At Educare Springfield, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to achieve their dreams, and it starts by leveling the playing field from the day we are born. As one of the nation’s most effective early childhood network of schools, we ensure young children from underserved communities have the best possible chance for success in life. Our approach extends beyond the classroom to help children, families, educators, and communities thrive. Along with Square One and Springfield Public Schools - equally committed to serving our greater Springfield community - this tri-partner collaboration is a pioneer of innovation and excellence!
The Lead Teacher/Director, in the infant/toddler, classrooms is responsible for the planning, implementation and coordination of a comprehensive education program. The Lead Teacher/Director ensures the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets children's individual needs as well as program standards of Educare and Square One.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Education (preferably Early Childhood Education).
2. DEEC Lead Teacher Infant/Toddler and Director 1 certified.
3. Two years of early childhood experience in a group setting preferred.
4. One year experience in supervising others.
5. Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice.
6. Ability to communicate and cooperate with families, various professionals and community groups.
7. Ability to implement all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.
8. Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:
Child Development
· Observe, assess and document each child's skills, behavior, growth and development.
· Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
· Bring to attention those children with special needs. Coordinate referrals for children with special needs or mental health needs with the Mentor Coach.
· Contribute to and participate in child and family reviews, Mental Health staffing, and/or Individualized Education Plans/Individualized Family Service Plans.
· Assist the child and family as child transitions from the infant and toddler program to the preschool program.
· Foster positive relationships with all children in the classroom.
Classroom Management
· Develop and maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage child's independence and self-selection of activities.
· Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.
· Maintain a clean, safe and healthy classroom environment.
· Utilize Positive Behavior Supports and Touchpoints strategies.
Curriculum
· Plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance language and literacy development, (2) cognition and general knowledge,
(3) approaches toward learning, (4) physical well-being and motor development, and (5) social and emotional development of each child.
· Participate in interpreting and analyzing assessment results and utilize data to plan individual
and classroom experiences as well as intentionally share information with families.
· Develop lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities and outcomes for children and
implement them intentionally.
· Intentionally integrate other areas, i.e., health/physical activity, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, transition, safety and parent involvement, into the education plan.
· Create documentation panels, on a regular basis, to make the learning that the children are experiencing visible to families and visitors.
Parent Involvement
· Schedule and meet with families regularly about their child's progress, including at least two Parent/Staff Conferences per year.
· Schedule a minimum of two home visits per year with each child's family to clarify child and family needs.
· Collaboratively plan with Family Engagement Specialist (FES) staff and facilitate monthly informational/activity meetings for families for sharing data with families and responding to their identified interests and/or needs.
· Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing education activities
· for their children at home and in the community.
· Communicate with families (informal conversations, newsletters, personal notes) regarding his/her child's involvement in classroom activities and progress towards learning goals.
Supervision / Administration
· Participate in regular reflective supervision with the Mentor Coach.
· Participate in ongoing professional development (including peer learning activities.)
· Collaboratively implement and participate in the coaching process with the Mentor Coach to promote high quality instruction.
· Support the implementation of new strategies gained through training.
· Provide leadership for the classroom team (e.g., plan for and lead team planning sessions, monitor teammates' observation notes and appropriate goal identification, advocate for and support Best Practices in the classroom.)
· Supervise teaching staff, student teachers, practicum students, and volunteers as needed.
· Serve as a mentor/model to Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.
· Delegate responsibilities to the Associate Teacher and Teacher Aide.
· Maintain confidentiality regarding each child and family.
· Maintain daily attendance and CACFP food counts.
· Conduct family intakes.
· Ensure compliance with EEC regulations, Educare and Square One policies and procedures.
· Ensure the timely completion of necessary paperwork, including developmental assessments, lesson plans, newsletters, incident reports, etc.
· Participate in the interviewing process of Associate Teachers and Teacher Aides.
Other
· Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.
· Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model
· Participate in the local evaluation and national Educare Implementation Study, engaging in a system of reciprocal, regular data feedback and utilization for individualized planning for children and families and continuous program improvement
· Collaborate with the Family Engagement Specialist (assigned to each child), and other Educare/Square One personnel and support staff to promote individual children's goals relating to early communication development, fine and gross motor skills, development of social and self-care skills.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:
· Knowledge of curriculum, principles, and best practices of early childhood education.
· Ability and willingness to remain abreast of developments in the child development/early childhood education field to enhance professional growth and development.
· Willingness to participate in Educare's commitment to continuously review, analyze and apply findings from local and national evaluations to current program design.
· Knowledge of state childcare licensing requirements.
· Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team as a cooperative and supportive team member.
· Ability to establish supportive relationships and form an alliance with staff and families from diverse backgrounds on behalf of children.
· Ability to effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.
· Ability to take or think about the perspective of others and demonstrate self-awareness of one's own culture, beliefs, and values.
· Ability to physically interact with children including the ability to walk or run quickly, kneel or sit on floor, bend and lift, walk over rough or uneven ground, while in or outside of facility.
· Ability to lift, carry and move center/classroom equipment and supplies and/or bulky objects or children weighing up to 50 lbs.
· Organization skills with the ability to manage time and multiple priorities.
· Ability to collaboratively problem-solve.
· Maintain boundaries and perform all duties in an ethical and professional manner.
· Compliance with all confidentiality regulations as required.
· Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
· Ability to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, a telephone, fax machine, and copier.
Must be able to pass an EEC background check that meets compliance standards
For more information about Square One, visit our website at https://startatsquareone.org/
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Work Location: In person
