Hamilton-Madison House's Early Childhood Services is seeking a full time Pre-K Head Teacher in our Early Childhood Program which serves children between the ages of 3-5 years old. We are seeking a warm, responsible, dedicated teacher, sensitive to the needs of young children and their families and able to work well with others. The Head Teacher sets the tone for the class, creating and implementing a developmentally-appropriate curriculum that meets the needs and interests of a given group of children. The Head Teacher also ensures that all paperwork is completed in a thorough and timely manner and that all health and safety regulations are observed. This position reports to the Education Director.
Qualifications
BA in Early Childhood Education or related field and NYS Education Department Early Childhood Certification.
Certified with MA in Early Childhood Education or in a program which will guarantee permanent certification at its completion preferred
Ability to work positively and patiently with children, parents and staff
Possess good computer skills
Bilingual English/Asian language a plus
Responsibilities
Work within the framework of the sponsoring agency of the child care center and carry out its functions, policies, and procedures
INTERACTION BETWEEN FACULTY AND CHILDREN
Interact frequently, affectionately and respectfully with all children every day
This includes: smiling and comforting children
When in close proximity to children, speaking in a calm, friendly, soft and courteous manner
Be available and responsive to children's needs, questions and requests
Encourage and model social behavior and expectations that are developmentally appropriate
Intervene in plan in order to maintain safety
Communicate directly with each child at the child's level
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION
Maintain a clean and safe environment for children at all times. Encourages respect for classroom materials and notifies supervisor in advance when supplies are needed
Arrange the space in clearly defined, well-organized centers to promote optimal program functioning
Organize a variety of materials and equipment as to encourage maximum constructive use
Understands the responsibilities as a mandated reporter
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to:
stand for a majority of the day
bend to be a child's eye level
perform all activities with the children including: running, dancing, walking, jumping, etc.
move from a seated position to a standing position promptly to respond to emergency situation
Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor the environment and children's well-being
CURRICULUM
Create and implement a rich and developmentally appropriate curriculum based upon the needs and interests of the students, with a focus on intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth
Plan and implement child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, faculty-initiated activities
Provide more than one option for group acitvity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children's interests
Assess the skills, abilities, interests and needs of children consistently throughout the year
Create documentation of children's accomplishments through anecdotal notes, work sampling and/or portfolios
Plan the use of community resources to enrich the educational content of the program
In a timely fashion complete all documentation, including, but not limited to, weekly lesson plans, anecdotal notes, checkpoints, home visit forms, parent-teacher conference forms.
Take into consideration the individual needs of children and differentiate instruction to meet student needs
Design and environment that responds to the children's individual developmental levels, physical needs and interests
Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities that foster social skills, encourage children to think, problem solve, question and experiment
Foster positive self-concept development by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices
Encourage creative expression that is individualized
Plan a daily schedule that provides a balance of activities: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc.)
FACULTY/PARENT INTERACTIONS
Acknowledge parents and all classroom visitors
Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and accommodating demeanor at all times
Respond to parents' comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect while maintaining confidentiality
Invite input from parents concerning their child's development and care
For parent-teacher conferences, prepare detailed notes concerning each child's development keeping in mind the family' concerns and former input
TEAMWORK
Keep the supervisors informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of children
Establish and maintain a relationship built on trust, cooperation and respect with co-workers
Promote the professional growth of classroom associates through regularly scheduled individual meetings where the associate's performance is based on daily observations as well as applications of new skills acquired through training and experience
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with other community service providers working with children
Offer and share ideas and materials with co-workers
Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly
PROFESSIONALISM
Attend and participate in all staff meetings, center events, and parent/teacher meetings
Demonstrate flexibility in assignment and work hours
Be receptive to feedback and willing to change practices to best serve children
Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other faculty members, children and families
Demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development
Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance
Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature
Check HMH email daily as well as staff mailboxes weekly
LEADERSHIP
Collaborate with team in developing an action plan to implement classroom goals and a quality program
Model exemplary behavior with children, parents, and co-workers and give direction as needed to less-experiences faculty, including substitute teachers and volunteers
Orient new team members to classroom routines, curriculum practices, and parent communication
Observe children for signs of learning differences or emotional problems and take appropriate action
Compensation: $61,070 (BA Certified)
$68.652 (MA Certified)
Salary based on credentials with DC 37 Local 95 – Union Position, and generous benefits
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, 35 hours per week
Posting Date: June 26, 2024
Application Deadline: Until filled
Hamilton-Madison House is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Civic and Social Organizations
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