The Goddard School® located at: 5820 Bayberry Farms Drive SW Grandville, MI 49418 is seeking a GSRP Lead Lead Teacher. At our School, we put our teachers first because they put our students first. Join us to create a nurturing environment for young children by implementing an engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum using our proprietary Wonder of Learning® program. Lead daily activities, inspire young minds and collaborate with a supportive team.
Nurture your growth. Empower your success. Join our welcoming community, where you can grow and make a real difference in children’s lives every day. If you’re passionate about education and children, and ready to advance your career, we’d love to hear from you!
Overview
The Lead GSRP Teacher is responsible for implementing a developmentally appropriate, research-based curriculum that supports the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). This individual ensures compliance with all GSRP guidelines and works in partnership with the associate teacher, families, and Faculty to promote school readiness and lifelong learning. A lead teacher at The Goddard School is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment.
Essential duties and responsibilities of a GSRP Lead Teacher include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Plan, develop, and implement daily lesson plans using The Goddard School’s proprietary Wonder of Learning (WOL) curriculum, approved by GSRP.
· Conduct child observations and assessments using the COR Advantage assessment tool in conjunction with WOL, approved by GSRP
· Maintain accurate and up-to-date child records, including attendance, assessment data, and progress reports.
· Collaborate with the Associate Teacher and support staff to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
· Develop strong relationships with families, including conducting home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
· Ensure classroom compliance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) GSRP requirements and licensing regulations.
· Participate in professional development and training as required by the program and MDE.
· Engage in team meetings, reflective supervision, and continuous improvement efforts.
· Use data to drive instruction and improve student outcomes.
· Monitor and report any concerns regarding child development, behavior, or safety.
A Goddard School Lead Teacher must possess:
· the ability to understand and support the education program using “learning through play” philosophy;
· the ability to interact closely with children at their level;
· the ability to keep children within sight and sound supervision at all times;
· the ability to change children’s diapers and/or assist in toileting (where necessary);
· the ability to understand and comply with The Goddard School’s employment policies;
· the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children and parents;
· the ability to handle crisis situations, including assisting in evacuating the building during emergencies; and
· the ability to comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development OR a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with a valid Michigan teaching certificate and a ZS (Early Childhood) or ZA (Early Childhood General and Special Education) endorsement or willing to be on a compliance plan
· Experience working with preschool-aged children.
· Ability to meet GSRP Lead Teacher requirements per the Michigan Department of Education.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative teaching team.
Preferred:
· Knowledge of the COR Advantage assessment tool.
· Experience in implementing GSRP programming.
The Goddard School Lead Teacher Responsibilities
A lead teacher’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Establish and maintain a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment
· Design an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom
· Develop an appropriate classroom management system to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom
· Ensure that classroom equipment is in good repair
· Understand and implement The Goddard School® emergency procedure(s)
· Promote healthy eating practices at lunch and snack times
· Ensure that children are always within state ratio requirements
· Perform minor cleaning responsibilities (e.g., spills) immediately
· Perform major cleaning during times when children are not present
· Post a classroom schedule that meets the needs of the children and includes a routine and learning opportunities
· Post and adhere to all GSI Health and Safety policies and procedures
· Advance children’s physical and intellectual competence
· Adapt program to meet the individual needs of each child
· Create a multi-cultural learning environment
· Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to engage children in learning
· Interact with the children to support play, exploration and learning
· Encourage children to talk with each other and with the faculty
· Present age- and developmentally-appropriate expectations for all children
· Create a print-rich environment in order for children to learn about books, literature and writing
· Encourage creativity through art, music, dramatic play and blocks
· Provide a reasonable balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities
· Provide opportunities for both active and quiet play
· Integrate GSI-approved resources (including Enrichment Programs) into lesson plans
Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
· Understand and adhere to the GSI Behavior Policy
· Plan and implement activities to develop children’s self-esteem and social skills
· Plan and implement activities to enable children’s feeling of security
· Encourage empathetic and respectful feelings for others, as well as the environment, through positive modeling
· Respect cultural and ethnic diversity
Establish positive and effective family relations
· Communicate, in a professional manner, with families and faculty
· Encourage families to become an integral part of their children’s learning experiences
· Provide opportunities (e.g., conferences) in which families are made to feel a part of their children’s learning experiences
· Prepare a Daily Activity Report for each child
· Maintain a portfolio for each child
· Maintain the classroom Parent Board
Ensure an effective program, responsive to children’s needs
· Assess supplies and materials needed to implement activities
· Build teamwork
· Develop lesson plans
· Manage classrooms according to GSI QA Standards
· Perform child observations and document in their portfolios
· Use assessment tools (e.g., Progress Reports, Children’s Progress)
Maintain professional commitment
· Promote “learning through play” philosophy and educational objectives
· Support a code of ethical conduct
· Pursue professional development/continuing education
· Attend faculty meetings, in-service days, conferences and professional growth opportunities
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
§ Child Development
§ Human Growth and Development
§ Educational Psychology
§ Child Psychology
§ Methods: Age Birth to 8 years
§ Children’s Literature
§ Developmental Assessment of Young Children
§ Measurement and Evaluation
§ Nutrition
§ Health and Safety
§ Child Care Administration
§ Student Teaching: Kindergarten; 1st Grade; 2nd Grade
If you’re an energetic, nurturing person looking for a supportive and fun workplace, join us! Our School offers a premium educational experience in state-of-the-art facilities, helping every child become a joyful, confident learner ready for success in school and life.