SUBSTITUTE - Lead Teacher - Early Childhood Education

Job Description

Job Description

The Brooklyn Kindergarten Society (BKS) is the original “born in Brooklyn.” We were founded in 1891, and for 130 years, BKS has helped provide high-quality early childhood education to working families. BKS has grown up with the borough and continues to be a leader in equitable access to early childhood education.We provide full day, year-round academic experiences and care for children ages 2-5 years old. Our curriculum is play based and marries together reading, writing, movement and music, with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. Our goal is to ensure that Brooklyn’s youngest learners have an equitable first educational step. 

Substitute Lead Teachers are in charge of a classroom in an Lead Teacher’s absence. Substitute teachers are responsible for providing instruction and managing classroom environments in absence of the regular teacher. Substitute teachers will work closely with others in facilitating the planning and execution of a program to provide day care for children which considers the educational, social, developmental and health needs of the group, as well as the individual child.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

• Assist in the direction of a class of students (maybe mixed age) through daily activities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Planning, Preparation + Classroom and Behavioral Management (90%)

• Gain awareness as to curriculum posted in each assigned classroom and provide activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem-solving appropriate to the development levels of the children
• Follow and implement existing lesson plans prepared by the permanent classroom teacher.
• Prepare weekly lesson plans following The Creative Curriculum format if placed in the same classroom for more than a week. Implement instruction based on The Creative Curriculum and Head Start Performance Standards, aligned with children’s goals and objectives. 
• Supervise the activities and assignment of the teacher assistants with individual children or groups of children in the classroom.
• Maintain confidentiality of family records, written and verbal information, including child behavior and parent communication.
• Participate in ongoing observation of children’s health, behavior and development in keeping with identified Early Learn and BKS’s policies and practices.
• Notify the permanent Early Childhood Education Teacher and Director of any concerns or observations of child health and behavior.
• Meet with classroom teacher and Director as needed to review classroom and child data, develop action plans, and support goal achievement through active collaboration.
• Maintain professional, positive and encouraging relationships with all children, family members, and BKS staff.
• Assist in classroom opening if scheduled to opening shift and assist in classroom closings if assigned to a closing shift
• Direct classroom procedures including transitions, routines and small groups, as assigned
• Adhere to BKS policies and procedures; comply with required documentation and record keeping responsibilities for both the classroom functioning and for individual children
• Seek and implement feedback to elevate professional performance.
• Report to work at time assigned, at all sites and classrooms as assigned

Other (10%)

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge

• At least an Associate’s Degree working towards a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education/Childhood Education Required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Childhood Education preferred, Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Childhood Education or working towards Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Childhood Education highly preferred along with certification in B-2, N-6 or Pre-Kindergarten through 6
• Candidates with Child Psychology, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education, Students with Disabilities( B-2), Students with Disabilities (1-6) and General Education as long as the person has at least 12 credits in Early Childhood Education are acceptable as well. Candidate MUST be willing to enroll in a Master's degree program leading to a Master's in Early Childhood Education/Childhood Education if possessing the degrees in this bullet 
• Adaptable schedule to work as needed between the hours of 8AM and 6PM on days program is in operation

PRE- EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass Comprehensive Background Clearance through Department of Health and Mental Hygiene- Identogo and/or Department of Education Fingerprinting Screening, NYS Central Registry, Sex Offender Registry clearance, SEL check, three (3) reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, tdap, MMR (fees may apply).
• Obtain Mandated Reporter training certificate, Foundations in Health and Safety and/or any other Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Head Start Performance Standard training requirements(if required)
• If hired, full COVID-19 vaccination is optional, but preferred