Lead Teacher-P-3 Certified

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:

• Working closely with the Director, ensure all curriculum is reviewed and approved per the Director’s schedule.
• Carry out the curriculum plans and daily activities for children.
• Supervise and guide teacher assistants.
• Learn to identify child abuse and have a clear understanding of reporting requirements and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a child’s growth and development when working with children, recording activities, and talking with parents.
• Demonstrate, verbally and by role-modeling, a sound knowledge of good teaching practices.
• 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.
• Prepare developmentally appropriate educational material needed to implement the daily activity.
• Maintain a safe, clean, pleasant physical environment conducive to optimal growth and development of children. Ensure all health and safety standards are met.
• Observe, record, and evaluate children’s significant behavior.
• Supervise indoor-outdoor activities and nap periods.
• Attend staff and parent meetings and contribute to the meeting.
• Meet with individual parents at least twice yearly to report on child’s progress, discuss concerns with parents and act on those concerns.
• Check on supplies and equipment and request needed items from the Director.
• Administer first aid as needed and supervise children’s personal hygiene.
• Oversee the administration of medication after receiving written permission from the parents.
• Be responsible for all daily paperwork needed to maintain state code.
• Oversee all bathroom procedures, diapering, potty training, hand washing, etc.
• Be responsible for conducting classroom staff meetings to maintain state code.
• Show a professional enthusiasm for teaching.
• Be responsible for attending mandated workshops presented during “Center Shut Down” and at least two more professional days besides those mandated by the Director.
• Be responsible for any other duties requested by the Director.
• 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.