Job Description for: Lead Teacher (Preschool)

Exemption Status: Full Time, Exempt - Salaried
 
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Educare West DuPage puts into practice the latest science, research, and evidenced-based strategies to help vulnerable infants, toddlers and preschoolers build the skills they need to arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school.

Educare West DuPage is driven to inspire children to fall in love with learning, exploring and problem-solving. We expect staff to put their early learning knowledge to work nurturing and engaging our infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and to get parents involved in their child’s education.
 
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Master Teacher and School Director, the Lead Teacher (Preschool) will develop and implement individual educational plans for children, which supports their development socially, intellectually, linguistically, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development. 

The Lead Teacher (Preschool) will provide a high-quality dual language early learning experience for children ages three to five, while establishing a developmentally appropriate classroom environment favorable to the development and personal growth of children. The Lead Teacher will facilitate children’s development of communication abilities, executive functioning skills, and content knowledge needed for future success in school, in accordance with each child’s ability and based on the Educare core components and the Illinois Early Learning Standards. The Lead Teacher will be held responsible for implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements. 
 
RESPONSIBLE TO: School Director and Master Teacher
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SUPERVISOR TO: None
 
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
  • Preferred: Possess an Illinois Educator's license endorsed in Early Childhood and ESL/Bilingual Required or willing to obtain within 18 months, Special Education endorsement preferred or willing to obtain within 18 months; or the candidate must hold a Type 29 Transitional Bilingual License and have passed the ECE Content Test; or have 9 semester hours of ECE course content and obtain a PEL (Professional Educator License) with an Early Childhood endorsement within 5 years of hire
  • Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; but not necessary
  • Have education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education and care of their children
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model of early learning programming
  • Provide a dual language model within the classroom
  • Function as an “on-site” Director by the DCFS Licensing regulations
  • Provide learning experiences that support children’s executive functioning in literacy, language, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, fine arts, social/emotional development, and suited to the needs of children
  • Participate and engage in school’s special events 
  • Facilitate the implementation of the school's curriculum for preschoolers in the classroom as well as other supplemental curricula and strategies for instruction
  • Complete required ongoing developmental assessments and screenings 
  • Develop and use instructional materials suitable for verbal or visual instruction of children with a wide range of mental, physical, and emotional maturities
  • Support each child in developing an awareness of his/her worth as an individual and his/her role in the family and community
  • Participate in family style meals: eating at the table with children to support them in developing self-help skills, making good nutritional choices, and engaging in social experiences
  • Provide individual and small-group instruction within the daily schedule; when developmentally and content appropriate facilitate large group experiences
  • Enrich the educational program through classroom visits by resource persons from the school and community helpers
  • Regularly share resources and activities for parents that promote parent participation and a school to home connection to extend children’s learning
  • Communicate regularly with parents through daily conversations, electronic communications, classroom meetings, newsletters, home visits, and individual parent conferences
  • Communicate with parents to strengthen their understanding of the school curriculum and the assessments used in our school program
  • Establish a positive classroom climate that supports acceptable child behavior, attitudes, and social skills
  • Collaborate with other professionals and agencies in implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEP) in the context of the classroom
  • Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interest centers, and exhibits of children’s work
  • Maintain professional competence through in-service education activities provided by Educare West DuPage, and through self-selected professional growth activities
  • Participate in curriculum and other developmental programs as appropriate
  • Perform other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position
  • Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment
  • Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored 
  • Use the playground as an extension of the classroom
  • Complete all health, supervision and environment checklists according to schedule
  • Actively assist in transition activities: 0-3 to preschool; preschool to kindergarten
  • Actively participate in the development and implementation of a personal Professional Development Plan
  • Participate in individual reflective supervision; team reflective supervision and data dialogues regarding classroom observations and assessments
  • Assure that files are complete, accurate, and confidentiality maintained
  • Set up and maintain an environment in the classroom that promotes learning
  • Accommodate children’s interests and the need to scaffold learning by switching or rotating materials in learning centers on a regular basis
  • In cooperation with classroom team support children in performing routine duties such as toileting, hand washing, cleanup, and supervision of children at all times, including outdoor play
  • Meet with Supervisor, Family Engagement Specialist and team members on a regular  basis; review classroom and child data, develop an action plan, support goal achievement through active collaboration
  • Conduct parent teacher conferences twice a year and home visits twice a year
  • Maintain an inventory of classroom equipment and materials; acquire materials as needed
  • Participate in team lesson planning with teaching team, Supervisor, and Family Engagement Specialist using the Focused Teaching cycle to plan for each child and the classroom 
  • Follow guidelines in the employee handbook, positive guidance, and code of conduct 
  • Engage in active supervision of children which requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Teachers position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what he/she will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
 
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
  • Successful experience working in a team setting; ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with a Teacher Assistant and Teacher Aide, assisting her/him in increasing professional knowledge and skills
  • Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community
  • Ability to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities
  • Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if need
  •  Ability to work respectively and cooperatively with a Teacher Assistant and Teacher Aide, assisting him/or her increasing knowledge and skills
  • Must be able to lift 55 pounds; including supporting children on and off changing tables
  • Must be able to use all physical and mental capacities in order to perform the job duties
  • Must be able must be able to participate in outdoor experiences with children; adverse weather conditions are taken into consideration by referencing the Child Care Weather Watch guidelines
  • Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff and clients

Educare West DuPage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.