Lead Teacher

Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Lead Teacher for its Preschool Academy to manage daily operations and coordinate curriculum within a cohesive teaching team. The ideal candidate will foster a safe and engaging learning environment, ensuring developmental needs are met and maintaining effective communication with parents. This role requires an understanding of child development and experience in early childhood education, providing opportunities for professional growth while contributing to a positive atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
• Infant / child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must pass health screening and clear background check.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum and develop classroom activities.
• Plan daily lessons that encourage learning growth.
• Supervise teacher assistants and maintain classroom safety standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of child development

Leadership

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Computer skills

Education

Associate's Degree in early childhood education

Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education

Job description

Community and Group Services : Preschool Academy

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT : Catholic Social Services, Community Based Services Division

SUPERVISION : Direction from Preschool Director of Catholic Social Services,

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :

The Lead Teacher is responsible for participating on a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must be team players who understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed while helping to maintain a positive environment that fosters life-long learning traits in children. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards.
• Plan and execute compelling, age appropriate daily lessons that encourage learning growth.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Supervise teacher assistants and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings, weekly supervision, and CSS trainings / meetings and meetings / trainings required by funders.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

• Knowledge of and orientation to the philosophy of the Agency as presented in the Mission Statement.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Infant / child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, child abuse reporting, and de-escalation techniques.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to sit on floor / ground surfaces with children, as appropriate, and small child scale furniture.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 30 Credits in ECE required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 30 Credits in ECE preferred.