Lead Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Preschool Teacher at The Schoolhouse Learning Center

Are you looking for a teaching position where you can combine your love of children, nature, and hands-on learning? Do you enjoy hiking, exploring the outdoors, discovering brooks, bugs, frogs, plants, and hidden woodland spaces alongside young children? Are you passionate about gardening, baking, art, music, literacy, and supporting children's learning through play? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach in a progressive, independent school?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, we'd love to hear from you!

The Schoolhouse Learning Center is seeking full and part time lead teachers to assist the head teacher (s) in a classroom alongside a team of collaborative and dedicated teaching partners. We are looking for an enthusiastic educator who values play-based, nature-based learning and is excited to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world in young children.

Qualifications

Education and Training

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, School-Age Education, Science, Environmental Studies, Nature-Based Education, or a related field.*

Candidates with degrees in science, environmental studies, nature-based education, or other related fields who do not have formal training in early childhood education may be considered if they have:

• A demonstrated track record of working successfully with children;
• A strong interest in nature-based and play-based education; and
• A commitment to completing any required coursework or training needed to meet Vermont Child Care Licensing requirements.

Experience

A minimum of one year of successful experience leading a classroom of young children as an Lead Teacher or assistant teacher, including curriculum development, implementation, and assessment.

Skills and Professional Qualities

• Demonstrated ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with children, families, and colleagues while fostering a strong classroom community.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to hold a group.
• Commitment to implementing the Story Time curriculum and philosophy while designing and adapting engaging learning experiences that reflect our nature-based, play-based approach.
• Ability to observe children's interests and developmental needs and use those observations to guide meaningful, child-centered learning opportunities.
• Enthusiasm for spending significant time outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth, including completing a minimum of 15 hours of early childhood professional development annually and obtaining First Aid/CPR certification within the timeline required by Vermont Child Care Licensing regulations.

* Please refer to Vermont Child Care Licensing regulations for a complete list of acceptable related fields. Examples include Child Development, Social Work, Psychology, and other closely related disciplines.

EMPLOYEE JOB DESCRIPTION AND EXPECTATIONS 

Preschool Lead Teacher

Classification: Regular, Non-exempt

Supervised by: Program Head Teacher or Director

The Schoolhouse holds high professional and ethical standards for all of its employees. Employees are expected to embrace, model and embody the Schoolhouse mission and the 5 Core concepts that guide the institution. Employees strive for joyful, transformative learning that cultivates students' natural curiosity, critical thinking skills, and compassion for others. Employees respect children’s individual differences, nurture their capacity for growth, and are committed to authenticity in the activities that shape their learning. Employees collaborate with colleagues, community members and caregivers. 

Attendance and Availability

The employee will:

• work the number of program and in-service days articulated in the official school calendar, as published annually by the Board, including staff in-service days as requested by the Head of School or designee.
• work according to the schedule determined by their supervisor or the Head of School, understanding that hours may change to meet the need of the SCHOOL or the employee.
• arrive at the school ready to start at the appointed time and stay until their shift ends, and, as appropriate, stay until all students have been picked up and the facilities are orderly. 
• follow the established procedures for requesting and tracking PTO including
  • seeking approval in advance for planned days off and finding coverage for missed hours
  • notifying the appropriate member of the administrative leadership team of an unplanned absence due to illness or an emergency as soon as possible but no later than 7:15 am.
• attend and assist with the following (which may occur outside of normal school hours), as requested:
  • weekly staff and team meetings
  • fire and other drills
  • staff in-service training days
  • opening and closing school functions
  • Family events such as classroom potlucks, Season of Light, family days and End of Year celebrations
  • caregiver conferences
  • professional development 
  • student activities and performances
  • other events or meetings as may be assigned from time to time
• use program and instructional time effectively and give full attention to the students by limiting non-student or non-developmental conversations with colleagues during program hours to the absolute minimum.

Professional Conduct

The employee will:

• implement/model Schoolhouse values as understood in the Five Core Concepts:  Responsibility, Respect, Trust, Sharing, and Belonging.
• respect the rights and dignity of all members of the Schoolhouse community - students, colleagues, and caregivers.
• model self disciplined and ethical behavior 
• be consistent and reliable 
• commit to ongoing professional growth and development including
  • establishing annual professional goals with their supervisor (IPDP)
  • participating in supervision and annual self evaluations.
  • participating in scheduled in-service meetings (or as requested by the Head of School, Preschool Leadership Team and/or Supervisor). 
  • other professional development opportunities including but not limited to 15 hours a year as required by Vermont child care licensing regulations. 
  • Attending the annual Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children conference as requested by the Preschool Leadership Team.
• abide by policies outlined in the Schoolhouse Employee Handbook and Staff Policies which are revised from time to time
• exhibit enthusiasm for the school and the opportunities it provides
• maintain a flexible and open attitude 
• limit personal business to non-school hours to the extent possible
• dress professionally and appropriately for job duties

