Pre-K Teacher

General Summary: The Teacher works cooperatively with the Lead Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. With the support and guidance of Lead Teacher, the Teacher will ensure that the classroom activities and environment are developmentally appropriate and reflect the agency’s philosophy and curriculum. The Teacher plans and implements a program designed for the emotional, social, educational and physical development of assigned children, under the direction of the Assistant Director and Program Site Director. The Teacher ensures that the individual needs of the children are met as required by Developmentally Appropriate Practices , NAEYC, DCFS licensing standards.

Child Development: Observe, assess, and document each child’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development. Provide opportunities for the children to develop positive self-images and experience success. Ensure the development of individualized education for each child is documented. Ensure the development and implementation of individualized educational activities is incorporated into lessons plan for each child. Identify any developmental concerns regarding the children and follow agency protocol.

Curriculum: Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities which will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child. In conjunction with Lead Teacher, develop lesson plans with goals, objectives activities, and outcomes for children that integrate health, nutrition, mental health, disabilities and parent involvement into the plans. Work with support staff to integrate assessment results into curriculum and lesson planning. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education. In collaboration with the Pre-K Supervisor and Lead Teacher implement and help assess the program’s educational plan. Work collaboratively with teaching team and support staff to integrate assessment results into curriculum and lesson planning.

Classroom Environment: Assume responsibility for the management of the classroom during the Lead Teacher’s absence. In conjunction with Lead Teacher, maintain a classroom environment which includes positive guidance techniques that meets state and local licensing regulations, NAEYC performance standards and St. Vincent’s philosophy and curriculum. Ensure that all children are always under appropriate supervision. In conjunction with Lead Teacher, maintain an attractive, clean, safe, and engaging environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities. Establish and create a secure environment that invites learning through exploration and discovery. Ensure that all children are always under appropriate supervision. Maintain and care for equipment and materials. Notify supervisor and appropriate parties of any needed repairs or maintenance in classroom, playground, gym, and large motor room.

Parent Involvement: In coordination with Assistant Director, Lead Teacher, and Family Support: Schedule and ensure completion of at least two Parent Teacher conferences for each child. In conjunction with Assistant Director and Lead Teacher, encourage parent participation in the program. Develop effective partnerships with families. Provide examples and ideas for educational activities for parent/child participation at home. In conjunction with Lead Teacher, encourage family engagement, including participation in quarterly Family Engagement Events. Develop effective partnerships with families. OtherAttend all required meetings and trainings, including mentoring and coaching trainings. Regularly participate and make contributions at Teacher meetings, trainings, supervision, weekly team meetings; etc. Complete a minimal of (20) CEU’s annually to meet DCFS and Accreditation continuing education requirements. Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description. Track the utilization of materials, recommends supplies, equipment and supplies needed for program. Provide classroom coverage as needed to ensure teacher and child ratios. Complete required documentation for funders .Follow all mandates of NAEYC, state and local licensing and MSV philosophy and curriculum. Act with integrity and aspire to model our Core Values in the delivery of all services.

Experience/Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD).Gateway Membership ECE-Level 5(3) years prior teaching experience in relevant early childhood group setting.

Qualifications: Strong communication skills; able to establish a patient respectful, trustworthy relationship with children. Knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold, Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold online. Knowledge of NAEYC standards and developmentally appropriate practices. Good computer skills. Knowledge of Positive guidance classroom management. Ability to work well with others and model professionalism in the classroom.

Language: Ability to read and speak English proficiently. Bilingual is a plus.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to physically interact with children, including talk, hear, sit, stand, walk; use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift and or move items. Must be able to manually operate and use a computer and other office equipment. Possess the ability to fulfill any and all activities normally expected in a classroom setting, to include, but not limited to active participation in group activities. Ability to clearly hear and understand telephone conversations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds. At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position. Fine hand manipulation (keyboarding).This is not a sedentary position but requires constant movement in keeping the planned group activities.