Universal Pre-K Teacher

First Learning • Town of Penfield, NY

9d • $20 - $25

About The Position

Responsible for the general supervision of children and classroom staff and the management of one classroom. The role provides a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment where children can develop at their own pace socially, physically, emotionally, and cognitively. The teacher works with the designated school district, supervises assistant teachers, and reports to the Director, Assistant Director, or another designated Administrator.

The teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate programming, maintains classroom safety and records, builds relationships with families, and supervises, trains, and supports classroom staff. The position also includes classroom and center administrative duties, maintaining required training records, and completing ongoing early childhood education training.

Requirements

• Meet one of the listed training and experience pathways: New York State Teaching Certification (Birth–2); a bachelor's degree and at least six credit hours in early childhood education; or at least six months of experience in a school-based setting with children under age six, with a commitment to obtain New York State early childhood teacher certification within three years of employment.
• Demonstrate commitment to and interest in professional growth through education, work experience, and involvement with the early childhood community.
• Be able to observe, see, hear, and respond to children's needs, emergencies, and conflicts in classrooms, on playgrounds, in other center areas, and on field trips.
• Be able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table 25–30 times daily.
• Be able to reach a child 20–30 feet away within 30 seconds.
• Be able to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods regularly.
• Provide a physician's statement confirming good health and proof of being free of tuberculosis.
• Obtain New York State Registry clearance.
• Obtain Criminal History Fingerprint clearance.
• Know New York State child care regulations.
• Know and be able to implement developmentally appropriate practices and age-appropriate activities corresponding with NAEYC guidelines.
• Have effective and tactful oral and written communication skills.
• Have effective supervisory skills and model appropriate practices.
• Be able to maintain positive relationships with children, coworkers, and parents.
• Be able to use constructive methods to maintain group control and manage individual behaviors.
• Use sound judgment and tact.
• Be able to work on a team as a team leader.
• Be able to organize and problem-solve effectively.
• Be flexible, particularly with scheduling and practices to respond to program needs.
• Demonstrate creativity and patience.

Responsibilities

• Follow First Learning Child Care policies and procedures and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) child care licensing regulations.
• Provide for the care, safety, and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to personal needs such as diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, dressing, comforting, and preparing children for rest.
• Plan and implement an age-appropriate, open-ended program consistent with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and school district philosophies.
• Prepare an inviting, clean, and organized classroom with learning centers and hands-on activities consistent with NAEYC and district philosophies.
• Delegate program responsibilities to an appropriate person when absent.
• Interact frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive, and encouraging manner.
• Orient and actively supervise children in small and large groups.
• Develop relationships with parents and communicate regularly, including through classroom orientation, daily child activity reports, and at least biannual progress reports.
• Maintain classroom records and required written documentation for OCFS and the district.
• Know classroom children's allergies, inform staff, and act accordingly.
• Maintain a positive work climate, meet deadlines, and organize classroom procedures.
• Communicate effectively and directly with other staff.
• Provide timely reports to supervisors outlining needs, problems, and suggestions for improvement.
• Supervise, train, coach, and develop staff assigned to the classroom.
• Measure the progress of children and staff and create systems to improve, modify, and remediate.
• Assist the supervisor and provide staff support to other classrooms and employees as necessary.
• Supervise and maintain general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common spaces.
• Perform administrative duties necessary for classroom and center operations.
• Maintain a current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY.
• Complete 15 hours of early childhood training within the first six months and every year thereafter.

What This Job Offers

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