Lead Preschool Teacher, Quincy Place - Early Learning Programs

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland•Cleveland, OH

1d•$23 - $27

About The Position

Catholic Charities Early Learning/Head Start provides comprehensive services for children and families, including early learning education, 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. Under supervision, the Lead Preschool Teacher performs day-to-day classroom activities and operations that support children’s development and kindergarten readiness. The role involves actively supervising and engaging children throughout classroom activities and curriculum, maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment, and completing educational documentation in electronic databases in compliance with applicable requirements.

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 in 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 is preferred.
Previous experience in a human services setting or Community Action program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure work and program activities are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland.
Follow policies and procedures for immediately reporting suspected child abuse to the Department of Human Services and Site Administrator and submit required documentation.
Comply with applicable state and local regulations, SUTQ, Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Pre4CLE, ECE, Head Start Performance Standards, and funder requirements.
Plan and maintain a safe, clean learning environment with defined learning centers that supports children’s well-being, safety, independence, and development.
Implement assigned supplemental curriculum.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to develop individualized daily lesson plans aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards, curriculum indicators, and assessment results.
Establish and maintain consistent daily routines that meet children’s needs and curriculum requirements.
Actively supervise children and maintain required child-to-staff ratios.
Maintain timely and accurate attendance records.
Assess and record children’s height, weight, and blood pressure.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to complete social-emotional and parent screenings, developmental screenings, and required electronic data entry.
Complete re-screenings and implement intervention plans for children needing additional support.
Implement and document IEP and T/TA agency provider strategies and accommodations, and implement behavior plans developed by disability or mental health specialists, reporting outcomes.
Maintain child assessment data, anecdotal notes, developmental progress records, and electronic documentation; create outcome target goals after each assessment period.
Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate to conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences per child annually, discussing developmental goals, progress, parent observations, and 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 calendars and family 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 recruiting and enrolling children in 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.
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 that support classroom management and reduce wait times.
Maintain classroom materials and promote care and ownership of the learning environment.
Promote a safe and healthy classroom through instruction in handwashing and toothbrushing, and through fire and disaster drills.
Conduct daily health checks when children arrive and required bus evacuation drills.
Sanitize toys and cots according to policies and procedures; clean tables, eating areas, and nearby classroom spaces daily.
Submit weekly meal counts and complete monthly meal-related paperwork accurately.
Sit with children during meals, model healthy eating habits, 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.