Preschool Lead Teacher

Third Street Music School • New York, NY

3d • $65,000

About The Position

Third Street Music School is seeking Lead Teachers for our Twos, Threes, or Fours classes who will be responsible for providing the overall learning experience for preschool children, classroom management and social guidance. Our emergent, project-based curriculum is developed by our teachers through research, scaffolding curriculum based on developmental milestones, and creativity, in response to the interests of the children in the class. Preferred candidates will demonstrate skill in observing, building exciting curriculum in all developmental domains, working collaboratively with colleagues, and a passion for working with children and families in a kind, present way. The teacher will be attentive to children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. In addition, the Lead Teacher will be caring for the physical and emotional well-being of any child in the program, and particularly their classroom. This includes diapering, assistance with potty training, wiping faces, washing hands, changing clothes as needed, assisting with self-care, negotiating play between children, and taking proactive measures to ensure a safe classroom. The Lead Teacher also works with and supports the Associate Teacher(s), substitute teachers and interns. This role will maintain continuous interaction with parents.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in early childhood education or otherwise meets study plan qualifications provided by the DOH/MH.
• New York State Certified or actively pursuing certification or has reciprocity from another state.
• Two years’ experience as a Lead Teacher with three professional references.
• Two years’ experience working in an early childhood setting or similar position.
• Completes all training and certification demands required by New York City Department of Health and Hygiene.
• Follows all applicable policies and procedures in Third Street employee handbooks and manuals. Familiar and compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Clearance of a background check.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to Third Street’s philosophy and educational goals for children.
• Communicates appropriately with all constituencies.
• Attends and actively participate in all required staff, team, and school meetings. All meetings are in-person unless otherwise indicated by the Director.
• Attends and actively participate in all required professional development sessions. These sessions are in-person unless otherwise indicated by the Director.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, including written, oral and listening skills.
• Communicates openly and frequently with Director regarding children, curriculum and parent interactions.
• Develops warm and trusting relationships with children, parents and caregivers.
• Creates and distributes weekly online communications, submitting each for Director’s review.
• Cultivates and promote intentional and open-ended play experiences.
• Respects and incorporates the value of intentional play, free play, and the arts.
• Perform any other preschool related duties as directed by supervisor.
• Maintains a safe and engaging classroom that allows children to explore, play and create. This includes sanitizing toys and materials.
• Organizes classroom space into inspiring yet functional areas understood by children.
• Maintains all classroom furnishing and materials in a clean and orderly manner.
• Provides for constant supervision and engagement of all children during activities, both indoors and outdoors ensuring a safe environment.
• Curates classroom bulletin boards and wall displays to reflect emergent classroom interests, allowing for in-process demonstrations of student work.
• Demonstrates effective, kind and consistent classroom management strategies.
• Helps children move from one activity and location to another activity.
• Knowledgeable in child development and sets appropriate expectations of children in coordination with the Associate Teacher(s).
• Tracks new aspects of growth and development of children, incorporating learning goals accordingly.
• Prepares confidential reports for ongoing schools, therapists and outside agencies as requested by the school or parent in collaboration with the Director.
• Identifies potential concerns with the Director and/or Developmental Consultant before discussing concerns with parents.
• Sets and maintains expectations for each child in accordance with developmental milestones.
• Conducts parent-teacher conferences with clarity, care, sensitivity and meaningful information.
• Supports children in their efforts to build independence, resilience and confidence.
• Encourages children to engage in all areas of the classroom.
• Generates curriculum that is developmentally attuned, interactive and grounded in children’s interests as well as their everyday experience, sparking the potential for new learning.
• Plans daily activities jointly with the Associate Teacher(s) to reflect curriculum initiatives and developmental guidelines, while integrating music and movement.
• Allows and encourages in-depth exploration of materials.
• Encourages creative expression, intellectual curiosity and skill development.
• Uses available community resources for classroom enrichment.
• Warm, generous and responsive to young children.
• Friendly and respectful with parents and colleagues.
• Works well collaboratively.
• Extends and facilitates positive interaction among students.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level