Preschool Lead Teacher

Chs Kids; Middletown Township (PA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning seeks a Floater Lead Teacher to support children when others are absent, covering breaks and assisting in Infant/Toddler and Preschool classrooms. The role may shift to other classrooms as needed and involves helping implement curriculum and guiding staff performance.

The position reports to the Assistant Director, with responsibilities spanning lesson planning, parent communications, and ensuring a safe, engaging learning environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood.
• Familiar with NAEYC standards preferred.
• Comfortable with technology including MS Office and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work with low-income families.
• U.S. work authorization and successful background checks.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring child attendance.
• Greeting children and parents pleasantly and guiding transitions into the classroom.
• Following lesson plans.
• Assisting in lesson planning with Lead and Associate teachers.
• Preparing instructional materials and learning aids.
• Supervising children and guiding their tasks.
• Promoting social, emotional, and language development.
• Supporting screenings, assessments, and ongoing progress evaluation.
• Assisting with individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Tracking child progress and maintaining a safe classroom environment.
• Maintaining equipment and materials in good condition.
• Upholding CHS standards and procedures.
• Attending workshops and meetings; providing feedback to staff.
• Collaborating with teaching staff on lesson plans and classroom expectations.
• Maintaining confidentiality about program, staff, and families.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership & teaching

Parent communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education/related field

PA ECE List C certification (preferred)

Tools

MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

The Floater Lead Teacher is a supportive team member, accountable for continuing to support children when others are absent. This individual is responsible for covering breaks, assisting classroom teachers at both Infant Toddler and Preschool sections, and keeping a clean classroom environment. This individual is expected to provide guidance, training, and assistance in the classroom and throughout the center. The Floater Lead Teacher is assigned to a classroom as needed and must be ready to shift to other classroom of all age groups and/or environment as the situation requires. This individual will assist teaching staff with the implementation of the curriculum in the classroom. The Floater Teacher - Lead reports to the Assistant Director and regularly consults with the Assistant Director to address risks and issues. The salary range for this position is $53,565 to $59,516 based on expertise.

The Floater Teacher - Lead may be asked to step in long term to cover a Lead Teacher extended absence. At that time, the Floater Teacher - Lead would cover responsibilities outlined in the Lead Teacher job description, such as lesson planning, parent communication/conferences, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring child attendance
• Greeting children and parents pleasantly and appropriately and ensuring a smooth transition into the classroom
• Following lesson plans
• Working with Lead and Associate teachers on lesson planning
• Assisting in the preparation of instructional materials and learning aides
• Supervising children and providing guidance to them on tasks
• Promoting social, emotional, and language development of children in the classroom
• Supporting screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of child's developmental level of progress
• Assisting in implementing specialized learning plans for students (Individual Education Plan IEPs etc.)
• Assisting in tracking child progress
• Maintaining a safe and healthy classroom environment through continued awareness of classroom activities
• Keeping equipment and materials necessary for activities in good condition
• Understanding CHS performance standards
• Upholding CHS standards and procedures within the classroom
• Attending teaching workshops and meetings
• Giving feedback to staff where applicable
• Collaborating with other members of the teaching staff to understand lesson plans and classroom expectations
• Acting as a role model in the classroom and assisting with classroom duties as needed
• Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education (Bachelor's Degree Preferred)
• List C certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway (preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in a similar role
• Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood
• Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics - NAEYC standards preferred
• Familiar with inquiry-based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred
• Comfortability with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and /or willingness to learn
• Excels at engaging with parents/caregivers, including initiating discussions when necessary
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization
• Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback
• Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate teams
• Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for children
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Who we are and what we’re looking for

At CHS, we are leaders passionate about early childhood education and community betterment. Our work is driven by the desire to endow children with the resources for educational and physical well-being, while supporting and empowering their families. We listen to the needs of our diverse community and adapt to give everyone a voice. We hold each-other accountable for bringing our best and most authentic selves to school every day, creating an environment of mutual respect.

We strive to build a team of individuals that is passionate about our mission, brings in new creative ideas, and loves their work. If this sounds like you, we look forward to seeing your application.

About Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning

At Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, we nurture children, support them in discovering their world, and help them grow to reach their fullest potential. We are passionate educators, caregivers, and role models dedicated to successful early childhood development. We believe that a rich and solid foundation, along with a nurturing and supportive environment, is critical to helping children grow. We focus on the whole child, helping them flourish in mind and body. And we set them on a path to become their strongest, brightest, and best selves in school and beyond.

Catherine Hershey’s dream was to provide children with a well-rounded education. That dream lives on in her name and is our mission at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning does not discriminate against applicants or employees, in hiring, promotion or any terms or conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability or use of a guide or support animal because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning are subsidiaries of Milton Hershey School and are staffed and operated independently of the Milton Hershey School core model.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”), against any applicant for admission, enrolled children, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities at our Centers.