Pre K Lead Teacher

Mary's Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative educational institution is seeking a Bilingual Pre-K Lead Teacher to join their dedicated team. This role focuses on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for young learners, fostering bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish through a play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum. The ideal candidate will engage families as partners in education, ensuring that every child’s unique cultural background is respected and valued. With a commitment to collaboration and professional growth, this position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children and their families in a vibrant community setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• 2-7 years of experience with young children and dual language learners.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging learning experiences for children.
• Collaborate with families to support children's development.

Skills

Early Childhood Education

Bilingual Communication

Curriculum Development

Social-Emotional Development

Family Engagement

Education

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

Experience with Dual Language Learners

Tools

Teaching Strategies GOLD

Job description

Description

Position Summary:

The Bilingual Pre-K Lead Teacher is part of the early childhood education team at Briya Public Charter School, a leading two-generation education program serving parents and their young children. Briya is a Tier One Public Charter School, consistently achieving high educational outcomes through its innovative, family-centric programming.

Briya's early childhood program serves children from six weeks through pre-kindergarten. In Briya's dual-language Pre-K classes, children gain proficiency in both English and Spanish through an inquiry-based curriculum. Teachers draw inspiration from Reggio Emilia principles and offer culturally sustaining education for emergent multilingual children, involving collaborative work and daily play-based assessment in inclusive bilingual classrooms. While children attend the early childhood program, their parents participate in classes covering English, child development, and digital literacy. Briya also provides workforce development programs for students pursuing career certifications.

Strategic partnership with Mary's Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, enhances support with medical, dental, and social services. Briya co-locates with Mary's Center at three campuses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Position may include, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Teaching and Learning, Reflective Planning, and Environment
2. Plan and implement learning experiences across developmental areas, supporting children's concept and skill development through engaging instruction.
3. Create and maintain organized, safe, and responsive indoor and outdoor learning environments that facilitate multi-sensory learning, aligning with the Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia, and Anti-Bias principles.
4. Develop reflective weekly plans based on children's interests, ideas, and skills, incorporating program goals and adapting as needed.
5. Guide language and literacy development in the target language, using evidence-based strategies and involving families to support home language maintenance.
6. Establish caring connections, support social-emotional development, and use assessment practices like Teaching Strategies GOLD for documentation and reflection.
7. Collaborate with the team to review progress, support children with special needs, and promote attendance and retention.

Family Engagement

1. Engage with families as first teachers, building strong relationships and collaborating to support children's development.
2. Respect and incorporate families' cultural knowledge, approach challenges with compassion, and support learning at home.
3. Organize Family Time, conduct home visits, and communicate key information through newsletters and conferences.

Community of Practice

1. Contribute to a culture of learning through research and reflection.
2. Collaborate with co-teachers, set goals, participate in PD, and engage in professional growth.
3. Support recruitment, field trips, and celebrations.

Briya Values

• Learner-Centeredness: Student agency and voice are fundamental.
• Inclusiveness: Embrace diversity in all forms.
• Trust: Foster safety and respect.
• Collaboration: Work strategically across all levels.
• Equity: Overcome systemic barriers to create opportunities.

Competencies

• Professionalism, Safety, Attendance, Dependability, Teamwork

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education or related field
• 2-7 years of experience with young children, including dual language learners and children with special needs
• Fluent in English; bilingual in Spanish is a plus
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification

Other Requirements

• Ability to apply common sense, carry out instructions, and make decisions
• Physical ability to perform job duties, with accommodations as needed
• Work environment primarily in an office setting

Salary bands: https://briya.org/policies-notices/salary-bands

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.