The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Development Center – Lead Teacher

Position Summary:

Funding from the State of New Jersey Pre-School expansion and in partnership with the Princeton School District, the Pre-K Lead Teacher for 3 Year Old Program of The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at YWCA Princeton is responsible for teaching subject matter in accordance with the Creative Curriculum. Must have personality, patience, creativity and the ability to provide stability for program continuity and must be flexible to work between the hours of 8am to 4pm.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Create a classroom milieu that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of students
• Establish positive teacher-student relations
• Responsible for the safety, security and nurturing of the children assigned to the classroom at all times. This includes both inside and outside the classroom and on field trips when applicable
• Assist in gearing the program to the needs of the individual children, recognizing their differences, special interests, needs, abilities and styles and pace of learning socialization skills
• Responsible for the execution of developmentally appropriate practice using an interdisciplinary approach using the Creative Curriculum framework
• Prepare and maintain daily lesson plans in accordance with the Creative Curriculum framework
• Evaluate student's academic growth, keep mandated records, and prepare reports of progress as required
• Document attendance, accident reports, medication waivers, and daily care sheets for each child in compliance with the YWCA Princeton and licensing regulations
• Monitor behavior in the hallways, and playgrounds when necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children
• Treat all children at all times with dignity and respect, recognizing that each has his/her unique qualities, gifts and needs. Giving special personal attention to each child in the room each day, at the child's eye level and with a pleasant tone
• Greet every child, parent, fellow staff and visitor with a smile and friendliness. Interact with children on their eye level and height level, using calm, natural and respectful tones of voice
• Help children become aware of their roles as integral members of a group
• Assist in ordered arrangements, appearance and learning environment or the classroom. Assure safe and sanitary use and maintenance of all classroom equipment and supplies
• Maintain open communications with parents and be available for conferences (during, before, and after school hours)
• Work cooperatively with other members of the staff, Directors and maintain an ethical and professional atmosphere
• Attend all staff meetings and required training sessions, as well as childcare family events. Volunteer when possible for the YWCA Princeton sponsored events
• Assume any other duties as requested by professional staff at the YWCA Princeton
• Must model the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
• Function as a cooperative, productive member of the YWCA Princeton staff team

Skills and Requirements:

• Must be able to submit college transcripts along with a valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate with the teaching endorsement (P-3)
• Hold or get (within 90 days of employment) an ARC, First Aid, CPR/AED certifications for child, infant and adult
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills required
• Ability to prioritize, be self-directed and work independently
• Ability to work flexibly with a collaborative team of staff members and volunteers
• Ability to work within procedures efficiently and handle several tasks concurrently to meet deadlines
• Must be willing to work with all persons without regard to race, religion, ethnic origin, socioeconomic status or disability
• Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Words, and Excel
• Ability to communicate fluently verbally and in writing in English and Spanish.