Teacher (Floater)

Title: Teacher (Floater) (Full-Time, Non-Exempt)

Location: WHEDco Early Childhood Discover Center (ECDC)/Head Start

Reports to: Center Director/ Education Director/Lead Teacher

The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a community development organization founded on the radically simple idea that all people deserve to live in healthy, vibrant communities. We build award-winning, sustainable, affordable homes – but our work is not over when our buildings are complete. WHEDco believes that to be successful, affordable housing must be anchored in strong communities of which residents can be proud. WHEDco’s mission is to create and bridge access in the South Bronx access to resources that support thriving neighborhoods – from high-quality early education and after-school programs, to healthy food, cultural programming, and economic opportunity. See for more information.

Job Summary

WHEDco seeks a Teacher (Floater) to join Urban Horizons Early Childhood Discovery Center, a year-round Early Learn NYC and Head Start program for three-and four-year-old children. The Center serves 111 pre-school students from over 20 different countries. WHEDco’s full-day program offers a nurturing environment that allows children to develop confidence, think creatively, analyze information, and communicate effectively. Each year 100% of the students graduate prepared for kindergarten, ensuring that they begin their school careers ready to succeed. The Teacher (Floater) will support classrooms in case of staff absences, classrooms needing extra support, and provide coverage for Lead Teacher planning time. The Teacher (Floater) will work very closely with Education Director and Center Director to meet the goals set for the year.

Responsibilities

• Meet with the Education Director every morning to discuss the day’s objectives.
• Review each classroom’s lesson plans for the week in the beginning of the week.
• Follow the lesson plan whenever substituting for a Lead Teacher.
• Become proficient in the Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) children’s assessment platform.
• Assist the Education Director in maintaining a safe, clean, learning environment, and assures the well-being and safety of children in her/his/their care.
• Participate in staff development sessions, teacher planning meetings, and all Center meetings.
• Collaborates with the Secretary and Family Services Team whenever possible.
• Participates in home visits in collaboration with the instructional teams.
• Remains up to date on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education.
• Additional duties assigned by the Center Director or Education Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field and current NY certification in early childhood education; or a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and two years of experience in an early childhood program; or a written study plan approved by an accredited college or university. Master’s degree in early childhood education with current NY certification preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communications skills.
• Proven ability to read, write, and speak clearly in English required; fluency in a language common among participant families is a plus.
• Familiarity with and a commitment to the Creative Curriculum and the Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) children’s assessment platform, strongly preferred.
• Satisfactory completion of medical examinations as well as other required pre-employment screenings.
• Must be able to carry and lift up to 30 pounds as well as the ability to conduct home visits using public transportation which involves climbing stairs.
• Previous work experience in low-income communities preferred.

After 60 days of employment, Center Staff working 15 hours or more per week are represented by Local 95, DC 37, AFSCME, and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

WHEDco affords all qualified applicants equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other category protected by law. WHEDco follows the requirements of the New York Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

WHEDco is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.