Head Preschool Teacher (Long-Term Substitute)

The Schoolhouse•South Burlington, VT

4d•$45,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Schoolhouse Learning Center is seeking a full-time Long-Term Substitute Head Preschool Teacher to co-lead a classroom of primarily four-year-olds alongside a team of collaborative and dedicated teaching partners. This position has a high likelihood of continued employment following the substitute term. We are looking for an enthusiastic educator who values play-based, nature-based learning and is excited to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world in young children. The Schoolhouse holds high professional and ethical standards for all of its employees. Employees are expected to embrace, model and embody the Schoolhouse mission and the 5 Core concepts that guide the institution. Employees strive for joyful, transformative learning that cultivates students' natural curiosity, critical thinking skills, and compassion for others. Employees respect children’s individual differences, nurture their capacity for growth, and are committed to authenticity in the activities that shape their learning. Employees collaborate with colleagues, community members and caregivers who are responsible for all aspects of the student’s school experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, School-Age Education, Science, Environmental Studies, Nature-Based Education, or a related field.
A demonstrated track record of working successfully with children (if degree is not in ECE)
A strong interest in nature-based and play-based education (if degree is not in ECE)
A commitment to completing any required coursework or training needed to meet Vermont Child Care Licensing requirements (if degree is not in ECE)
A minimum of two years of successful experience leading a classroom of young children as a Head Teacher or Lead Teacher, including curriculum development, implementation, and assessment.
Demonstrated ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with children, families, and colleagues while fostering a strong classroom community.
Proven leadership skills, including the ability to guide and support a teaching team, nurture children's growth and development, and contribute positively to the school community.
Commitment to implementing the Story Time curriculum and philosophy while designing and adapting engaging learning experiences that reflect our nature-based, play-based approach.
Ability to observe children's interests and developmental needs and use those observations to guide meaningful, child-centered learning opportunities.
Enthusiasm for spending significant time outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
Commitment to ongoing professional growth, including completing a minimum of 15 hours of early childhood professional development annually and obtaining First Aid/CPR certification within the timeline required by Vermont Child Care Licensing regulations.
Willingness to obtain a school bus endorsement for your driver's license.
Work the number of academic and in-service days articulated in the official school calendar, as published annually by the Board, plus 5 or more non-holiday workdays before the first day of school and 5 non-holiday work days after the last day of school as assigned by the Head of School or her designee
Work the number of hours per week determined by their supervisor or the Head of School, understanding that hours may change to meet the needs of the SCHOOL or the employee
Devote a reasonable amount of time during the contract period to curriculum development and professional development outside of the school year calendar, including in the summer (as an exempt employee)
Arrive at the school ready to start at the appointed time and stay until their shift ends, and, as appropriate, stay until all students have been picked up and the facilities are orderly
Expect to spend time outside of school hours planning and organizing curriculum, communicating with parents, and attending school events (as an exempt employee)
Follow the established procedures for requesting and tracking PTO including seeking approval in advance for planned days off and finding coverage for missed hours
Notifying the appropriate member of the administrative leadership team of an unplanned absence due to illness or an emergency as soon as possible but no later than 7:15 am.
Facilitate and/or attend the following (which may occur outside of normal school hours): staff and team meetings, fire and other drills, staff in-service training days, opening and closing school functions, family events such as classroom potlucks, Season of Light, family days and End of Year celebrations, professional development, including the VTAECY Conference, as requested, caregiver conferences, student activities and performances, other events or meetings as may be assigned from time to time
Encourage Lead and Assistant teachers to attend school gatherings
Use program time effectively and give his/her full attention to the students during program hours by limiting non-student or non-developmental conversations with colleagues to the absolute minimum
Be available to students and parents after hours, as needed (and within reasonable personal limitations)
Respect the rights and dignity of all members of the Schoolhouse community - students, colleagues, and caregivers
Implement/model Schoolhouse values as understood in the Five Core Concepts: Responsibility, Respect, Trust, Sharing, and Belonging
Model self disciplined and ethical behavior
Be consistent and reliable
Commit to ongoing professional growth and development including establishing annual professional goals with their supervisor (IPDP), participating in scheduled in-service meetings (or as requested by the Head of School), other professional development opportunities including but not limited to 15 hours a year.
Attending the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children conference as requested by the Preschool Leadership Team.
Abide by policies outlined in the Schoolhouse Employee Handbook and Staff Policies and revised from time to time
Exhibit enthusiasm for the school and the opportunities it provides
Maintain a flexible and open attitude
Limit personal business to non-school hours to the extent possible
Dress professionally and appropriately for their job duties

Nice To Haves

Candidates with degrees in science, environmental studies, nature-based education, or other related fields who do not have formal training in early childhood education may be considered if they have: A demonstrated track record of working successfully with children; A strong interest in nature-based and play-based education; and A commitment to completing any required coursework or training needed to meet Vermont Child Care Licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

