Pre-K Teacher

General Summary

The Teacher works cooperatively with the Lead Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. With the support and guidance of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher will ensure that the classroom activities and environment are developmentally appropriate and reflect the agency's philosophy and curriculum.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Administration
• Develop and maintain confidential education information for children.
• In the absences of the Lead Teacher, facilitate and document weekly team meetings.
• Monitor and ensure that daily attendance and meal participation reports are completed.
• Accurately complete all required program documentation and submit in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher.
• Ensure all confidential information is protected.
• Work collaboratively with Supervisor and Director to assess strengths, challenges and develop goals annually.
• Work collaboratively with Lead Teacher to develop professional goals and review quarterly to make necessary adjustments.
• Input classroom data into appropriate information systems.
• Child Development
• Observe, assess, and document each child’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development.
• Provide opportunities for the children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• Ensure the development of individualized education for each child is documented.
• Ensure the development and implementation of individualized educational activities is incorporated into lessons plans for each child.
• Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol.
• Curriculum
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities which will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.
• In conjunction with the Lead Teacher, develop lesson plans with goals, objectives activities, and outcomes for children that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities and parent involvement into the plans.
• Work with support staff to integrate assessment results into curriculum and lesson planning.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education.
• In collaboration with the Pre-K Supervisor and Lead Teacher implement and help assess the program’s educational plan.
• Work collaboratively with teaching team and support staff to integrate assessment results into curriculum and lesson planning.
• Classroom Environment
• Assume responsibility for the management of the classroom during the Lead Teacher’s absence.
• Maintain a classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques that meet state and local licensing regulations, NAEYC performance standards and St. Vincent’s philosophy and curriculum.
• Ensure that all children are always under appropriate supervision.
• Maintain and care for equipment and materials.
• Notify supervisor and appropriate parties of any needed repairs or maintenance in classroom, playground, gym, and large motor room.
• Parent Involvement
• Schedule and ensure completion of at least two Parent Teacher conferences for each child.
• In conjunction with Assistant Director and Lead Teacher, encourage parent participation in the program.
• Develop effective partnerships with families.
• Provide examples and ideas for educational activities for parent/child participation at home.
• Encourage family engagement, including participation in quarterly Family Engagement Events.
• Develop effective partnerships with families.
• Other
• Attend all required meetings and trainings, including mentoring and coaching trainings.
• Routinely participate and make contributions at Teacher meetings, trainings, supervision, weekly team meetings; etc.
• Complete a minimum of (20) CEU’s annually to meet DCFS and Accreditation continuing education requirements.
• Track the utilization of materials, recommends supplies, equipment and supplies needed for program.
• Provide classroom coverage as needed to ensure teacher and child ratios.
• Complete required documentation for funders.
• Follow all mandates of NAEYC, state and local licensing and MSV philosophy and curriculum.
• Act with integrity and aspire to model our Core Values in the delivery of all services.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD).
• Gateway Membership ECE-Level 5 years prior teaching experience in relevant early childhood group setting.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills; able to establish a patient respectful, trustworthy relationship with children.
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold, Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold online.
• Knowledge of NAEYC standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Good computer skills.
• Knowledge of Positive guidance classroom management.
• Ability to work well with others and model professionalism in the classroom.
• Language Ability to read and speak English proficiently. Bilingual is a plus.

Physical Demands

• Moderate to loud noise.
• On the playground.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to implement early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (3-5) and be able to remain abreast of developments in the child development field.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and ability to implement reflective discussions and mentoring and coaching.
• Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals.
• Ability and willingness to work in a program that services high-risk, low-income community.
• Intermediate knowledge of computer application, work-processing software in a Windows environment and ability to learn and master other computer technology/software as needed.
• Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that consistently demonstrates respect and concern.