Lead Preschool Educator

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania•Pittsburgh, PA

24d•$45,000 - $47,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Preschool Educator serves as the lead classroom educator at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 3–5. The role delivers high-quality early childhood programming that supports children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. It advances the organization’s mission by building strong relationships with children and families, implementing evidence-based curriculum, meeting Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS expectations, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America standards, and fostering safety, belonging, and excellence. The educator plans and implements curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, leads weekly lesson planning, differentiates instruction, supports positive behavior and self-regulation, and maintains classroom routines and an engaging learning environment. The role also conducts developmental screenings and assessments, documents children’s progress, communicates with families, and supports family engagement. The position is responsible for active child supervision, health and safety practices, mandated reporting, and maintaining classroom ratios. It leads classroom compliance with applicable licensing, quality, nutrition, and youth-development standards; maintains required records; prepares for licensing visits and reviews; and participates in observations, coaching, and quality improvement. The educator works mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening family engagement events, professional development, and organizational activities as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field meeting PA DHS Chapter 3270 Group Supervisor qualifications.
At least three years of experience working with preschool-aged children.
Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania DHS Chapter 3270 regulations and Keystone STARS standards.
Experience implementing evidence-based early childhood curriculum and conducting child assessments.
Strong classroom management and positive behavior support skills.
Ability to create a safe, nurturing, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that supports children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate documentation, child records, lesson plans, and licensing compliance records.
Commitment to exceptional customer service and positive partnerships with families.
Ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team while demonstrating initiative and leadership in the classroom.
Strong time management and problem-solving skills, with ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Proficiency with Google Workspace and basic technology applications.
Ability to meet the physical demands of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; pushing and/or pulling; climbing steps; balancing; stooping; standing; sitting; kneeling; crawling; and crouching.
Required clearances and certifications must be obtained upon hire or within established timelines: CPR/Pediatric First Aid, Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal History, FBI Clearance, NSOR Certificate, TB Test, Mandated Reporter Training, and other required certifications.

Nice To Haves

Pennsylvania Teaching Certification.
Experience with Frog Street Curriculum.
Experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD.
Experience with Keystone STARS.
Experience with inclusive classroom practices.
Experience with trauma-informed care.
Experience with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Teaching Strategies GOLD experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences using Frog Street or another approved curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
Lead the creation of weekly lesson plans.
Support children’s development across social-emotional, language and literacy, mathematics, science and STEM, creative arts, gross and fine motor, and social studies domains.
Create engaging classroom environments that promote exploration, creativity, curiosity, and independent learning.
Differentiate instruction to meet individual developmental needs.
Use positive behavior support strategies to encourage self-regulation and social-emotional growth.
Maintain classroom schedules and routines that maximize learning and support children’s emotional well-being.
Complete developmental screenings, assessments, and evaluations within required timelines; maintain accurate documentation of child progress.
Communicate regularly with families about children’s development and learning, and build trusting relationships with parents and caregivers.
Support family engagement through conferences, classroom events, and educational activities.
Actively supervise children using BGCA’s “See, Hear, Direct, and Assess” model; maintain classroom ratios and supervision standards.
Follow BGCA Youth Protection Policies, emergency procedures, and health and safety protocols; immediately report suspected child abuse as required by law.
Conduct daily classroom health and safety checks and maintain clean, organized, hazard-free learning spaces.
Lead classroom compliance with BGCA standards, Pennsylvania DHS Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS standards, licensing requirements, and CACFP requirements when applicable.
Maintain organized compliance documentation and accurate attendance, health, incident, medication, and classroom records; prepare materials and environments for licensing visits, assessments, monitoring, and audits.
Participate in classroom observations, coaching, and continuous quality improvement activities.
Create classroom opportunities and activities that provide evidence of learning and implement curriculum to a high standard.
Build meaningful relationships with children based on trust, encouragement, and respect; promote confidence, independence, and problem-solving.
Support smooth daily transitions and integrate literacy, STEM, arts, movement, outdoor play, and social-emotional learning into instruction.
Celebrate children’s accomplishments and developmental milestones.
Participate in occasional evening family engagement events, professional development, and organizational activities as needed.