What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Preschool Teacher position at The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida?
POSITION: Lead Preschool Teacher
REPORTS TO: Director of Early Childhood Development
STATUS: Full-Time - Hourly Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Early Childhood Development
STATUS: Full-Time - Hourly Non-Exempt
Overview:
The Lead Preschool Teacher provides quality early childhood education services to residential children utilizing the childcare facilities, adhering to Coalition for the Homeless policies and state guidelines. This role includes teaching developmentally appropriate lessons, fostering positive relationships with children and families, and ensuring health and safety standards are maintained. The teacher is responsible for preparing children for the VPK Program, creating a nurturing environment, and supporting their holistic development. Additionally, the position requires maintaining compliance with Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulations and ongoing professional development.
The Lead Preschool Teacher provides quality early childhood education services to residential children utilizing the childcare facilities, adhering to Coalition for the Homeless policies and state guidelines. This role includes teaching developmentally appropriate lessons, fostering positive relationships with children and families, and ensuring health and safety standards are maintained. The teacher is responsible for preparing children for the VPK Program, creating a nurturing environment, and supporting their holistic development. Additionally, the position requires maintaining compliance with Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulations and ongoing professional development.
Key Responsibilities
- Educate and guide children using developmentally appropriate lesson plans that encourage exploration and creativity.
- Incorporate multicultural activities into lesson plans.
- Model and explain positive reinforcement and discipline principles, including redirection.
- Prepare children for entrance into the VPK Program.
- Follow and create lesson plans incorporating Language Arts, Art, Sensory, Music, Science, Math, Physical Education, Dramatic Play, Positive Self-Esteem, and Self-Awareness.
- Allow children to explore learning centers.
- Maintain positive classroom management.
- Attend all staff meetings and participate in workshops/classes to obtain 10 hours of state-mandated in-service training annually.
- Adhere to the classroom daily schedule.
- Greet parents, children, and visitors warmly.
- Establish positive relationships with children and parents, fostering open communication.
- Share daily positive updates with parents and maintain children’s daily reports for parental review.
- Communicate with children in a positive tone at their level, addressing their needs through play and engagement.
- Maintain and follow all Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Health Department, and fire safety regulations.
- Report all issues/accidents and faulty equipment to the Director immediately.
- Enforce and model proper handwashing practices for children.
- Inspect playgrounds daily for safety concerns and report any issues immediately.
- Ensure children are clean and cared for throughout the day, including regular diaper changes and proper hygiene.
- Disinfect changing tables after each use and follow glove-use protocols.
- Keep children’s bedding and clothing separated and clean.
- Disinfect toys and tables daily and prepare fresh bleach water solution as required.
- Wash bedding at least twice weekly or more frequently if needed.
- Wipe shelves weekly and keep toys organized and stocked in learning centers.
- Notify the Director in advance of supply needs.
- Sweep and mop floors and clean/disinfect bathrooms daily, ensuring they are stocked with necessary supplies.
- Adapt to the needs of the Center with a flexible schedule.
- Be available to teach at both centers as required.
- Notify the Director two weeks in advance for scheduled appointments and immediately in case of lateness or illness.
Qualifications
- Knowledge of DCF, NAEYC, and School Readiness Coalition requirements, as well as health and safety regulations.
- Proficiency in implementing Creative Curriculum and Florida Standards into lesson planning.
- Experience using Teaching Strategy GOLD Assessment for evaluating children’s progress.
Required Skills
- Early Childhood Education
- Positive Reinforcement
- Open Communication
- Organization and Planning
- Flexibility
- Sensitivity and Nurturing of Children
Disclaimer: This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This description excludes the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to essential job duties. All duties, responsibilities, and requirements are vital to the job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.
