Pre-K Counts Teacher

Job Description Position Title Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher Compensation$26.00 – $30.00 per hour Contract Status: Full-Time Contracted through June 17, 2026 Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (8 paid hours per day, including paid lunch) Role Summary: Children's Playhouse is seeking an experienced and dedicated Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher to foster a high-quality, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children. This is a highly valued position offering a competitive hourly wage, exceptional benefits, and guaranteed work-life balance with built-in daily paid prep time and summertime off. Minimum Requirement Qualification Education: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Elementary Education with a pre-K certification, or a related field that meets current PA Pre-K Counts regulations. Preferred Qualification Education: Master’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field. (Candidates with an MA/MS will receive priority placement in the top of the pay scale.) Certification: Current, active PA teaching certificate for the applicable grade levels (e.g., PK-4 or equivalent). Benefits: Exceptional Compensation: Highly competitive rate of $26.00 – $30.00 per hour (depending on education and experience) Work-Life Balance Priority: 1.5 hours of paid, protected time for prep and planning daily (within the 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM schedule). Paid Time Off (PTO): Receive dedicated PTO for personal and sick days, and Holiday pay supporting your overall well-being. Time Off: Guaranteed summertime off (contract ends June 17, 2026) and paid holidays. Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and a 401K retirement plan, and paid time off. Additional Perks: Performance bonuses and significant childcare discounts. Experience: Documented experience as a lead classroom teacher. Familiarity with and use of the Teaching Strategies GOLD (TS GOLD) assessment system. Knowledge: Deep understanding of child development theory, best practices in ECE, and the Pre-K Counts Standards. Key Responsibilities Instruction & Curriculum: Design, implement, and evaluate a developmentally appropriate curriculum (e.g., Creative Curriculum) that aligns with Pre-K Counts Standards and prepares children for kindergarten success. Facilitate engaging, individualized, and small-group instruction that is differentiated to meet the needs of all learners. Assessment & Planning: Conduct ongoing, authentic assessment of children’s progress using an approved tool (e.g., TS GOLD) and use the data to inform instruction. Effectively utilize the 1.5 hours of daily paid prep time for planning, documentation, developing individualized learning activities, and preparing materials. Classroom Management: Establish a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment that promotes self-regulation and social-emotional development. Maintain accurate records, attendance, and compliance documentation as required by the Pre-K Counts program. Family Engagement: Maintain regular, open communication with families regarding their child's progress and the program's activities. Conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits as required by the program. Professionalism: Collaborate professionally with teaching assistants, program staff, and administration. Participate in required professional development and mandatory staff meetings. To Apply Interested candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are excited by the opportunity for competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and unparalleled daily planning time should submit the following materials: Current Resume Cover Letter detailing relevant experience and ECE philosophy Copies of relevant certifications and academic transcripts (unofficial accepted for initial review)