Preschool Lead Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY:

Plans, organizes, implements and oversees all developmentally appropriate
curriculum and enrichment activities in a classroom setting for children from preschool through
kindergarten age; Provides a positive learning environment that supports children's social, emotional,
physical, language, and cognitive development; Develops and recommends program activities and
projects; Implementing Individualized Family Service Plans. Responsible for ensuring the safety of
children in the program while supervising and assisting children in developmentally appropriate activities
such as games, songs, learning activities, arts and crafts projects, gym time, nap time, snack and/or
lunch; and for developing and recommending activities and projects. Evaluating participant needs and
making programmatic adjustments and improvements based on observation and data. The lead position
will provide management of the Teacher and Preschool Aide.

1. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply Agency core values of stewardship, compassion, integrity and equity.
• Monitor participant safety with various measures including attendance taking and frequent head counts.
• Ensure the safety of all participants and program staff at the site.
• Lead, direct, plan and supervise children in age appropriate curriculum and enrichment activities that provide
  a balance such as: centers and circle time, art projects, outdoor and gym time, field trips, songs and games,
  nap time, snack and/or lunch, and at least 3 teacher conference and/or monthly home visitng.
• Serve meals; perform necessary clean up according to CACFP/USDA standards and practices.
• Provide redirection to children using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports strategies, as well as social
  emotional-age appropriate language.
• Prepare room; set up supplies and/or equipment for activities; perform necessary clean up.
• Report all cases of suspected child abuse to supervisor and contact Services to Children & Families as
  necessary.
• Respond to incidents utilizing First Aid, CPR/AED as needed.
• Maintain necessary records and files on programs, classes, and activities. Including Individualized Family
  Service Plans, documentation, goal monitoring and attendance.
• Acts as a lead team worker in planning and leading activities and in behavior management; acts as lead
  worker to program staff in assigning work and providing work assistance as required.
• Maintains appropriate records and prepares reports related to early childhood programs and activities.
• Prepares parent program communications to distribute in both print and digitally; maintains informational
  bulletin boards.
• Leads staff in utilizing developmentally appropriate practices for preschool-kindergarten age children.
• Responds to a variety of questions, concerns, and/or complaints from parents; keeps parents informed
  regarding child's progress and achievements.
• Approve time cards, staff professional development, and staff disciplinary action
• Acts responsive and engaged with developing a positive work environment which includes providing honest,
  respectful and direct feedback to other staff, participating in team meetings, team development, personal
  training plans, respecting diversity and differences among staff, clients and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and complete data on the individual child files, (including required daily observation forms
  for all children; attendance records, Client Contact Logs, weekly child observations, child assessments, child
  developmental screenings, child goals, family interaction, and PBC data system is up to date).
• Attend family 4 engagement activities and other events as need for fundraising
• Attend/Plan family staffing meetings, all staff meetings, and team meetings.
• Follow PBC, DELC, SPARK, and Grant guidelines at all times

2. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure workflow and/or procedures are kept up-to-date for owned tasks
• Maintain all safety protocols and techniques within the workplace
• Maintain an accurate daily record on timesheet of hours worked
• Acts responsive and engaged with developing a positive work environment which includes providing
  honest, respectful and direct feedback to other staff, participating in team meetings, team development,
  personal training plans, respecting diversity and differences among staff, clients and stakeholders.
• Performs other job-related duties or tasks as required.

3. CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• A comprehensive knowledge of indicators and effects of maltreatment, abuse and neglect on
  children, nutrition, health, safety, and special needs
• An understanding of generational poverty and the needs of low-income families.
• Learn and apply Therapeutic, Trauma Informed, and Positive Support.
• Ability to work with adults who have a variety of stresses/challenges
• Knowledge of the community/county resources
• Demonstrate good stress management and self-care skills.
• Ability to relate to diverse at-risk children and families with sensitivity and respect.
• Ability to be flexible in schedule of work hours and days, in order to best meet the needs of
  children/families.
• Knowledge and competent use of the internet, email, and word processing programs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and share information on a need-to-know basis only.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergent situations.
• Model a positive attitude toward work.
• Ability to adapt and work effectively under pressure.
• Listen actively and use effective conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent communication skills, written, verbal and non-verbal.
• Ability to work closely as a team member and to model appropriately for others on the team.
• Ability to educate and oversee groups of parents and children.
• Ability to represent the program positively within the community.
• Ability to collaborate with parents and their children in a warm, calming, respectful, encouraging
  and patient manner.
• Willingness to seek and accept feedback and implement recommendations in a timely manner.
• Sound judgment and common sense in decision-making.

4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Development Associate Certificate, or
  related field. Be at a Step 8 in the Oregon Registry or have a professional development plan outlining steps
  to be taken to achieve Step 8 or Qualified teacher through DELC
• At least Two years' experience working in Early Childhood Education with young children.
• At least one year of management
• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities/cognitive difficulties preferred.
• Valid Oregon driver's license, including driving record and liability insurance acceptable to PBC and its
  insurance carrier.
• Registered in the Central Background Check, Current First Aid and CPR card, Food Handler's Card,
  Annual Mandatory Reporter/Child Abuse and Neglect training.

5. PHYSICAL DEMAND:

• The physical effort applied in this job will vary depending on the situation. Typically, lifting up to
  50 lbs., bending, working at floor level, standing, walking, sitting, and communicating will apply

6. MENTAL OR VISUAL DEMAND:

• Constant mental and visual focus is required while working with children.

7. WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working conditions will typically be in a climate controlled and regulated environment
• Playground and off-site work will present a variety of environmental conditions

8. ATTENDANCE:

• This position requires availability based on business need
• It is imperative that attendance protocols are adhered to and that Department Call-In Policies are
  maintained at all times

9. SAFETY:

• There is never a good reason to risk your own personal safety or that of a child or co-worker
• Being proactive to prevent injuries or incidents is an expectation
• All injuries or incidents, no matter how small, must be reported

10. FSLA:

• The position of Preschool Lead Teacher is non-exempt
• Non-Exempt positions are eligible for overtime pay
• The position of Preschool Lead Teacher is considered a Category (2) Professionals

11. EEO CLASSIFICATION: N/A