Lead Preschool Educator

Job Description

Job Description

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse (Lawrenceville)

Status: Salaried/Exempt 

Hours: Mornings and Afternoons M-F

Compensation: $45,000- $47,000 annually

The Role 

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA), our Preschool Teachers create safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments where every child can thrive. The Preschool Teacher serves as the lead educator in the classroom, delivering high-quality early childhood programming that supports the cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development of children ages 3–5.

This position plays an essential role in advancing BGCWPA's mission by building strong relationships with children and families, implementing evidence-based curriculum, maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS expectations, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) standards, while fostering a culture of safety, belonging, and excellence.

The ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, believes every child deserves high-quality learning experiences, and demonstrates professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Responsibilities 

High Quality Teaching and Learning

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences using Frog Street (or approved curriculum) aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
• Lead the creation of weekly lesson plans.

Foster children's growth across all developmental domains, including:

• Social-emotional development
• Language and literacy
• Mathematics
• Science and STEM
• Creative arts
• Gross and fine motor development
• Social studies
• Create engaging classroom environments that promote exploration, creativity, curiosity, and independent learning.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the individual developmental needs of each child.
• Utilize positive behavior support strategies that encourage self-regulation and social-emotional growth.
• Maintain classroom schedules and routines that maximize learning while supporting children's emotional well-being.

Child Assessment and Family Partnership

• Complete developmental screenings and assessments in accordance with DHS regulations and program requirements.
• Conduct required child evaluations within established timelines.
• Maintain accurate documentation of child progress.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding children's development and learning.
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Support family engagement opportunities including conferences, classroom events, and educational activities.

Safety and Supervision

• Maintain active supervision of children at all times utilizing BGCA's "See, Hear, Direct, and Assess" supervision model.
• Ensure compliance with all BGCA Youth Protection Policies and safety requirements.
• Maintain classroom ratios and supervision standards.
• Follow all emergency procedures and health & safety protocols.
• Report suspected child abuse immediately in accordance with mandated reporting laws.
• Conduct daily health and safety checks of classroom environments.
• Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free learning spaces.

Program Quality and Compliance

• Lead compliance systems in the Preschool classroom to ensure adherence to BGCA regulations, Pennsylvania DHS licensing regulations (3270), and other applicable standards.

Ensure classroom compliance with:

• PA DHS Chapter 3270 Regulations
• Keystone STARS Standards
• Licensing Requirements
• CACFP requirements (when applicable)
• BGCA Youth Development practices
• Maintain organized compliance documentation and prepare materials for licensing visits, monitoring reviews, and audits. 
• Maintain accurate attendance, health, incident, medication, and classroom documentation.
• Prepare classroom environments for licensing visits, quality assessments, and monitoring.
• Participate in classroom observations, coaching, and continuous quality improvement activities.

Youth Development and Club Experience

• Strong, consistent and appropriate communication with families. 
• High quality implementation of the classroom curriculum.
• Create opportunities and activities that produce strong evidence of learning within the classroom environment.
• Create meaningful relationships with children built upon trust, encouragement, and respect.
• Promote confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills.
• Support smooth transitions throughout the daily schedule.
• Integrate literacy, STEM, arts, movement, outdoor play, and social-emotional learning into daily instruction.
• Celebrate children's accomplishments and developmental milestones.

Your Skills and Experiences 

Successful candidates will possess: 

• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania DHS Chapter 3270 regulations, Keystone STARS standards, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experience implementing evidence-based early childhood curriculum, such as Creative Curriculum, and conducting child assessments (Teaching Strategies GOLD experience preferred).