Burke Child Care Center - Lead Teacher

Job Title:                           Lead Teacher (Pre-School Expansion)

FLSA Status:                     Exempt – Full Time (10 Months Sept-June)

Reports To:                      Chief Operating Officer & Director of Childcare

Position Summary:

Funding from the State of New Jersey Pre-School expansion and in partnership with the Princeton School District, the Lead Teacher for the Universal Pre-K Program of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton is responsible for teaching subject matter in accordance with the Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment.  Must have personality, patience, creativity, and the ability to provide stability for program continuity and must be flexible to work between the hours of 8am to 330pm.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of students.
• Establish positive teacher-student relations.
• Responsible for the safety, security and nurturing of the children always assigned to the classroom. This includes both inside and outside the classroom and on field trips when applicable.
• Assist in focusing the program to the needs of the individual children, recognizing their differences, special interests, needs, abilities and styles and pace of learning socialization skills.
• Responsible for the execution of developmentally appropriate practice using an interdisciplinary approach using the Creative Curriculum framework.
• Prepare and maintain daily lesson plans in accordance with the Creative Curriculum framework.
• Evaluate student’s academic growth, keep mandated records, and prepare reports of progress as required using Teaching Strategies GOLD
• Document attendance, accident/incident reports, medication waivers, and daily care sheets for each child in compliance with the YWCA Princeton and licensing regulations.
• Monitor behavior in the hallways, and playgrounds when necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children.
• Always treat all children with dignity and respect, recognizing that each has his/her unique qualities, gifts, and needs. Giving special personal attention to each child in the room each day, at the child’s eye level and with a pleasant tone
• Greet every child, parent, fellow staff and visitor with a smile and friendliness. Interact with children at their eye level and height level, using calm, natural and respectful tones of voice.
• Help children become aware of their roles as integral members of a group.
• Assist in ordered arrangements, appearance and learning environment or the classroom. Assure safe and sanitary use and maintenance of all classroom equipment and supplies.
• Maintain open communications with parents and be available for conferences (during, before, and after school hours)
• Collaborate cooperatively with other members of the staff and directors and maintain an ethical and professional atmosphere.
• Attend all staff meetings and required training sessions, as well as childcare family events. Volunteer, when possible, for the YWCA Princeton sponsored events.
• Assume any other duties as requested by professional staff at the YWCA Princeton
• Must model the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Function as a cooperative, productive member of the YWCA Princeton staff team

• Must be able to submit college transcripts along with a valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate with the teaching endorsement (P-3)
• Hold or get (within 90 days of employment) ARC, First Aid, CPR/AED certifications for child, infant, and adult.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills required.
• Ability to prioritize, be self-directed and work independently.
• Ability to collaborate flexibly with a collaborative team of staff members and volunteers.
• The ability to work within procedures efficiently and manage several tasks concurrently to meet deadlines.
• I must be willing to collaborate with all people without regard to race, religion, ethnic origin, socioeconomic status, or disability.
• Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Words, and Excel
• Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in writing in English and Spanish.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
• Seeing to read, prepare and review a variety of materials.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching.
• Sitting for extended periods.

Salary : $64,000 - $66,000