Lead Preschool Educator

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania • Pittsburgh, PA

11d • $45,000 - $47,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA), our Preschool Teachers create safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where every child can thrive. The Preschool Teacher serves as the lead educator in the classroom, delivering high-quality early childhood programming that supports the cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development of children ages 3–5. This position plays an essential role in advancing BGCWPA's mission by building strong relationships with children and families, implementing evidence-based curriculum, maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS expectations, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) standards, while fostering a culture of safety, belonging, and excellence. The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, believes every child deserves high-quality learning experiences, and demonstrates professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field meeting PA DHS Chapter 3270 Group Supervisor qualifications.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with preschool-aged children.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Strong classroom management and positive behavior support skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic technology applications.
• CPR/Pediatric First Aid, Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal History, FBI Clearance, NSOR Certificate, TB Test, Mandated Reporter Training, and other required certifications must be obtained upon hire or within established timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or Early Childhood Education.
• Pennsylvania Teaching Certification.
• Experience with: Frog Street Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, Keystone STARS, Inclusive classroom practices, Trauma-informed care, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences using Frog Street (or approved curriculum) aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
• Lead the creation of weekly lesson plans.
• Foster children's growth across all developmental domains, including: Social-emotional development, Language and literacy, Mathematics, Science and STEM, Creative arts, Gross and fine motor development, Social studies.
• Create engaging classroom environments that promote exploration, creativity, curiosity, and independent learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the individual developmental needs of each child.
• Utilize positive behavior support strategies that encourage self-regulation and social-emotional growth.
• Maintain classroom schedules and routines that maximize learning while supporting children's emotional well-being.
• Complete developmental screenings and assessments in accordance with DHS regulations and program requirements.
• Conduct required child evaluations within established timelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of child progress.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding children's development and learning.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Support family engagement opportunities including conferences, classroom events, and educational activities.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times utilizing BGCA's "See, Hear, Direct, and Assess" supervision model.
• Ensure compliance with all BGCA Youth Protection Policies and safety requirements.
• Maintain classroom ratios and supervision standards.
• Follow all emergency procedures and health & safety protocols.
• Report suspected child abuse immediately in accordance with mandated reporting laws.
• Conduct daily health and safety checks of classroom environments.
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free learning spaces.
• Lead compliance systems in the Preschool classroom to ensure adherence to BGCA regulations, Pennsylvania DHS licensing regulations (3270), and other applicable standards.
• Ensure classroom compliance with: PA DHS Chapter 3270 Regulations, Keystone STARS Standards, Licensing Requirements, CACFP requirements (when applicable), BGCA Youth Development practices.
• Maintain organized compliance documentation and prepare materials for licensing visits, monitoring reviews, and audits.
• Maintain accurate attendance, health, incident, medication, and classroom documentation.
• Prepare classroom environments for licensing visits, quality assessments, and monitoring.
• Participate in classroom observations, coaching, and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Strong, consistent and appropriate communication with families.
• High quality implementation of the classroom curriculum.
• Create opportunities and activities that produce strong evidence of learning within the classroom environment.
• Create meaningful relationships with children built upon trust, encouragement, and respect.
• Promote confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills.
• Support smooth transitions throughout the daily schedule.
• Integrate literacy, STEM, arts, movement, outdoor play, and social-emotional learning into daily instruction.
• Celebrate children's accomplishments and developmental milestones.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level