Job Description:

Lead PreK Teacher Reports to:

Preschool Program Coordinator Job Description:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating an inviting, stimulating and safe learning environment. The Teacher's responsibilities include creating a curriculum that is based in a solid understanding of child development, PIC's philosophy, and the state and national learning standards. The curriculum should also reflect the framework of the Creative Curriculum and be responsive to the children's interests. The Lead Teacher builds connections between the child's home and school through regular communication with the family. A strong relationship between the Lead 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. Lead 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 Lead Teacher. The Lead Teacher is also a vital part of the PIC community, and there are duties beyond the classroom, including professional development and community events.

Philosophy:

The Parent-Infant Center supports parenting by enabling children to grow and learn in a safe, stimulating, loving environment. We believe that a high quality early childhood program promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while also responding to the needs of families. We encourage children to develop at their own pace and we are committed to making each child feel valued and special. We hope our children will grow to believe that they can make the world a better place.

PIC Values:

COMMUNITY

as the basis for child, family, and educator growth, development, and learning

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

as our foundational approach NATURE as a home for children's play and learning

BEST PRACTICE APPROACHES

based on solid research in the fields of education and child development

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

in classrooms and on educator and leadership teams EQUITY through practice and advocacy, in education access and educator compensation

PROFESSIONALISM

of our educators Qualifications BA in Early Childhood Education or related field and two years' employed experience working with children in group care. Lead Teachers in classrooms with PreK Counts funding must hold PA state ECE certification. Education and experience requirements must meet the current applicable regulations for OCDEL, DHS, NAEYC, and Keystone STARS. . Knowledge of DHS regulations; Keystone Stars level 4 standards; PA Early Childhood Standards; NAEYC 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) Willingness to learn center-wide procedures like using Google Docs and the PIC server. Be 18 years of age or older. Professional Development PDR. 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. Act 48: Certified teachers are required to maintain certification by completing 180 continuing education hours or 6 college credits every 5 years and upgrade their certification to Level II within 6 years.

Staff meetings:

Attend staff meetings as required including periodic evening meetings. Convey information from staff meetings to other team members who are unable to attend. Workshops and/or

Educational Courses:

Attend workshops or courses as requested or required. Share information from these workshops with other members of the classroom team. First aid/

CPR:

Complete pediatric first aid training every three years and CPR training yearly. 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. Additional Skills 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

Declaration:

The foregoing description of duties and responsibilities is not a complete description of the responsibilities and duties that are assigned to a Teacher and should not be interpreted as such.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$45,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

PA ECE Certifiaction (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person