Lead Preschool Teacher, Quincy Place - Early Learning Programs

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland•Cleveland, OH

1d•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 Catholic Charities Early Learning/Head Start program provides comprehensive services for children and families, including early learning, professional development, family engagement, health and nutrition, and mental health and disability services. The program serves children and families at 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 curriculum, maintains a safe and supportive learning environment, and completes educational records and documentation in compliance with applicable regulations and program requirements. The role collaborates with Teacher Assistants, Family Advocates, families, specialists, and program staff to plan instruction, monitor children’s development, support families, and prepare children for kindergarten. It also includes classroom health, safety, hygiene, meal-service, and administrative duties.

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 individuals 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 serve as an advocate for Head Start programs within the community.
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to engage actively with preschool children and perform physical tasks 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

Ensure the position’s activities and programs are consistent with Catholic Charities’ mission, vision, and values.
Follow policies and procedures for immediately reporting suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services and Site Administrator, and submit 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 that support children’s well-being, independence, and development.
Implement supplemental curriculum as assigned and collaborate with the Teacher Assistant on daily lesson plans aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards and individualized for children using assessment information.
Establish a consistent daily routine, plan transition activities, actively supervise children, and maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
Maintain timely and accurate attendance records and complete required educational paperwork, child files, parent-contact records, portfolios, binders, and electronic data entry.
Assess and record children’s height, weight, and blood pressure; collaborate on social-emotional and developmental screenings, re-screenings, and intervention plans.
Implement and document IEP accommodations and strategies, and implement behavior plans developed by disability or mental-health specialists while reporting outcomes.
Maintain accurate assessment data, anecdotal notes, developmental progress records, and electronic documentation; establish 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, 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.
Create monthly calendars and newsletters with the Teacher Assistant.
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 recruiting and enrolling children into the Head Start program; greet children and families at arrival and dismissal.
Supervise, guide, and model appropriate teaching techniques and behaviors for Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers, and maintain positive working relationships with families and program staff.
Engage with children during play and daily activities, supporting learning through interaction at the child’s eye level.
Maintain classroom materials and their condition, and promote care and ownership of the learning environment.
Teach and maintain classroom health and safety practices, including handwashing, toothbrushing, fire drills, and disaster drills; conduct daily health checks and required bus evacuation drills.
Sanitize toys and cots, and clean tables, eating areas, and classroom spaces daily according to policies and 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.