Curriculum and Learning

The employee will:

• maintain child/staff ratios and operate daily classroom in conformity with the State child care regulations for the physical safety and wellbeing of the children, families and staff.
• take responsibility for class flow and scheduling, transitions, grouping of students, and activities in absence of the Head teacher
• edit/ update Story Time curriculum book when requested by Head teacher.
• understand the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) and The Common Core (as it relates to preschools) and assist with ensuring standards are being addressed in the curriculum.
• understand and assist Head teacher with Teaching Strategies Gold assessments as requested
• understand age-appropriate expectations for children (academic and social)  according to VELS
• understand the program philosophy and activities and encourage play, nature exploration, emergent math and literacy activities with students in accordance with the philosophy
• develop and promote each child’s positive self-image 
• provide a stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity, inquiry, exploration, autonomy and independence
• encourage exploration of how identity, and social and/or environmental justice, shape our world and connect the many areas of learning  as part of a broad commitment to anti-racist and anti-bias education
• explicitly teach and support students in developing strong executive function, problem solving and communication skills
• develop, plan and implement age-appropriate activities and curriculum for a multi-age nature and play based environment as  requested by Head teacher and/or Supervisor
• understand the needs of and differentiate instruction and activities for diverse learners including those with learning differences.
• communicate concerns with supervisor,  Preschool Leadership Team  and/or Head of School in a timely manner
• submit plans, records and reports as requested by Supervisor and/or preschool leadership Team
• remain current on any changes in the field of early childhood education, nature-play based preschool education, and current child care program practice.

Communication and Collaboration

The employee will:

• afford colleagues, students and caregivers the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss concerns, differences and difficulties and seek meaningful resolution, using a strength based approach. Seek support from one’s supervisor if needed.
• communicate effectively with caregivers who are partners in their student’s education 
• inform the Head teacher, Preschool Leadership Team and/or Head of School of concerns that arise in a timely fashion
• maintain confidentiality of children, families and staff at all times.
• Prepare for and participate in bi-annual conferences with caregivers, related to students you assess as a Lead Teacher.  While Head Teachers may may meet with families during conferences, lead teachers are expected to prepare the written reports for these meetings. 

Child and Family

The employee will:

• assist Head and Lead Teachers in welcoming and orientation of new caregivers and children.
• contribute to updating regular classroom blog/instagram as requested.

• seek to maintain positive relationships and daily communication with families
• inform Head teachers, Preschool Leadership Team and/or Head of School of observations or areas of concern.
• be familiar with all Allergy Alert plans, illness alerts and asthma plans 
• be aware of the upkeep of medication logs and updating medications for classrooms.
• write and send out weekly parent newsletters with updates about the current week as requested by Head Teacher
• maintain positive and timely e-mail communication with parents, as agreed upon with Head Teacher.
• assist Head Teacher in making resources and information available to families 
• assist Head Teacher in maintaining the  Family Communication board

Other Expectations

The employee will:

• be familiar with, understand and implement Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations
• ensure student safety above all else and understand The Schoolhouse policies to ensure student and community safety
• follow, teach and practice established safety procedures in accordance with Vermont Child Care Licencing  Regulations
• report to the Head Teacher, Preschool Leadership Team and Building manager any safety issues and/or repairs that need to be made.  
• assist Head Teacher is training substitute and assistant teachers
• file and maintain incident reports in the format and time frame requested and required by state licensing regulations and Schoolhouse policy
• be aware of staff breaks and other scheduling needs 
• track student attendance in the manner and format requested
• track hours and submit timesheets in the manner and timeline requested
• take responsibility for  safe, orderly and neat facility and grounds
• take responsibility for opening, setting up and  closing classrooms at the end of day according to established procedures as requested. 
• ensure the proper use, maintenance and storage of school materials, equipment and property
• maintain  and renew CPR and First Aid certification
• obtain a bus driver endorsement within one year of being hired, unless exempted from this expectations  by Supervisor or Head of School
• ensure personnel file is complete including copies of:
  • signed contract
  • resume
  • teaching license (if applicable)
  • up to date CPR and First Aid certifications
  • information about professional development and training hours (outside of school-provided in-service training)
  • updated Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
• perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head teacher, Preschool Leadership Team or Head of School.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Repetitive bending.
• Mobility to ensure the safety of the children. 
• Work with children on the floor.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather.
• Have visual or hearing capabilities consistent with Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Perform light cleaning duties.