SUMMARY The Teacher is responsible for creating an inviting, stimulating and safe learning environment. The Teacher’s duties include creating a curriculum that is based in a solid understanding of child development, and the state learning standards. The curriculum should also reflect the framework of the Creative Curriculum and be responsive to the children’s interests. The Teacher builds connections between the child’s home and school through regular communication with the family. A strong relationship between the Teacher and the teaching team is vital to the success of the program. As an early childhood professional, each teacher is expected to contribute to a working environment that is friendly, respectful, open and honest. Teachers collaborate with other teachers and classrooms, working together to share ideas and to develop joint projects and activities. Within the classroom, the final responsibility for the program, children and communication with families rests with the Teacher. The Teacher is also a vital part of the Opportunity House community, and there are duties beyond the classroom, including professional development. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but not limited to, the following. Oversee and have working knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the Preschool of Second Street Learning Center. Oversee all aspects of program planning, implementation, and evaluation in the classroom within the guidelines of the center’s philosophy, developmentally appropriate practices, standards for Accreditation and Environmental Rating Scales, and Department of Human Services (DHS, formerly DPW) regulations. Prepare a detailed weekly lesson plan with an appropriate balance of independent and teacher-directed activities, individual and group time, a broad range of experiences, and frequent opportunities for children to make choices about what they do. Assure that materials and equipment are available to support planned activities. Record daily observations of children as they are engaged in classroom activities throughout the day. Each child should have at least 5 domain observations per month on record in their Teaching Strategies GOLD account. Prepare weekly individualized plans for each child based on needs as reflected in assessments and observations. Oversee physical space to maximize independence of children, provide a safe and stimulating environment, enable effective use of space, and provide an attractive and welcoming environment by: Incorporating inspirations from the play-based approach throughout the classroom, including using natural materials throughout the classroom, creating daily invitations to learning, and reflecting on children’s work with photographs and observations Organizing the classroom in a functional, clean, neat and attractive way that encourages children to use materials as independently as is appropriate Labeling spaces and materials so that it is clear to children and adults where things belong Make learning visible through children’s artwork, documentation and displays that build connections between the children’s learning and the community Alerting Supervisor or Director to any concerns about cleanliness, needed repairs, or safety. Conduct a parent conference with each family twice annually-once in the Fall and once in the Spring. Prepare developmental assessments for each child at least three times per year. Document family conferences following each assessment and keep in child portfolios. Complete the necessary 45 day assessments on each child. Enforce safety rules, intervene when children may injure themselves or others, and promptly complete an incident report in the event of an injury involving Practice infection control principles (proper hand-washing, cleaning and sanitizing toys, tables, etc.). Assist with providing nutritious meals and consult with families to promote children’s health and nutrition. Follow the CACFP regulations and policies. Supervise all full- and part-time staff, practicum students and volunteers working in the classroom. This includes: Welcome and orientation to classroom program and procedures Regularly scheduled and recorded individual supervisory conferences Delegating responsibilities appropriately with clear expectations for staff Keep Program Supervisor informed about staffing and personnel issues Conducting written performance reviews of classroom staff at least annually Working with the program director to create appropriate professional development plan annually. Team meetings: Conduct regular classroom teacher meetings, at once per month, for the purpose of discussing the needs of individual children, lesson planning, program evaluation and problem-solving. Use Class Dojo to keep families informed about the curriculum and activities of the class, each child’s individual progress, and center-wide events Ensure that classroom staff coverage follows DHS guidelines and, if not, inform the scheduler and/or program director. Remain on duty if necessary to assure recommended child: staff ratios, even if beyond scheduled shift. Stay abreast of what’s happening in the center and keep families informed with updated bulletin boards, current lesson plan, important notices, etc. Be aware of policy, guidelines or other changes by reviewing items on Class Dojo or distributed in mailboxes or via e-mail. Regularly check work email. Ensure that other members of the team are informed of changes or important information. Oversee the record keeping activities required of the classroom and ensure the completion of anecdotal records, physical observation, transition reports, meal count sheets, developmental observations and reports, and any other required Second Street Learning Center, DHS, CACFP, OCDEL, Keystone Stars or other reports in a timely fashion. Assume responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter of child abuse. Work cooperatively and attend necessary meetings with therapists, special education teachers, etc. regarding a child’s individual education plan or behavior plan. Arrive on time for work or contact the Center when delayed Be reliable in attendance and give ample notice for absences Come to work with a positive attitude Approach criticism with a learning attitude Communicate directly and avoid gossip Be flexible in scheduling to meet the needs of the overall program Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality Show initiative in problem solving and be open to new ideas Approach challenges with imagination and a sense of humor Qualifications Bachelors or Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and 2 years’ experience . Education and experience requirements must meet the current applicable regulations for OCDEL, DHS, and Keystone Stars. Knowledge of DHS regulations; Keystone Stars level 4 standards; PA Early Childhood Standards; CACFP accreditation criteria. If not knowledgeable, willingness to learn these standards is required. Basic computer skills and familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, and digital imaging programs (i.e., MS Word, Excel, downloading photos) Be 18 years of age or older. Professional Development Each full-time employee is required to obtain 24 hours of professional development per calendar year and maintain a Professional Development Record with annual goals. Attend staff meetings as required including periodic evening/Saturday meetings. Convey information from staff meetings to other team members who are unable to attend. Attend workshops or courses as requested or required. Share information from these workshops with other members of the classroom team. Complete pediatric first aid training and CPR every two years. Physical Requirements and Work Environment Be able to lift children up to 50 pounds. Be able to walk, bend, stand, squat or sit on the floor (with children) throughout an 8-hour day. Be able to walk up and down steps several times each day. Be able to physically respond quickly in an emergency. Be actively engaged and involved with children each day; including planning daily outdoor time in all ranges of temperatures or humidity levels, subject to safety guidelines. Understand the risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids and use universal precautions in such instances. Be able to travel to various locations for field trips or outings. On these occasions, public transportation or other acceptable modes of transportation may be employed. What we offer: Medical, dental and vision insurance Paid time off (PTO) after 90 days Paid Holiday Time Tuition reimbursement Company paid Short Term Disability Company paid Life Insurance Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance Childcare Tuition (max cost is $25/child per week) Company paid Employee Assistance Program Simple IRA with company match Opportunity House is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour Benefits: Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Work Location: In person
Salary: $18 - $20 an hour
Employment Type: ["Full-time"]
Qualifications
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