Temporary Lead Early Childhood Teacher

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Vassar College is seeking a temporary Lead Teacher for an immediate leave replacement assignment, estimated to be 4-6 weeks, starting in September. The role involves developing, implementing, and evaluating classroom curriculum for children aged 2-5, ensuring a high-quality educational program aligned with the goals of a laboratory nursery school. The Lead Teacher will communicate effectively, collaborate with families and professionals, and support students and interns. A strong understanding of constructivist learning, play-based education, and emergent curriculum design is essential. This position also includes guiding school culture and mentoring assistant teachers, student teachers, and interns. The ideal candidate should be able to articulate an early childhood educational philosophy, including the rights of children, the rationale for inquiry-based education, the value of play, essential preschool classroom materials and design, the significance of care rituals, and the importance of outdoor experiences.

Requirements

AA degree in early childhood education while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or an equivalent degree type that meets OCFS requirements for being a lead teacher
Minimum 3 years of experience working within a team approach within a school or childcare center
Demonstrated understanding and practice of the Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators (NAEYC) as guidelines for responsible and professional behavior with children, colleagues, employer, and families
Experience with guidance/social coaching and conflict resolution for young children
Experience with child assessment and parent-teacher conferences
Ability to act as a leader in modeling collaborative communication, dialogue, and feedback for reflective teaching and mentoring in the classroom and throughout the school
Ability to perform emotional labor for children who are discovering their feelings and navigating new social contexts, and care for children’s physical needs
A willingness to grow and increase knowledge in the field and seek innovative approaches
Exhibit joy in working with children and families
Embrace the school’s mission and practice WNS values
Must be fingerprinted and cleared with a background check through the NY State Office of Children and Family Services
Ability to interact with children on their level; frequent bending, squatting, reaching, and sitting on the floor
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
Must remain alert and productive for ongoing active supervision of children and must be able to see and hear children at all times

Nice To Haves

5 years of experience managing and leading a teaching team and mentoring others
Master’s degree
Ability to take on multi-year projects, such as but not limited to curriculum leadership, professional development coordination, and committee work

Responsibilities

Develop trusting relationships with children and families
Have a well-articulated philosophy regarding child social-emotional development, discipline, and guidance, and understand the principles of responsive caregiving
Plan and implement a daily curriculum in accordance with developmentally appropriate practices
Meet with parents regularly, assess and document child progress
Organize and arrange the classroom environment and materials with care
Manage and lead reflective team meetings
Mentor and supervise others, and support a positive team teaching approach
Participate and help plan school events such as parent night and teacher reflections
Teach outside in all seasons and weather
Participate in reflective practice, documentation, and ongoing professional growth opportunities