Lead Toddler Teacher

CORA Services is a dynamic and growing not-for-profit organization in Philadelphia. For more than 50 years, CORA has served children and families experiencing emotional, academic, and social challenges that impact their development and productivity. Our mission is to empower children, young people, and families to thrive through quality and compassionate service. Our center is located in the Olde Richmond section of Philadelphia at the beautifully renovated Huntingdon Mills site.

About the Role

The Lead Toddler Teacher is a full-time, 12-month position responsible for coordinating and implementing educational programs for toddlers in alignment with developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement educational lesson plans based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards, in conjunction with the assigned OCDEL-approved curriculum.
• Plan individual and group activities to actively engage children and encourage cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Guide Assistant Teacher(s) and classroom support staff to ensure they are following planned activities and standards. Encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Monitor growth and development of children based on established learning objectives using provided, age-appropriate assessment tools.
• In consultation with the Center Director, make appropriate referrals for children needing additional services.
• Participate and support IEP and related services for all children, including participating in team meetings as needed.
• Establish positive relationships with parents and maintain frequent communication about student’s growth and progress through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences, utilizing approved methods and systems.
• Maintain individual student records indicating strengths and weaknesses in developmental areas.
• Lead and participate in Early Years special events, activities, and initiatives.
• Foster positive and collaborative relationships with all community partners and stakeholders.
• Maintain individual professional development record, including all required trainings and educational requirements to remain in compliance with funded program standards.
• Responsible for meeting deadlines and submitting all required documentation and deliverables for program compliance.
• Stay current on Early Childhood Education methodology and best practices in the field.
• Participate collaboratively and professionally with other teachers and staff to promote the general well-being of the Early Years program.
• All other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Childhood Development Associate (CDA), AA degree, or BA degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum of two years of documented experience working in a classroom setting with an early childhood population.
• Experience working with toddlers.
• Passion and skill for working with children.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with children, colleagues, and families.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Solid organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Familiarity with Keystone STARS standards, DHS regulations, and other government funding sources.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid Certification.

Pay

• CDA: $16.47/hour + 2 years of related experience.
• AA degree: $17.60/hour + 2 years of related experience.
• BA degree: $18.16/hour + 2 years of related experience.

Schedule

• 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM or 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverages with a competitive company premium contribution (eligible the first day of the month following date of hire).
• Company-paid life/AD&D and LTD coverages.
• Supplemental voluntary benefits including STD, accident, critical illness, etc.
• 403b retirement plan with generous company contribution after one year of service.
• Paid time off + paid agency holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Family Planning Benefits (including cash benefit to assist with IVF, egg freezing, adoption, or surrogacy).
• An outstanding, inclusive work environment.