Preschool Co-Teacher

Preschool of the Arts; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Preschool of the Arts is seeking a Co-Teacher to support safe supervision and classroom management while developing a developmentally appropriate curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia and PSA values.

The role involves collaborating with teachers, planning daily routines, and coordinating with arts and pedagogical specialists to create engaging learning experiences for children.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent; Early Childhood Education degree preferred.
• Toddler coursework completed; DPI license for 4K/Kindergarten per classroom required.
• Professional development hours per licensing per year will be provided in-house and/or externally.
• Successful completion of state background checks and health screening as required by licensing.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, clean and enriching classroom environment and routines.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to plan curriculum, schedule and divide responsibilities.
• Coordinate with Art Specialists, Music Specialists and Pedagogical Specialists.
• Maintain written guidelines for Afternoon Teachers and Substitutes in the classroom.
• Consult with the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist on behavior and family concerns.
• Know and accommodate individual health needs and allergies of children.
• Develop curriculum around children’s needs and interests following Reggio Emilia-inspired PSA values.
• Reflect regularly with the teaching team using plans and documentation to study children’s thinking.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Early Childhood Education degree preferred

DPI license for 4K/Kindergarten

Toddler coursework completed

Tools

Google Suite

Procare

Job description

Purpose of this role:

The Co-Teacher, in collaboration with the teaching team, is responsible for the safe supervision of children, and classroom management of the children in their care. Co-Teachers are responsible for preparing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and the values and practices of Preschool of the Arts.

About Preschool of the Arts:

At Preschool of the Arts, our mission is to nurture open-minded and open-hearted individuals who learn alongside one another and embrace the world with compassion, creativity, wonder, and joy. We are inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and believe that children are powerful and competent learners and that they learn best in thoughtfully prepared and engaging environments by educators who are loving, enthusiastic, joyful, and careful listeners.

Responsibilities

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a safe, clean and enriching classroom environment. Develop logical and consistent routines for the classroom. Help children understand and carry out the expectations of the classroom and the school. Actively supervise children, including while outdoors on playgrounds.
• Collaborate with the teaching team including establishing a consistent schedule, dividing classroom responsibilities, and planning curriculum. Coordinate with Art Specialists, Music Specialists and Pedagogical Specialists.
• Maintain written guidelines for Afternoon Teachers and Substitutes working in the classroom, including classroom routines and expectations.
• Consult with the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist in cases of child behavior, family concerns, or other needs. Implement behavior interventions as needed and determined by the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist.
• Know and accommodate the individual health needs and allergies of the children in the classroom.
• Develop curriculum around the needs and interests of the children, following the Reggio Emilia-inspired values and practices of PSA. This may include daily provocations, short and long term projects, documentation and more.
• Reflect regularly with the teaching team. Use written plans and documentation to study the children’s thinking and determine how to best facilitate learning consistent with the culture, philosophy and values of PSA

Family Relations

• Establish respectful and welcoming relationships with parents and caregivers. Communicate with families as needed about their child’s day.
• Provide written feedback to families on a daily or weekly basis. Regular documentation of learning (photos, artwork, dialogue, etc) should be sent to families at least twice per month.
• Participate in three conferences with each family throughout the year. Additional conferences and/or family meetings may be required.
• Document children’s growth and conduct authentic assessment using PSA’s developmental portfolio framework.
• Plan and lead two classroom community events per school year: One Back To School Night in September, outlining the expectations and philosophy of the classroom and program; one Reggio Night, which is an opportunity for families to come together as a community and contribute to the classroom work.
• Use appropriate interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Work effectively as a team member. Demonstrate respect towards other staff and the ability to foster an environment of mutual trust and collaboration with all staff. Provide guidance to new staff members.
• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual in the community (children, families and colleagues). Respect the privacy of students, families, and colleagues by maintaining confidentiality.
• Attend designated meetings such as reflective practice, staff meetings and Study Groups.
• Keep up with daily school and family communication (email and Procare). Work with computer programs such as Google Suite, Procare and others as needed.
• Dress appropriately, including to go outside.
• Uphold licensing and accreditation standards. Participate in biennial accreditation process. Follow school guidelines.
• Learn about, understand, and implement a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum. Learn about, understand, and implement an anti-bias curriculum.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent; degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Completion of at least two courses for credit in Early Childhood Education. Toddler Co-Teachers are required to have completed toddler specific coursework. At least one 4K Co-Teacher and Kindergarten Co-Teacher per classroom are required to have a DPI license. Experience working as a lead teacher preferred.
• Participate in the appropriate number of hours of professional development as determined by licensing per year. PSA will provide in-house, but outside opportunities are also available.
• Successful completion of state required background checks and health screening, as required by licensing.