Lead Preschool Teacher (2s/3s)

Description:

JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill seeks an outstanding Lead Teacher for a 2s/3s preschool classroom beginning this September. We are a small, young, progressive school grounded in the philosophy that children learn best through play. Drawing inspiration from Jewish values and culture, we aim to nurture the growth of the whole child in a loving, caring environment.

Responsibilities:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the education and care of the children in the classroom; for developing curriculum, activities and routines in a manner appropriate to the age of the children; and for contributing to the effective operation of the overall program. The Lead Teacher reports to the educational director. The Lead Teacher's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interpret and be able to articulate school philosophy and the Department of Health guidelines, goals and procedures.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies with awareness of emergency procedures.
• In accordance with the school philosophy, develop and implement a program to meet the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of each child.
• In accordance with school philosophy, participate in, develop, and implement Jewish curriculum.
• Prepare the classroom arrangement and environment for the children prior to the start of school and on a daily basis.
• Arrange for classroom visits prior to the start of school.
• Maintain a safe, clean and orderly classroom environment (including the area outside each room as well as cubbies and bulletin boards) in compliance with Department of Health standards. Notify director, in writing, as to any necessary repairs or renovations.
• Leave the classroom in good order each day. Materials should be put away, table surfaces cleaned with weak bleach solution, and chairs stacked to allow the floors to be cleaned.
• Provide positive guidance; maintain an orderly classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Relate to children in a warm, respectful manner and set appropriate and reasonable limits and expectations.
• Assess children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis. Prepare a written report on each child prior to each Parent/Teacher conference.
• Write letters of recommendation for children applying to ongoing schools.
• Interact with, share and supervise staff assigned to the classroom.
• Interact and share with the directors, teaching partner, and colleagues, including SEITs, staff from other programs, special educators and parents.
• Communicate with parents in an ongoing manner using digital and analog tools to provide daily updates, curriculum updates, and photographs.
• Prepare and attend Parent/Teacher conferences twice a year or as needed.
• Arrange for a substitute teacher (when you have advance notice) when absent and ensure that the director and your teaching partner are informed and aware of the absence. Director will arrange sub when you are ill and unable to do so.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, team meetings, scheduled weekly team planning sessions, parent conferences, staff development workshops and social events in the afternoon, evening and on weekends as required:
  • All applicable staff meetings, which will be on alternate weeks and/or as needed.
  • Team meetings with the Directors will be monthly or as needed.
  • Consistent, weekly (and as needed) in-school planning sessions with your teaching partner. At least one hour in your classroom.
  • Attend Curriculum Night
  • Parent teacher conferences: See calendar for November and March PTC dates.
  • One or more Weekend Community Events – You WILL be paid for your attendance.
• Read articles and/or books assigned. Attend professional development workshops as required.
• Maintain communication during summer break as needed for planning following school year and documentation and feedback for previous school year.
• Physically and mentally react appropriately and immediately to unexpected circumstances (i.e. falling child).
• Be able to lift, carry and hold children, to stoop and bend to a child’s level and stand for long periods of time throughout the day.
• Maintain an up to date personnel file in accordance with Department of Health requirements.
• Communicate daily and meet weekly in the classroom with your assistant teacher. Provide mentoring and guidance where needed with an eye to her professional development as you collaborate.
• Supervise and assess student teachers assigned to the classroom.
• Be responsible for arranging safe, appropriate class trips.

Qualifications: