Lead Teacher - 3-year-olds

Portage Public Schools•Portage, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher teaches and facilitates academic and social-emotional skills for 3-year-old children in a classroom aligned with curriculum and MiLeap standards. The teacher partners with the KCR4 coaching team to implement support for all students and plans and maintains a healthy, safe, developmentally appropriate preschool learning environment that promotes progress toward kindergarten readiness, in accordance with Great Start to Quality Standards and within a PBIS framework. Professional conduct with children, families, the community, and staff is expected to model excellence. This is a full-day, Monday-to-Friday position during the school year at the PPS Early Childhood Center, formerly the Curious Kids location. The role includes creating and implementing curriculum and lesson plans, supporting student IEPs and social-emotional learning, using program data and assessment tools, maintaining accurate and confidential student records, guiding classroom schedules and management, and serving as a liaison for families and community members seeking referrals, resources, or services. The teacher must follow MiLeap policies and procedures, the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook, and FERPA standards. Regular and consistent attendance is required. Duties listed are representative and not all-inclusive; other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Current CDA Certification in good standing with a Preschool Emphasis, or commitment to renew or attain the CDA within the first six months of employment.
Knowledge of MiLeap policies and procedures and previous experience with these policies.
Previous experience in a preschool setting.
Ability to interact with people from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff and the public.
Ability to assume responsibility, display initiative, and exercise good judgment.
Excellent and reliable attendance.
Proficient computer and document skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job’s essential functions, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Valid Michigan Teacher Certification with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Create and implement curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Creative Curriculum and responsive to individual students’ abilities, learning levels, and potential limitations.
Organize and facilitate conferences with parents and caregivers in accordance with the early childhood agreement.
Implement students’ IEPs and follow PBIS standards and frameworks.
Support social-emotional learning through curriculum and lesson plans using an approved evidence-based framework.
Implement, maintain, and facilitate program data and assessment tools to enhance student learning.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all students.
Establish a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all learners.
Guide, support, and structure classroom schedules to support the teaching team.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA standards when handling information about students and families.
Provide, structure, and oversee classroom management techniques and strategies to maximize a safe learning environment.
Serve as a liaison for families and community members regarding referrals, resource allocation, and services that support student success.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance and comply with Portage Public Schools policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.