Preschool / PreK Head Teacher

General Position Description

The Preschool / PreK Head Teacher will develop a program around established guidelines and provide a safe, nurturing, positive classroom environment.  Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to provide stimulating, intentional activities to encourage a child’s growth and development. The teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and work together with parents. 

Key Responsibilities

• Create, coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards
• Create detailed lesson plans
• Ensure competent supervision at all times
• Maintain a positive physical and emotional environment
• Interact verbally and non-verbally with children, participate on the floor and at eye level
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports and parent teacher conferences
• Plan intentional individual and small group activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth
• Use assessments to support children’s learning, via observations, documentation and other rating scales
• Maintain written records of child progress, observation and assessment
• Ensure a healthy environment, including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards
• Supervise teacher assistants to ensure they are actively engaged with children, following planned activities and hygiene and safety standards
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous self improvement and knowledge of trends in child development
• Incorporate activities and educate children about, or be willing to learn about Jewish tradition, culture, values and Israel.  Knowledge of Hebrew and Jewish culture a plus
• Write weekly communication to families 
• Attend scheduled meetings and events, as required

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum of 2 years of professional childcare experience
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills
• HIgh energy and ability to work well with others, and to foster a team environment
• Strong understanding of child development
• Excellent leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification a plus

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, or a related field of study with a minimum of 9 credits in Early Childhood Education REQUIRED, with a plan to continue a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Ability to sit on the floor, bend and lift 30 lbs a must.

Must clear full background check and pass health screening.

Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and education. 

Please send resume with cover letter to Rachel Kurland, ECC Director at rachelk@lewisjcc.org