Preschool Group Teacher

Head Start Group Teacher

This position serves as a teacher for an integrated preschool classroom with a direct focus on children 3 to 5 years of age. The teacher will work collaboratively with one other lead teacher to ensure the successful operation of an integrated classroom with a total of 20 children maximum. The teacher also works with a team of other teachers and family members to implement the curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities.

Education, Experience and Skill Requirements:

• New York State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth-2nd Grade) or (N-2) preferred.
• BA/BS in Early Childhood Education - MA/MS in Early Childhood Education preferred –OR- BA/BS in related fields with at least eighteen (18) credits in Early Childhood Education plus experience teaching preschool aged children.
• Basic computer literacy in email, word processing and internet navigation.

Pre- Employment Requirements:

• Clearance through DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry, Sex Offender Registry clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, tdap, MMR (fees may apply)
• Obtain Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency's policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect
• Obtain First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious Diseases certificate within the first year of employment.
• Meet all employee health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The teacher will ultimately be evaluated on a combination of skills, dispositions and behaviors, some of which are related to the specific service area of this position and others that represent general expectations of all our program employees. The teacher will demonstrate competency to perform functions that include:

1. Child Growth & Development: Use knowledge of the principles of child growth and development to work with children, collaborate with related service areas, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Planning: Develop an individual plan for each child including goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established child outcomes by utilizing Creative Curriculum and TSG assessments.
3. Program Implementation: Implement daily lesson plans in response to children's needs and interests incorporating observations, anecdotal record keeping, knowledge of early childhood development and the key experiences
4. Family Partnerships: Establish positive and productive relationships with families focusing on a relationship of trust and rapport
5. Communication and Service Coordination: Share pertinent information with Family Advocate ensuring coordinated services to meet the needs of individual children and families. Participate in case conferences as appropriate
6. Record Keeping and Reporting: Gather and maintain individual, family and classroom data for documentation, on-going assessment, evaluation and recording keeping for successful individual and program planning, which includes observations, anecdotes
7. On-going Monitoring and Self-assessment: Analyze child outcomes on classroom basis three times a year, consult with education coordinator and make adjustments to curriculum planning and implementation as needed. Conduct parent teacher conferences 2 times a year. Complete developmental and behavioral screenings within 45 calendar days of the child entry and do and referral as needed for disabilities and mental health.

How To Apply:

Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references that we can contact (at least one (1) professional reference should be from a former supervisor).