Defining program goals in collaboration with the preschool Leadership team
Setting and overseeing staff schedules and ensuring that staff to student ratios are maintained at all times
Editing and updating the Story Time curriculum materials
Overseeing supervision and mentoring of all classroom staff, including delegating supervisory tasks to other Head Teachers as appropriate.
Ensure all preschool staff have a firm grounding in the Storytime and Schoolhouse philosophy, VELS and State Licensing Requirements.
Implementing Teaching Strategies Gold and other student assessments and support outside and inside the classroom as requested by preschool Leadership Team and required by regulations
Monitoring and assisting in the development of the annual program budget
Supervising and enforce daily procedures
Conducting Preschool staff evaluations for lead and assistant teachers a minimum of one time per year as requested
Preparing records and reports as needed or requested, including, but not limited to daily attendance, budget projections, etc.
Maintain child/staff ratios and operate daily classroom in conformity with the State regulations for the physical safety and wellbeing of the children, families and staff
Be responsible for the whole student’s experience, social, emotional and academic, (in all areas of development)
Take responsibility for class flow and scheduling, grouping of students and teachers according to skill level, one on one processing with children when needed, curriculum, transition times, meals, toileting, circle, trips and other activities
Develop, plan and implement age-appropriate activities and curriculum for a multi-age nature and play based environment
Provide a visual daily schedule for both children, families and staff that is consistent with the daily flow
Understand and implement the Vermont Early Learning Standards and The Common Core (as it relates to pre-schools)
Understand and implement Teaching Strategies Gold, ASQ and other student assessments and support outside and inside the classroom as requested by the preschool Leadership Team
Understand age-appropriate expectations for children (academic and social)
Encourage play, nature exploration, emergent math and literacy with students in accordance with program philosophy
Develop and promote each child’s positive self-image
Provide a stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity, inquiry, exploration, autonomy and independence
Encourage exploration of how identity, and social and/or environmental justice, shape our world and connect the many areas of learning as part of a broad commitment to anti-racist and anti-bias education
Explicitly teach and support students in developing strong executive function, problem solving and communication skills
Understand the needs of and differentiate instruction and activities for diverse learners including those with learning differences.
Communicate concerns about children’s development with supervisor and/or Preschool Leadership Team in a timely manner
Submit plans, records and reports as requested by Supervisor and/or Preschool Leadership Team
Remain current on any changes in the field of early childhood education, nature-play based preschool education, and current child care program practice
Review preschool staff annual Individual Professional Development Plans when requested
Afford colleagues, students and caregivers the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss concerns, differences and difficulties and seek meaningful resolution, using a strength based approach.
Communicate effectively and frequently with caregivers who are partners in their student’s education
Communicate with prospective families and students to help them understand the school and its programs
Inform the Preschool Leadership Team and/or Head of School of concerns that arise in a timely fashion
Maintain confidentiality of children, families and staff at all times
Welcome and orient new parents and children
Update regular classroom blog/Google Photo album
Seek to maintain positive relationships and daily communication with families
Inform the Preschool Leadership Team of observations or areas of concern
Be familiar with and implement all Allergy Alert plans, illness alerts and asthma plans
Maintain all medication logs and update medications for classrooms.
Write and send out weekly parent newsletters with updates about the current week and other important information
Set up Bi-annual parent conferences, including scheduling
Maintain positive and timely e-mail communication with parents
Actively make resources and information available to families
Maintain Family Communication board with daily message, important information and documentation about children’s work (in the hallway)
Work with Tutors, Specialist and School District representatives to support children and families with diverse learning needs
Facilitate curriculum meetings with families
Ensure their staff files are updated and meet licensing standards
Receive mentoring and training including but not limited to: frequent and direct feedback to ensure they are able to grow in their position.
Ensuring that the flow of the day does not leave Assistant Teachers in charge of a large group or in a position to be the sole point of staff contact with parents.
Ensuring that the flow of the day does not leave an assistant teacher alone with any small group that includes students we know need extra support and guidance except with the explicit agreement of the Co-Director and or Master Head Teacher.
Lead by example and be explicit in coaching the assistant teacher on the spot
Communicating with assistant teacher’s supervisor and co-directors about any concerns or compliments as requested or needed
Providing feedback to the co-directors that can be included in staff evaluations, as requested
Train subs and other staff members as requested
Conduct evaluations for lead and assistant teachers a minimum of one time per year as requested
Provide positive encouragement, constructive feedback and role modeling for program staff
Recruit, interview, mentor, train and supervise preschool staff when requested
Participate in meetings and training opportunities for preschool staff
Perform inventory and assist in purchasing of necessary supplies (including but not limited to: snack, crafts, equipment)
Assist with the preparation of marketing and registration materials when requested
Review family intake forms and share important information with staff
Communicate with the front office about late pick ups, drop days, budget and program expenditures
Communicate with Operations Manager about needs for the building and grounds
Share responsibility to and leadership for the broader school community
Ensure student safety above all else and understand The Schoolhouse policies to ensure student and community safety
Track student attendance in the manner and format requested
File and maintain incident reports
Take responsibility for opening, setting up and closing classrooms at the end of the day according to opening and closing checklists
Follow, teach and practice established safety procedures
Take responsibility for an orderly and neat classroom during the school hours
Take responsibility for keeping common areas and school grounds neat and orderly
Ensure the proper use, maintenance and storage of school materials, equipment and property
Maintain and renew CPR and First Aid certification
Obtain a bus driver endorsement within one year of being hired unless exempted from this expectations by Supervisor or Head of School
Ensure personnel file is complete including copies of: signed contract, resume, teaching license (if applicable), up to date CPR and First Aid certifications, information about professional development and training hours, updated Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Preschool Leadership Team and/or Head of School.