Pre-K Lead Teacher - (GSRP)

Position/Job Title: Pre-K Lead Teacher - Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Lead Teacher is responsible for all aspects of planning, assessing, and instructing 4-year olds, based on the needs of each child, and the requirements of the GSRP grant. The teacher is also responsible for maintaining program quality and documentation as outlined in the GSRP Implementation Manual, Preschool Program Quality Assessment (PQA), and DHS licensing guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with Early Childhood (ZA or ZS) endorsement OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Development with a specialization in preschool teaching

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Teaching experience with early childhood/preschool children, particularly with at-risk children
• Training and experience with research-based preschool curricula with knowledge of Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-K (ECSQ-PK)
• Certification in CPR and First Aid
• Knowledge of current research on early childhood literacy
• Knowledge of the Preschool Program Quality Assessment (PQA) and its relationship to quality experiences for young children
• Skill in providing effective learning experiences that foster academic growth in a developmentally appropriate manner
• Work effectively, make decisions, and problem-solving collaboratively within a team
• Work well with diverse families and engage parents as full partners in their child's learning
• Ability to act as a resource person for families
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with students, parents, and teachers

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement developmentally appropriate instruction for children using research-based curriculum
• Follow the daily schedule as outlined in the curriculum and GSRP guidelines
• Conduct screening and ongoing assessment of children and provide age-appropriate instructional support
• Meet with Early Childhood Specialist as needed to ensure quality programming and maintain a high-level PQA rating
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and other scheduled program activities as requested
• Consider the associate teacher an essential member of the teaching team
• Collaborate with the associate teacher in planning, team meetings, troubleshooting, and decision-making
• Empower the associate teacher to monitor behavior and support the educational process in the classroom
• Participate in-home visits with the associate teacher to partner with parents to meet the educational needs of their children
• Organize and maintain records for grant and licensing purposes
• Create and update anecdotal records and portfolios for each child
• Complete required progress reports and other paperwork
• Participate in district recruitment efforts, including open houses and round-ups, and assist in student selection
• Maintain inventory of classroom equipment, materials, and supplies
• Schedule parent/family activities
• Develop newsletters and informational materials for families
• Able to work flexible hours as needed for family involvement activities, including home visits, recruitment events, open house
• Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employee must be capable of performing physical demands of the job, including but not limited to lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, and standing for long periods of time. Work environment has a raised noise level. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work performed by those assigned to this job. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Administration reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

*The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.*