Lead Teacher - Bronx, NY, United States - Children's Aid Society

Description

Job ID: 006990

Description:

Whitney Young Jr Campus (1919 Prospect Ave)

41, ,550 / year

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Education Director, the Lead Teacher will work with their teaching team and the Education Director to ensure that all children reach developmentally appropriate milestones through the implementation of evidence-based curriculum, individualized support and high-quality learning environments. The Lead Teacher will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in kindergarten and in life, while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and site-specific funding regulations are met or exceeded. The incumbent will understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with the functions of the position.

Essential Duties: Under the direct supervision of the site's Education Director, the Lead Teacher's duties include the following:

Curriculum and Instruction

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities aligned with educational standards
• Integrate various teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of young learners
• Adapt curriculum to accommodate individual learning styles and abilities

Classroom Preparation

• Set up and maintain an organized and inviting classroom environment conducive to learning
• Prepare materials and resources necessary for daily activities and lessons
• Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the classroom and materials

Small Group Instruction

• Facilitate small group activities to provide personalized instruction and support to children
• Differentiate instruction based on individual needs and abilities within small group settings

Individualized Instruction

• Provide one-on-one support and instruction to children as needed
• Develop individualized learning plans for students requiring additional support or enrichment

Assessment

• Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to monitor student progress and growth
• Conduct formal and informal assessments to inform instructional planning and decision-making
• Collaborate with colleagues, families, coaches, education director and specialists to analyze assessment data and develop interventions as needed

Behavior Support

• Implement positive behavior management strategies to promote a safe and respectful classroom environment
• Provide guidance and support to the team and to children in developing social-emotional skills and self-regulation

Technology Integration

• Integrate technology tools and resources into classroom instruction to enhance learning experiences
• Select and utilize developmentally appropriate educational software and digital resources

Record Maintenance

• Responsible for maintaining accurate attendance, educational records, and portfolios of each child. Family Engagement
• Establish and maintain open and ongoing communication with families regarding children's progress, development, and achievements
• Encourage family involvement in classroom activities, events, and decision-making processes
• Encourage family communication through a variety of methods (e.g., newsletters, bulletin boards, classroom events, center-wide activities, class dojo and "open-door" policy)
• Facilitate meetings with families to discuss the curriculum and home-to-school connection learning opportunities
• Participate in home visits, Open Houses, and/or Family Days
• Share highlights of families and children to educate and engage our online social media community with the EC Instagram committee
• Educate families on the curriculum and developmentally appropriate learning opportunities they can provide at home by sharing resources and newsletters during parent-teacher conferences and throughout the year through our digital platforms

Professional Development

• Complete and participate in required trainings and workshops specified for Early Childhood and the agency
• Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to early childhood education and instructional support
• Collaborate with the teaching team and education director to discuss curriculum updates and effective instructional strategies
• Engage in self-assessment and reflection coaching experiences
• Support the growth of the center including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment.
• Maintain Active Membership with Aspire AND "Registered" status with TEACH Account.

Health and Safety

• Follow City and Federal guidelines pertaining to health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of children
• Be aware of and adhere to emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and first aid protocols
• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements e.g. teacher child/ratios, and constant and competent line of sight supervision of children
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: The Lead Teacher must have qualifications that satisfy Federal Head Start requirements, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations, and Universal Preschool Guidelines.

Depending on one's education and certification, a Lead Teacher may fall into one of the following categories:

Lead Teacher Level

Qualifications

Lead Teacher

DOH approved Study Plan:

*At least 90 credits towards a BA in ECE, Childhood Education or Students with Disabilities (B-2nd Grade/Grades 1-6)

*At least 90 credits towards a BA Degree in ECE/**Related **Field

*An Associate Degree in ECE or Childhood Education w/practicum on the transcript

BA ** Unrelated EC Field**

Lead TeacherI

BA, in a **Related Field**

*Child Psychology and 12 ECE Credits

*Child Development ad 12 ECE Credits

*Elementary Education

*N-6 Elementary Education

*Special Education-B-2nd Grade/Grades 1-6

*General Education and 12 ECE credits

Lead Teacher II

BA in Early Childhood Education with the following DOHMH Approved/NYSED Certification:

*Nursery - 6th Grade

*Birth - 2nd Grade

*Grades 1-6

*Special Education-N-12th Grade

*Students with Disabilities Birth - 2nd Grade

*Pre-K - 2nd Grade

*Transitional B (TFA Only)

Lead Teacher III

MS, in a **Related Field**

*Child Psychology and 12 ECE Credits

*Child Development ad 12 ECE Credits

*Elementary Education

*N-6 Elementary Education

*Special Education-B-2nd Grade/Grades 1-6

*General Education and 12 ECE credits

Lead Teacher IV

MS in Early Childhood Education with the following DOHMH Approved/NYSED Certification:

*Nursery - 6 th Grade; Birth - 2 nd Grade; Grades 1-6; Special Education-N-12th Grade; Students with Disabilities Birth - 2nd Grade; Pre-K - 2nd Grade

Key Competencies

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Strong understanding of child development principles and theories
• At least 1-year experience working with infants and toddlers, and children with Special Needs
• Strong understanding of child development principles and theories
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and community partners
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the diverse needs of young children
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and development
• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, including play-based learning and emergent curriculum approaches
• Provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions
• Plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation
• Promote children's progress across the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.

A review and final determination of credentials and qualifications are reserved for the site's Education Director and the Children's Aid's Vice President of Early Childhood Programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not to tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.

Requirements: