Lead Preschool Teacher, Good Shepherd - Early Learning Programs

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland•Euclid, OH

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Preschool Teacher performs day-to-day classroom activities and operations under supervision to support children’s development and kindergarten readiness. The role provides high-quality early learning in a comprehensive program that also supports families through professional development, family engagement, health and nutrition, and mental health and disabilities services. The program serves children and families at five Cuyahoga County locations, all rated Gold Level by Step Up To Quality. The teacher actively supervises and engages children across classroom activities and curriculum areas, maintains a safe and supportive learning environment, and collaborates with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate. The position includes planning and delivering instruction, assessing and documenting children’s development, partnering with families, maintaining regulatory and program compliance, and supporting children’s health and safety. The role also guides Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers and contributes to program recruitment, enrollment, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; or a bachelor’s or advanced degree with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education; or an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with progress toward a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Working knowledge of local, state, and federal daycare licensing laws and regulations.
Current First Aid, CPR, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse certifications, or ability to obtain them within the first three months of employment.
Current medical statement signed by a physician or certified nurse practitioner.
Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic, and organizational backgrounds.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to advocate for Head Start programs within the community.
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to actively engage with preschool children and meet physical demands, including lifting up to 40 pounds; pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, balancing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, bending, and squatting.
Successful completion of fingerprinting and background check requirements.
All staff are mandated reporters of known or suspected child abuse.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of experience in a daycare or preschool classroom.
Previous experience in a human services setting or Community Action program.

Responsibilities

Actively supervise children and engage with them during play and curriculum activities while maintaining required child-to-staff ratios.
Follow agency policies for immediately reporting suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services and Site Administrator and submitting required documentation.
Maintain compliance with state and local regulations, SUTQ, Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Pre4CLE, ECE, Head Start Performance Standards, and other funder requirements.
Plan and maintain a safe, clean learning environment with defined learning centers, and implement supplemental curriculum as assigned.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to develop daily lesson plans aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards, curriculum indicators, assessments, and individual children’s needs.
Establish consistent daily routines and plan transitions that support classroom management and reduce wait times.
Maintain timely, accurate attendance records and complete children’s height, weight, and blood pressure assessments.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant on social-emotional and developmental screenings, parent screenings, data entry, re-screenings, and intervention plans.
Implement and document IEP strategies and accommodations, as well as behavior plans developed by disabilities and mental health specialists; report outcomes.
Maintain accurate child assessment data, anecdotal notes, developmental progress records, electronic documentation, child portfolios, classroom education binders, and files.
Create outcome target goals following assessment periods and use target goals and instructional practices to maintain and improve CLASS and PQA observation scores.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate to conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually for each child, discussing goals, progress, observations, and family input.
Conduct kindergarten transition activities, including school or classroom visits, and complete transfer packet documentation.
Conduct annual pedestrian safety training activities for children and families.
Work with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate to engage parents and support curriculum through weekly school-readiness activities.
Document parent contacts, complete required paperwork and electronic data entry, and collaborate with the Teacher Assistant on monthly family calendars and newsletters.
Participate in required staff meetings and professional development, complete annual SUTQ training, and maintain an active OPDN profile.
Assist with recruitment and enrollment of children in the Head Start program and greet children and families during arrival and dismissal.
Supervise, guide, and model appropriate teaching techniques and behavior for Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers; maintain positive working relationships with families, colleagues, and program staff.
Maintain classroom materials and promote children’s care and ownership of the learning environment.
Teach and support health and safety practices, including handwashing and toothbrushing; conduct fire, disaster, and required bus evacuation drills; and complete daily health checks at arrival.
Sanitize toys and cots and clean tables, eating areas, and surrounding classroom spaces according to agency procedures.
Submit weekly meal counts and monthly meal-related paperwork; conduct Point of Service meal counts and complete CACFP and USDA documentation.
Sit with children during meals, model healthy eating, encourage conversation, and support self-serving practices when appropriate.
Report and document signs of illness or injury, complete incident reports, and submit documentation within 24 hours when applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.