Lead Preschool Teacher (Toddler Teacher), 12+ Units

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 42,058 - 44,207; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Vacation and sick pay

Holidays including Jewish

Job summary

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center is seeking a Lead Preschool Teacher in Berkeley, CA, responsible for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. You will develop an inquiry-based curriculum, maintain classroom safety, and communicate with families about children's progress.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, experience in ECE settings, and a commitment to the Jewish community and values. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in an ECE setting and 24 or more completed ECE units.
• Knowledge of current research and practices in early childhood education.
• Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop inquiry-based curriculum for children's growth.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the classroom.
• Establish positive communication with parents.

Skills

Early Childhood Education

Curriculum Development

Classroom Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in ECE

Job description

Lead Preschool Teacher (Toddler Teacher), 12+ Units
Jewish Community Center of the East Bay
1414 Walnut St
Berkeley, CA 94709

Position Summary

The Lead Teacher, 12+ Units will report directly to the Director of Early Childhood Education and play a critical role in promoting a safe and welcoming environment to support the learning and individual growth of the preschool community. Lead teachers will create an environment of acceptance where children can grow with a positive self-concept, and where each child and staff member are treated with dignity and respect. Children will be enriched by a developmentally and culturally appropriate emergent curriculum.

• Develop inquiry-based curriculum that advances the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children. Submit a lesson plan before the start of every week.
• Develop curriculum that incorporates a commitment to learning about the Jewish community, values, and traditions.
• Develop curriculum that incorporates organizational philosophies and overall program vision.
• Ability to support other teachers' lesson planning; point person for collaboration around classroom lesson planning.
• Provide varied opportunities using multiple learning styles for children's active participation, independent choices, experimentation, and problem solving within the context of a structured setting and program.

Classroom Safety

• Establish and maintain a well‑organized, safe, and healthy environment for children.
• Check materials, equipment, and supplies to see that amounts are adequate and that everything is in good working condition; take preventative measures against hazards to physical safety.
• Maintain appropriate staff to child ratios for supervising children at all times.
• Maintain cleanliness of classroom: wash dishes, wipe counters, put things away.

Support and Communication

• Observe and assess the cognitive, perceptual, spoken, non‑verbal language, and social, emotional, physical, and personal developmental needs of each child. Share observations with families on areas of interest, strengths, and challenges.
• Identify, provide, and facilitate additional assessment or interventions when necessary.
• Serve as a role model and facilitate collaboration between teachers in the classroom.
• Point person for interceding in conflict resolution within the classroom; support an amicable resolution for children involved.
• Help children find a place of calm and comfort, and attend to any injuries.
• Establish positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal parent conferences that facilitate the free flow of information about their children.
• Write classroom newsletter.

General

• Ability to and interest in mentoring less experienced teachers.
• Participate in team meetings for planning curriculum, other staff meetings and trainings, and other JCC staff meetings.
• Participate in parent orientations, parent conferences, and community-wide activities and celebrations.
• Meet weekly with the Program Director to discuss classroom, student, and/or team needs.
• Ability to lead peer to peer professional development.
• Continue professional development through workshops and classes.
• Assist with early and/or late care, as needed.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging work.
• Commitment to anti‑bias education.

The salary range for this position is $30.53/hour to $32.09/hour. Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, and holidays (including Jewish). This position is represented by the union.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in an ECE setting and 24 or more completed ECE units.
• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree highly preferred.
• Knowledge of current research and practices in early childhood education.
• Proficient in various skill areas such as planning, scheduling, record keeping, classroom environmental design and arrangement, classroom management.
• Competent in various skills areas, such as music, art, science, literacy, mathematics, language development, and physical development.
• Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Ability to be on your feet and work a full 7.5 hour shift, 5 days per week.
• Ability to sit on the floor and to get up and down with ease.
• Ability to lift and carry a child, and help children with clothing, shoes or other needs.
• Ability to diaper change or help children with toilet needs.
• Quick reflexes to respond to the needs of children.
• Ability to work with teams of teachers in classroom settings.
• Ability to speak with parents about their children.
• Commitment to the mission of the JCC East Bay and knowledge of or commitment to learning about the Jewish community, values, and traditions.

The JCC East Bay is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. JCC East Bay policy prohibits unlawful discrimination in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. The JCC East Bay complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require particular accommodations during the application and interview process, please inform us of your needs so that we can provide accordingly.

Systemic inequities in hiring have caused women, people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and others to apply to jobs only if they meet all of the qualifications. The JCC East Bay encourages you to apply.