needs of staff, children and families.
• Documented experience working with persons of various racial, ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds.
• Able to collaborate with colleagues and participate with professional coach.
• Able to conduct early childhood research if desired.
• Ability to write clear and accurate reports.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of all discussions and records.
• Must be physically and mentally capable of performing the duties of the classification.
• Must take leadership role in the classroom and promote teamwork while being willing to problem solve with co-teacher.

 RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: 

• Monday through Thursday direct teaching children and other duties; Fridays consist of professional development.
• Participate in self-assessment and self-reflective process.
• Work to recruit children for the program and assist to maintain enrollment.
• Provide professional development training for other teaching staff, as needed on site.
• Ability to work with parents and children in the classroom setting and during home visits to insure parental input in daily program planning.
• Plan, write, and implement individual and group lesson plans.
• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Administer a developmental screening device, observe and assess the development of each child, write and implement the Individual Education Plan (IEP), COR and any other tool to insure we meet the needs of the individual child.
• Maintain ongoing anecdotal notes to monitor children’s individual development.
• Input COR notes in the timeline set by the program.
• Submit required reports to Center Director.
• Attend staff and parent meetings.
• Participate in all program sponsored activities, including community events.
• Complete two (2) assessments (2) parent teacher conferences annually for each child.
• Overall management and maintenance of classroom.
• Plan specific activities that reinforce the program philosophy.
• Attend on-going program training and professional development activities.
• Provide bilingual, multi-cultural activities.
• Lead small and large groups of children in a variety of activities planned in conjunction with the assistant teachers and volunteers.
• Greet parents and children every day and develop a good rapport with parents and inform them about center activities, field trips, and child’s progress.
• Communicate positively with parents about concerns about their children.
• Assist in all aspects of services to children and including helping with food preparation, cleanup, and other activities.
• Complete all administrative tasks as assigned.
• Assist with potty training and changing diapers as needed.
• Direct team members and provide professional development from them.
• Participate in the licensing process to ensure compliance.
• Must be willing to “fill in” where needed.
• Meet all Strong Beginnings requirements and keep program in compliance.
• Perform other related tasks/duties as required by the program and Center Director.

EXPECTATIONS FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

• Begin referral process for children who exhibit adverse behaviors.
• Collaborate and assist with developing and implementing IEP Team goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with families with the implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) developed for children with disabilities.
• Write progress notes for children with special needs and include them in child’s file.
• Provide supportive care in the area of their disability for children with special needs. 
• Encourage independent participation of children with special needs in all aspects of the program.
• Be able to fully integrate children with special needs into the classroom experience when possible.