Early Learning Center Lead Teacher

Adath Jeshurun Early Learning Center is seeking patient and nurturing childcare teachers who have experience working with children from infant to 3 years old. 

Description:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team and functions as the leader of that specific classroom. The Lead Teacher plans and implements the curriculum, both of secular and Judaic content, and with active participation of other members of the teaching team, works with families and assesses the needs of individual children. The Lead Teacher will lead developmentally-appropriate activities that encourage healthy physical, social, and emotional development for students. 

Accountability:
The Lead Teacher reports to the Early Childhood Director.

Requirements:

• CDA, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
• Experience in child development or related field                                                    
• Pennsylvania clearances (willingness to get them)

Responsibilities/Duties:
To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment
1. Supervise children by sight and sound at all times.
2. Designs appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the classroom
3. Plans and implements a nutritious snack program
4. Promotes healthy eating practices
5. Maintains a safe environment
6. Posts necessary information to ensure the safety and well-being of the children
7. Maintains an orderly learning environment

To advance physical and intellectual competence
1. Provides a balance between child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities
2. Provides a balance between quiet and active learning activities
3. Uses equipment and materials for indoor play that promote children’s physical development
4. Involves children in planning and implementing learning activities
5. Provides an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children
6. Plans and implements experiences that promote language and literacy development
7. Plans and implements activities that promote the acquisition of number concepts

To support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
1. Plans and implements hands-on activities that develops positive self-esteem and social skills
2. Plans and implements culturally diverse experiences
3. Plans and implements Judaic content that is developmentally appropriate
4. Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques
5. Provides a wide variety of creative and expressive activities
6. Establishes routines with smooth transition periods
7. Communicates with children at their developmental level
8. Encourages children to be independent

To establish positive and productive relationships with families
1. Relates assessment information to parents and offers support for dealing with children at different developmental stages
2. Promotes communication with parents through our communication tool, a monthly newsletter, and semi-annual parent conferences
3. Provides a variety of ways that families can participate in the program
4. Encourages parents to participate in the program

To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs
1. Assesses program supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities
2. Coordinates and helps supervise aides, assistants, and volunteers working in the class-room
3. Maintains written plans on a weekly basis
4. Assesses children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis
5. Uses results of assessments to plan activities

To maintain a commitment to professionalism
1. Promotes the center’s philosophy and educational objectives
2. Supports the center’s code of ethical conduct
3. Engages in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills
4. Supports the professional growth and development of colleagues by sharing materials and information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement
5. Attends staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training as instructed by the Early Childhood Director

Physical Requirements:

1. Lift up to 40 lbs.
2. Repetitive bending, stretching, and stooping
3. Climb up and down stairs
4. Have mobility required to ensure the safety of the children
5. Work with children on the floor
6. Work outdoors in any variety of weather
7. Have visual and hearing capabilities that allow consistent supervision of children with Child Care Licensing safety requirements
8. Perform light duty cleaning