Lead Teacher

Oakland Family Services•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

Oakland Family Services' Children's Learning Center has both GSRP and Tuition-Based classrooms. GSRP classrooms run during the schoolyear only (September-June), but there are opportunities for GSRP teachers to work in the Summer Camp Program during the summer months. The Lead Teacher is responsible for the daily operations of a classroom in Oakland Family Services' Children's Learning Center (CLC). The teacher is responsible for the oversite and implementation of high quality, High Scope learning experiences for children, ensuring adherence to State Licensing standards, task supervision of support staff, daily lesson planning, interacting with parents and volunteers, record keeping, and other miscellaneous operations related to the Children's Learning Center Programming. The position reports to the Early Childhood Education Site Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or child development with a specialization in preschool teaching, or an elementary teaching certification with an early childhood endorsement.
Excellent communication skills that focus on positive and professional communication with parents and children.
Utilization of positive classroom management techniques.
Abilities and skills in the team approach to problem solving and task completion.
Selected candidates for this position must possess a sensitivity to the diversity of the Agency’s service population including (but not limited to) differences of culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic characteristics.
Special abilities and skills necessary to perform the required tasks and that best meet the needs of the agency also will be considered. There may be some standards above that may be waived when compensating specifications or circumstances exist.

Nice To Haves

Two years of teaching experience preferred.
Experience utilizing the High Scope approach preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate, engaging activities using the High Scope approach to learning with children.
Maintain standards of quality as required by Great Start to Quality, NAEYC and COA accreditation.
Maintain standards of State licensure including knowledge of all licensing rules and timely reporting of potential violations to both internal and external authorities.
Maintain accurate records of the children's attendance, meal records, incident reports, medication and allergies and parent communication.
Facilitate daily and weekly team planning meetings to create lesson plans, review COR and other assessment data, discuss classroom support needs and coordinate task responsibilities with the Assistant Teacher or other classroom support staff.
Participate in gathering necessary data, creating, and implementing Behavioral Plans for identified children with support from the Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist and/or site supervisor.
Provide coaching, mentoring, training and feedback to assistant teacher(s) and the childcare assistant on teaching team.
Provide coaching, mentoring, training, and feedback to the teaching team in areas of personal expertise.
Collaborate with classroom teaching partners, supervisor and administrative team members on curriculum, student, and center needs.
Schedule, plan, and conduct ASQ parent feedback meetings and minimum of two parent-teacher conferences per school year.
Schedule, plan and conduct two home visits with each Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) enrolled family.
Create and maintain formal and informal communications with parents through daily interactions, weekly newsletters, program apps, emails and additional conferences as needed.
Daily documentation of children's interactions and play through anecdotal notes.
Oversee and review all anecdotal notes, classroom and other program documentation for completion and grammatical accuracy prior to submission. This includes the review of the assistant teacher’s anecdotal notes.
Assess children’s developmental progress using High Scope's Child Observation Record (COR).
Administer, score, and provide parental feedback on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE) and other Agency required assessments and screenings as needed.
Collaborate, create, and oversee implementation of children’s behavioral support plans as needed.
Planning and facilitating parent education programs.
Track parent involvement and complete all required reporting.
Create and maintain a clean, healthy, and esthetically pleasing classroom learning environment for children.
Provide active supervision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each child.
Request and inventory classroom materials and supplies.
Participate in professional development opportunities, meetings, and other program and agency activities as required by licensing, accreditation, and other funding requirements.
Responsible for incorporating principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in work processes and in job functions. Responsible for promoting a feeling of welcoming, belonging, and acceptance to all clients and staff.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive compensation.
Comprehensive medical, dental, prescription, and vision coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts and HSA options.
Retirement plan with a company match.
Long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary short-term disability.
Life insurance and AD&D.
Malpractice insurance.
Paid time off benefits, including generous vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement days.
Twelve (12) paid holidays, including a floating holiday of your choice!
Annual pay increases, as approved.
Employee assistance program for you and immediate family.
Network of support for your health & well-being.
Verizon cellular plan discount.
Mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate.
Loan forgiveness programs.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Family friendly practices and support.
Flexible work schedules, as appropriate.
Hybrid and virtual work options, as appropriate.
Highly robust and comprehensive onboarding and training program.
Paid professional development.
Free online trainings that count toward continuing education credits.
Employee assistance programs.
“Dress for Your Day” approach to dress code.
Financial literacy education and workshops.
Collaborative annual performance appraisals.
“Dollars for a Difference” program for clients and staff in need.