Lead Preschool Teacher, Good Shepherd - Early Learning Programs

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland•Highland Heights, OH

1d•$23 - $27

About The Position

The Lead Preschool Teacher performs day-to-day classroom activities and operations under supervision to support children’s development and facilitate kindergarten readiness. The role is part of Catholic Charities’ Early Learning/Head Start program, which provides comprehensive services to children and families, including early learning, professional development, family engagement, health and nutrition, and mental health and disabilities services. The program serves five locations in Cuyahoga County, and all sites have a Gold Level SUTQ rating. The teacher actively supervises and engages children throughout classroom activities and the curriculum, maintains a safe and supportive learning environment, and completes educational records and documentation in electronic systems. The position collaborates with Teacher Assistants, Family Advocates, families, and program staff to plan instruction, monitor children’s progress, support individual needs, and prepare children and families for kindergarten. Staff are mandated reporters of known or suspected child abuse.

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 certifications in First Aid, CPR, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse, 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 lift up to 40 pounds; push, pull, carry, climb, balance, kneel, sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat.
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 is preferred.
Previous experience in a human services setting or Community Action program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure activities and programs are consistent with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland’s mission, vision, and values.
Follow policies and procedures 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 that supports children’s well-being, safety, independence, and development through defined learning centers.
Implement supplemental curriculum as assigned.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to develop daily lesson plans aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards and curriculum indicators, informed by assessments and individualized for each child.
Establish and maintain a consistent daily routine that meets children’s needs and curriculum requirements.
Actively supervise children and maintain required child-to-staff ratios at all times.
Maintain timely and accurate attendance records.
Assess and record children’s height, weight, and blood pressure.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant on social-emotional and parent screenings, developmental screenings, and required electronic data entry.
Complete re-screenings and implement intervention plans for children who need additional support.
Implement and document strategies and accommodations in IEPs and those recommended by T/TA agency providers.
Implement behavior plans developed by disabilities and mental health specialists and report outcomes.
Maintain child assessment data, anecdotal notes, developmental progress records, and electronic documentation; create outcome target goals after assessment periods.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate to conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually for each child.
Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss developmental goals, progress, and parent observations, and to gather family input.
Conduct kindergarten transition activities, including school or classroom visits, and complete transfer packet documentation.
Conduct annual pedestrian safety training for children and families.
Work with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate to engage parents and support the curriculum through weekly school-readiness activities.
Maintain children’s files, document parent contacts, complete paperwork, and enter data into electronic systems.
Maintain child portfolios and classroom education binders.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to create monthly family calendars and newsletters.
Use target goals and instructional practices to maintain and improve CLASS and PQA observation scores.
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.
Greet children and families during arrival and dismissal.
Supervise, guide, and model appropriate teaching techniques and behaviors for Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers.
Maintain positive working relationships with Teacher Assistants, volunteers, parents, and program staff.
Engage with children during play and daily activities, supporting learning through interaction at the child’s eye level.
Plan daily transition activities to support classroom management and reduce wait times.
Maintain classroom materials and promote care and ownership of the learning environment.
Teach and maintain health and safety practices, including handwashing, toothbrushing, fire drills, and disaster drills.
Conduct daily health checks when children arrive.
Conduct required bus evacuation drills.
Sanitize toys and cots according to policies and procedures.
Clean tables, eating areas, and surrounding classroom spaces daily.
Submit weekly meal counts and complete monthly meal-related paperwork accurately.
Sit with children during meals, model healthy eating, encourage conversation, and support self-serving practices when appropriate.
Perform Point of Service meal counts and complete CACFP and USDA documentation.
Report and document signs of illness or injury, complete incident reports, and submit documentation within 24 hours when applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.