Preschool Lead Teacher

YOUNGSTOWN AREA JEWISH FEDERATION•Youngstown, OH

11d

About The Position

The Preschool Lead Teacher instructs preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school. The role supports the mission, vision, and values of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and follows a “Child First” philosophy: decisions and actions prioritize each child’s best interests and help every child feel a sense of belonging, safety, and purpose. The teacher leads and maintains a safe, clean, caring classroom where children can learn and explore. They plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and lesson plans, observe and assess children’s progress and well-being, collaborate with families and classroom staff, and maintain compliance with Ohio licensing and Step Up To Quality requirements. The stated hours are 8:45–4:45.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Complete certifications in First Aid, CPR, Child Neglect, and Communicable Diseases within the first 90 days of employment.
Pass an FBI/BCI background check.

Nice To Haves

CDA or a college degree (such as an associate or bachelor’s degree) in a related field.

Responsibilities

Lead and maintain a safe, clean, and caring classroom where children are free to learn and explore.
Organize and lead activities that promote children’s physical, mental, and social development and align with the Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS).
Observe and evaluate children’s performance, behavior, social development, and physical health as individuals and in groups.
Create, prepare, and implement lesson plans using Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and the Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS).
Work closely with parents and guardians to develop a meaningful experience for each child.
Work effectively and professionally with co-teachers and/or assistant teachers to provide a safe and healthy classroom environment.
Maintain classroom conditions, paperwork, and procedures in accordance with Ohio licensing and Step Up To Quality regulations and guidelines.
Perform classroom and environmental rating-scale assessments throughout the year.
Complete the required Ohio Approved Professional Development hours every biennium; ELC requires 10 hours yearly.
Provide materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use in learning activities and imaginative play.
Welcome arriving children, help them remove outerwear, and help them select activities of interest.
Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems and discuss concerns with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
Uphold and act according to the Child First philosophy.
Complete other tasks assigned by supervisors.