PreK Teacher

Pre-K Teacher Job Description

Position Title

Pre-K Teacher

Reports To

Education Manager / Center Director

Position Summary

The Pre-K Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality early childhood education program that supports children's school readiness and aligns with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements, Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), and Maryland Early Learning Standards. The teacher creates a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that promotes children's social-emotional, physical, language, literacy, cognitive, and approaches-to-learning development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Curriculum and Instruction • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Maryland Early Learning Standards, Head Start ELOF, and approved curriculum. • Individualize instruction to meet the needs of all learners. • Promote kindergarten readiness through intentional instruction. Child Assessment and Data Collection • Conduct ongoing observations and assessments. • Complete Teaching Strategies GOLD checkpoints. • Analyze child outcome data and use findings to guide instruction. Classroom Environment • Maintain a safe, healthy, and engaging learning environment. • Implement positive behavior support strategies. • Utilize CLASS and Pyramid Model practices. Family Engagement • Build partnerships with families. • Conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits. • Encourage family participation. Inclusion and Comprehensive Services • Collaborate with disabilities, mental health, health, and family services staff. • Support implementation of IEPs and IFSPs.

Professional Development • Participate in Practice-Based Coaching. • Attend required training and maintain certifications. • Engage in reflective supervision and professional growth activities.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. • Meets MSDE teacher requirements. • Meets Head Start teacher qualification requirements. • Experience working with preschool-aged children preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of child development ages 3-5. • Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards. • Knowledge of Maryland Early Learning Standards. • Strong classroom management and communication skills. • Ability to analyze child assessment data. • Ability to work collaboratively with families and staff.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. • Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors. • Ability to respond to health and safety needs.

Preferred Qualifications
• CLASS training or certification. • Pyramid Model training. • Teaching Strategies GOLD experience. • Frog Street or Creative Curriculum experience. • Maryland Credential Level 4 or higher. • Bilingual abilities preferred.

Easterseals policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws. Employment decisions at Easterseals are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual's capabilities, qualifications, training, experience, and suitability.