Universal Pre-K Teacher

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription: Purpose:To be responsible for the general supervision (of children and classroom staff) and management of one classroom by performing the duties necessary to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and educational environment for children. This includes allowing the children to grow at their own pace and gain in social, physical, emotional and cognitive development.Reports To: Director, Assistant Director or other designated AdministratorSupervises: Assistant TeachersWorks as a Team with: Designated School DistrictRequirements:Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs, emergencies and conflicts that might occur in a classroom, on the playground, other Center areas, or on field tripsAble to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist high table 25 - 30 times dailyAble to reach a child 20 - 30 feet away within 30 secondsAble to crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time on a regular basisGood health as confirmed by a physician's statement and proof of being free of tuberculosisNew York State Registry clearanceCriminal History Fingerprint clearanceResponsibilities:Adhering to all policies and procedures of First Learning Child Care and the child care licensing regulations of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)The care, safety and well-being of all children in the classroom, including attending to children's personal needs, e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, clothing, comforting, preparing for restPlanning and implementing an age-appropriate, open-ended program which coincides with the philosophy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the DistrictPreparing an inviting, clean and organized classroom environment with learning centers and hands-on activities which coincides with the philosophy of NAEYC and the DistrictDelegating program responsibilities to an appropriate person in his/her absenceInteracting frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive and encouraging manner which follows the guidelines of NAEYC and the DistrictOrienting and actively supervising children by overseeing both small and large groups of childrenDeveloping parent relationships and communicating directly with parents on a regular basis, including classroom orientation, daily child activity reports, and at least biannual progress reportsMaintaining classroom records and keeping necessary written documentation for OCFS and the DistrictMaintaining knowledge of classroom children's allergies, advising all staff and acting accordinglyMaintaining a positive work climate, meeting deadlines and organizing classroom proceduresCommunicating effectively and directly with other staffProviding timely supervisor reports outlining needs, problems, suggestions for improvement, etc.Supervising, training, coaching and developing staff assigned to the classroomMeasuring progress of children and staff and creating systems to improve, modify and remediateAssisting supervisor and rendering staff support to all other classrooms and employees as necessarySupervising and maintaining general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common spacePerforming administrative duties as necessary for the classroom and Center operationsMaintaining current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNYCompleting 15 hours of early childhood training within the first 6 months and every year thereafterKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge of NYS child care regulationsKnowledge of and ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices and age appropriate activities which correspond with NAEYC guidelinesEffective and tactful oral and written communication skillsEffective supervisory skills and role modeling practicesAbility to maintain positive relationships with children, co-workers, and parentsAbility to use constructive methods for maintaining group control and individual behaviorsAbility to use sound judgment and tactAbility to work on a team as a team leaderAbility to organize and problem solve effectivelyFlexibility (especially in scheduling and practice to respond to the needs of the program)Creativity and patienceRequirements: Training and Experience:UPK TeacherNYS Teaching Certification (Birth-2), ORA Bachelor’s Degree, at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education, ORat least 6 months of experience working in a school-based setting with children under the age of 6, and commit to obtain a NY State Early childhood teacher certification within three years of employment.ANDDemonstrated commitment to and interest in professional growth through education, work experience and involvement with the early childhood community.