Classification: full time, Hourly, Non-exempt – regularly scheduled 30-40 hours per week
Pay Rate: $17-$18/hr dependent on credentials
Reports To: Early Childhood Education Director
Overview: A lead teacher or co-lead teacher is responsible for designing and implementing an engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experience for the children in their care. The lead or co-lead teacher works closely with families and the teaching team to create a nurturing support system aimed at providing each child with the highest level of individualized care possible and the greatest opportunity for physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth.
Essential Functions:
Instruction
- Utilize tools and resources to plan and execute developmentally appropriate learning experiences based, classroom activities and practices that promote the ideals and goals expressed in the Shalom Children’s Center philosophy and mission, and based on on-going evaluation of the group’s overall needs and the individual needs of each child
- Tailor classroom activities to developmental continuum of children
- Establish daily and weekly schedules for children to be followed by the entire classroom teaching team
- Foster strong classroom community by helping children develop empathy and conflict resolution skills
Management of Learning Environment
- Design and maintain the classroom space to provide safe and engaging learning opportunities that encourage children’s participation and comply with ECERS/ITERS requirements
- Provide constant supervision of the children, and take care of their welfare, health and safety, being fully present and engaged with the children
- Ensure team compliance with all current NC and DCDEE guidelines within the classroom and outdoors
- Engage in positive, developmentally appropriate interactions with children while setting appropriate limits, providing active listening, problem solving and positive redirection
Planning and Assessment
- Establish and implement classroom schedules and lesson plans in collaboration with teaching team
- Maintain documentation on each child and provide families with opportunities to meet in conferences and on an as needed basis
- Develop relationships with and serve as main point of contact for families, providing regular communication regarding their children’s progress and activities, as well as directing them to appropriate resources as needed
Professional Growth & Responsibility
- Participate in JCC all staff meetings, Shalom faculty meetings, POD meetings, and supervisions with ECE Director
- Attend any required in-service trainings on an annual basis. All teachers are required to meet Professional Development Hours as required per school year.
Work Experience:
- Minimum of 1 year experience teaching in a preschool environment required; 3 years experience teaching in a professional preschool or child care environment preferred
- Demonstrated classroom leadership experience
- Experience implementing a Reggio-Emilia inspired or emergent inquiry learning approach preferred
- Use of basic computer skills such as e-mail, communication apps, word documents, Zoom meetings
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Must be able to lift and provide responsive care for a child less than 40 lbs on flat and sloped terrain
Education:
- BA or AA in Early Childhood Education
OR
- College degree in related field with 22 semester credit hours in Early Childhood Education including NCECC (North Carolina Early Childhood Credential)
Additional:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification
- NC Qualifying Letter (criminal background check)
- Understanding and ability to implement early childhood best practices and comply with all regulatory policies and procedures
All JCC Employees are expected to demonstrate:
- Initiative: Work independently, efficiently and effectively; look for opportunities to take on more responsibility, seek areas of improvement and exhibit appropriate leadership qualities
- Creativity: Think of new ways to improve and streamline workflow
- Ownership/Commitment: Take pride in work; accept responsibility for the final outcome; take an active role in maintaining a clean work environment; and look for professional growth opportunities
- Reliability: Follow through on projects and responsibilities; good organization and time-management skills; prioritize duties without sacrificing quality
- Professional Demeanor: A positive worker and team member; act as a role model; strive to achieve excellence; respect personal and professional boundaries; help to create a positive work environment; deal with conflicts in a respectful and professional manner
- Adaptability/Flexibility: Not locked into one way of doing things; eager to learn and apply new techniques; approach problems in a solution-oriented manner; capable of making decisions in a timely manner with due consideration
- Motivation: Energetic and enthusiastic; work hard to meet or exceed all job responsibilities; able to stay on task without direct supervision
- Affability/Pleasantness: Courteous to customers and other staff; help to create a positive team atmosphere; act in a manner that make others feel comfortable and safe
- Self-Awareness: Able to actively receive feedback by listening and integrating feedback to enhance performance; open to suggestions for growth by being able to accept developmental feedback.
- Attendance and Punctuality: Prepared to begin work at scheduled time; work until shift is done; arrive to meetings on time; communicate schedule or availability changes as required by supervisor
- Communication Skills: Keep lines of communication open with customers, families, advocates, and administration; easily accessible to others
- Alignment with culture, values and mission of the JCC; works with others to achieve organizational goals
To apply, please email hr@jcc-asheville.org