UPK Lead Teacher; Cohoes

UPK Lead Teacher

The primary function of the UPK Lead Teacher will be to play a vital role in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3-4 years old in accordance with the approved CCSD curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives. Your focus will be on creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment that fosters academic and social-emotional achievement. The classroom configuration is 18 students, one teacher, and one teacher assistant.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Collaborate effectively with the Teaching Assistant to implement planned lessons, ensuring a safe and positive classroom environment.
• Conduct regular evaluations and provide coaching to the Teaching Assistant based on the performance evaluation policy.
• Actively participate in offered Professional Development opportunities by the CCSD and the BGCCA to enhance teaching skills and stay updated with best practices.

Planning

• Develop engaging and interactive weekly lesson plans that align with the curriculum and meet the unique needs of each student.
• Collaborate with the Teaching Assistant to effectively deliver the lesson plan and ensure all required materials are prepared and available in the classroom.
• Utilize the curriculum to provide comprehensive academic and social-emotional programming that addresses each student's learning style.

Education Delivery

• Deliver innovative and hands-on classroom activities that align with predetermined units of study and address individual student needs.
• Provide timely and accurate progress reports, attendance records, progress monitoring reports, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates.
• Complete all required paperwork in an organized and timely manner.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district, including proper sanitation and disinfection procedures.
• Monitor the health and wellness of students, promptly reporting any concerns to parents/guardians and administrators.
• Ensure that all classroom students and staff are familiar with established emergency procedures, such as lockdown drills or evacuations.

Requirements

CREDENTIALS, SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university
• Minimum one (1) year of professional experience working with youth between 3-5 years of age
• Group leadership skills, including an understanding of group dynamics
• Knowledge of principles related to the development of youth between 3-5 years of age

Required Certifications:

• Valid NYS Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education B-2nd OR Masters equivalents such as Literacy B-2nd or Curriculum Development, OR Currently enrolled in a certification program
• Mandated Reporter Certification
• CPR and First Aid Training

Essential Job Functions:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Strong Computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Google Drive & Docs, Email)
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and sex offender registry check, as required by BGCCA

Work environment:

• Early childhood classroom environment with moderate noise levels from children's activities. Indoor school setting with standard classroom temperature control.

Travel required:

• Minimal travel is required, with occasional attendance at off-site professional development or district meetings.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing/walking for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Fine motor coordination for computer work
• Regular verbal communication with children, staff, and parents
• Visual acuity to monitor children's activities and safety

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce. Persons from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community, are encouraged to apply.