Preschool Lead Teacher/UPK - school year

This position is the lead in a daycare classroom of Head Start children at our Greenfield Center location just outside of Saratoga Springs. The role involves facilitating team planning, implementation, and supervision of classroom activities, as well as providing supervision to Assistant Teachers and Program Aides. You will work with typically developing children and children with disabilities, and as the Center Director, you will have primary responsibility for all safety compliance standards for the classroom.

Pay

Position starts at $22.84 per hour if the candidate has a Bachelor’s Degree and holds the required teaching certification. A rate of $25.02 per hour is offered if the candidate has a Master's Degree and holds the required teaching certification. A higher rate of pay may also be considered based on previous relevant teaching experience and certification. An additional $0.25 per hour is offered for center director duties.

Schedule

This is a school year position working 44 weeks of the year (late August to late June). Some evening work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits and Parent Committee Meetings.

Responsibilities

• Work with classroom staff and parents to implement curriculum that is meaningful and meets the individual and program needs.
• Supervise classroom staff, promoting teamwork and professional growth.
• Prepare weekly daily lesson plans that support children’s learning goals.
• Develop an individual plan for each child to include goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established school readiness goals and outcome goals.
• Address challenging behaviors using developmentally appropriate, supportive, and consistent approaches.
• Model and teach appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.
• Ensure the site and its programming are in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NY Pre-K regulations.
• Build strong, respectful partnerships with families that are responsive to unique needs and cultures, such as single parents, grandparents as caregivers, co-parenting relationships, LGBTQ families, non-English speaking families, teen parents, and domestic violence situations.
• Perform safe and thorough basic cleaning and sanitation practices for classrooms, inspections, fire drills, etc.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Valid NYS Teaching Certification in a preschool category.
• One year of experience supervising staff in a child care program with successful and proven techniques for management.
• One year of full-time teaching experience in an early childhood program.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable to operate agency vehicles.
• Must be willing to obtain and maintain Basic First Aid, CPR certification, and MAT (Medication Administration Training) within the initial probationary period and maintain certification.
• Required to be MAT trained and certified to pass medications as needed.
• Above average organizational and communication skills, ability to work as a member of a team, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain professionalism with staff, children, and families.
• Computer skills and knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Google Docs, Zoom, or other online meeting platforms.
• Familiarity with mobile devices, online training platforms, and software applications.
• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Professional Development
• Kid-friendly work schedule
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Paid Personal, Paid Sick Time
• Paid School Breaks
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• FREE Calm app subscription

LifeWorks Community Action, formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, is a nonprofit that helps thousands of neighbors each year overcome the challenges of poverty by providing food, early childhood education, energy services, health and wellness, and immigrant services. Popular programs include The Pantry in Ballston Spa and The Kitchen in Saratoga Springs, as well as Head Start, WIC, and Weatherization.