SUMMARY

The Lead Early Preschool Teacher Teacher plans the daily activities and environment of the assigned classroom and supervises the implementation of those plans and the policies of the Center.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Understand and fulfill the Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Day Care Centers (Department of Social Services, Commonwealth of Virginia), which requires signature of the employee.
• Operate a mixed age classroom (3-5 year olds) in accordance with Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) standards.
• Work directly with the ELC Director in the implementation of Creative Curriculum with special emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices and incorporating Virginia’s early learning development standards.
• Facilitate the development of the “whole” child, enhancing each child’s self-esteem and independence.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect, recognizing and considering the individual needs of each child in relation to cultural and socioeconomic background, handicaps, special talents and interests, style and pace of learning; communicate effectively and appropriately with the age group assigned.
• Provide a nurturing atmosphere for the children demonstrated by interacting on child’s eye level, sitting on the floor with children, providing appropriate physical contact for comforting and reassurance.
• Help children learn to think creatively, to solve problems independently, and to respect themselves and others.
• Work interactively with children in all activity areas in classroom or outdoors as assigned; implement and support Developmentally Appropriate Practices, providing a stimulating environment for the children.
• Prepare daily lesson plans for both inside and outside to include the following areas of learning: cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, social and self-esteem.
• Assist children in developing good personal hygiene, changing diapers, toilet training and washing of hands.
• Maintains structure and control of the classroom at all times including during episodes of children’s upsets and emergency situations.
• Follow all procedures and requirements as noted by UCM policy & procedures and in accordance with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s licensing requirements to assure the safety of the children in your assigned environment, monitoring their safety at all times.
• Screen all children with appropriate developmental screening tool. Identify special needs in children and make referrals to Center Director or Child Development Specialist Implement Individual Education Plan and an Individual Needs Assessment.
• Implement limit setting for children according to the policies of the Center.
• Protect confidential information of both the child(ren) and families associated with the ELC.
• Prepare and maintain space and materials for classroom and outdoor activities.
• Provide supervision to assigned Assistant(s) and Classroom Aide(s) asking for input on lesson plan and classroom management, giving instructions and monitoring their duties

COMPETENCIES

Establish positive relationships with parents/guardians/families by:

• Greeting each person warmly during drop off and pick up, sharing both positive and negative events of the child’s day, by taking an interest in the family as a whole, and by responding to parent/guardian/family questions and concerns.
• Maintaining confidentiality with information relating to parent(s)/guardian(s)/family and children, being careful what information is shared with other staff.
• Encouraging family participation in classroom program, special activities, parent/guardian meetings and training.

ADMINISTRATIVE/CLASSROOM DUTIES

• Provide adequate supervision and direction to assistant teacher(s) and classroom aide(s).
• Maintain classroom ratio of staff to children at all times and knowing when to call the Director of Child Care Services for additional staff support to maintain required levels of coverage.
• Implement limit-setting in accordance with center’s discipline policy.
• Provide interactive supervision on the playground.
• Feed and supervise children during meals and eat with them as age level requires.
• Share with the classroom staff the responsibility of maintaining a clean room. Clean & Disinfect toys and equipment according to center standards.
• Report problems, illness of a child or signs of child abuse promptly to the Director of Child Care Services, Assistant Director of child Care Services or the Child Development Specialist.
• Conduct supervisory action conferences to reflect personnel problem areas, documenting problem, discussion and goals; discuss ways to improve or how continued problems may jeopardize continued employment; monitor progress.
• Conduct staff evaluations according to schedules published by Director of Administration and Personnel; evaluations by teachers will be conducted jointly with the Director of Child Care Services.
• Adhere to UCM Personnel Policies and Procedures and help maintain the UCM “Statement of Philosophy” and the ELC Philosophy” as written in the Personnel Manual.
• Participate in planning meetings with Child Development Specialist, Director, Assistant Director and other teachers. · Conduct classroom staff meetings to plan classroom activities and management of the classroom.
• Work in conjunction, with other professionals to facilitate a child’s optimal development. · Maintain daily meal count, attendance, and monthly reporting.
• Attend ELC staff meetings. · Maintain a neat and clean appearance.
• Lead Teachers are not to accept payment of fees from parents.
• Adherence to and support of UCM’s (and ELC philosophy if applicable). This includes a proven ability to exercise empathy and positive regard in providing services to clients.
• Ability to work cooperatively with peers and supervisors · Ability to maintain professional relationships with clients, child(ren), families and other agency representatives.
• Quality of work. This includes exercise of promptness, accuracy, and sound judgment, meeting required outcomes and the ability to perform all aspects of the job description.
• Dedication. This includes the desire determination and ability to provide comprehensive services to clients, children, and families.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field and one year of experience related to the group care and development of preschool children and/or infants and toddlers.
• CDA Required
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with staff, families, and children in both written and oral formats.
• Possess basic computer skills to include Microsoft Word and use of email for correspondence. · Ability to lift 40 pounds. Good vision, hearing, mobility to work with children on the floor (up and down) with repetitive stretching and bending. Ability to walk up and down stairs, be outside for extended periods of time and ability to move children in cribs during emergencies. Ability to push a stroller for extended distances with multiple children in the stroller.
• Ability to meet all requirements for Employment Eligibility Verification.
• Prior to first day of working with children, complete CPR and first aid training, or present proof of CPR training within past year and first aid training within past three years. Update CPR training annually and first aid every three years. Those working with infants must have infant CPR completed and maintained.
• Possess a clear Virginia Central Registry check as dictated by the Code of Virginia 63.1-198.1. In addition, there must be a clear finding for other criminal offenses in the Virginia Criminal History record for not less than five years prior to date of service.
• Agree to flexible working hours.
• Demonstrate consistent pleasant disposition towards children, families and staff.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education or related field and three years of experience related to the group care and development of preschool children and/or infants and toddlers.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, preferred but not required