Lead Preschool Teacher

SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM INC•City of Schenectady, NY

5d•$25 - $33

About The Position

The Lead Preschool Teacher works at SCAP’s Bigelow location in Schenectady, New York, supporting the agency’s mission to improve communities, alleviate poverty, and help families. This full-time position is 35 hours per week for 40–48 weeks per year; unemployment benefits are available during school breaks and summer months. The teacher plans and implements teacher-directed and child-initiated activities, prepares weekly lesson plans, and works with classroom staff and parents to deliver a curriculum responsive to children and program needs. The role maintains a safe, healthy learning environment and completes required classroom records and evaluations. The teacher also communicates classroom updates to families, encourages parent participation, makes and follows up on referrals to other services, and may have mandated-reporter responsibilities. A $5,000 sign-on bonus is paid in two installments: $2,500 at the end of the four-month introductory period and $2,500 at the end of the first year. Starting hourly pay varies by education and certification: $25.11 with a bachelor’s degree, $29.98 with a master’s degree, and $33.08 with a master’s degree and Professional Early Childhood Education Certification.

Requirements

One or more teaching experiences; internships may count.
Demonstrated computer expertise and willingness to keep technology skills current for classroom and workplace use.
Ability to manage a classroom and multiple priorities efficiently.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and ability to lead a classroom team.
Provide a physical examination from a licensed health care provider every two years, clearing the employee under New York State Day Care regulations.
Complete a background check before employment as required by New York State Day Care regulations and Federal Head Start Performance Standards.
Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting individuals and families experiencing poverty.
Ability to build on the strengths of people from diverse racial, cultural, social, educational, and economic backgrounds, including high-risk populations, and provide services suited to individual and family needs.
One of the listed education and certification pathways: a master’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education with Professional Certification in Birth–3; a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education with Permanent Certification in N–6; a master’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education with Initial Certification in Birth–3; a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education with Provisional Certification in N–6; or a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Nice To Haves

New York State permanent or initial certification in a preschool category is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.
Prepare daily lesson plans weekly and collaborate with classroom staff and parents to implement a meaningful curriculum suited to individual and program needs.
Maintain a safe and healthy learning environment conducive to children’s growth and development.
Complete required paperwork accurately and on time, including classroom evaluations, attendance records, and volunteer time sheets, and follow through as appropriate.
When necessary, act as a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect, following agency procedures, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality, and immediately reporting incidents to management.
Prepare a weekly classroom newsletter, obtain Site Supervisor approval, share appropriate updates, and encourage parents to volunteer.
Make active referrals to other service areas, document referrals as needed, and conduct follow-up and support as part of the Head Start team.
Lead the classroom team and manage classroom priorities.

Benefits

$5,000 sign-on bonus, paid as $2,500 at the end of the four-month introductory period and $2,500 at the end of the first year.
Paid personal time.
Paid sick time.
Company holidays.
Medical insurance.
Dental and vision insurance.
403(b) with company match.
Flexible spending accounts.
Referral program.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Parental leave.
Unemployment benefits during school breaks and summer months.