Co-Teacher

About Preschool of the Arts: At Preschool of the Arts, our mission is to nurture open-minded and open-hearted individuals who learn alongside one another and embrace the world with compassion, creativity, wonder, and joy. We are inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and believe that children are powerful and competent learners and that they learn best in thoughtfully prepared and engaging environments by educators who are loving, enthusiastic, joyful, and careful listeners.

Purpose of this role
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The Co-Teacher, in collaboration with the teaching team, is responsible for the safe supervision of children, and classroom management of the children in their care. Co-Teachers are responsible for preparing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and the values and practices of Preschool of the Arts.

• Establish and maintain a safe, clean and enriching classroom environment. Develop logical and consistent routines for the classroom. Help children understand and carry out the expectations of the classroom and the school. Actively supervise children, including while outdoors on playgrounds.
• Collaborate with the teaching team including establishing a consistent schedule, dividing classroom responsibilities, and planning curriculum. Coordinate with Art Specialists, Music Specialists and Pedagogical Specialists.
• Maintain written guidelines for Afternoon Teachers and Substitutes working in the classroom, including classroom routines and expectations.
• Consult with the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist in cases of child behavior, family concerns, or other needs. Implement behavior interventions as needed and determined by the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist.
• Know and accommodate the individual health needs and allergies of the children in the classroom.
• Adhere to classroom budget.

• Develop curriculum around the needs and interests of the children, following the Reggio Emilia-inspired values and practices of PSA. This may include daily provocations, short and long term projects, documentation and more.
• Reflect regularly with the teaching team. Use written plans and documentation to study the children’s thinking and determine how to best facilitate learning consistent with the culture, philosophy and values of PSA.

• Establish respectful and welcoming relationships with parents and caregivers. Communicate with families as needed about their child’s day.
• Provide written feedback to families on a daily or weekly basis. Regular documentation of learning (photos, artwork, dialogue, etc) should be sent to families at least twice per month.
• Participate in three conferences with each family throughout the year: (1) Discuss social-emotional development, introduce goals and become better acquainted with parents and caregivers. (2&3) Use the developmental portfolio framework, discuss child’s progress and address any possible concerns, if not done already. Additional conferences and/or family meetings may be required.
• Document children’s growth and conduct authentic assessment using PSA’s developmental portfolio framework.
• Plan and lead two classroom community events per school year:
  One Back To School Night in September, outlining the expectations and philosophy of the classroom and program; one Reggio Night, which is an opportunity for families to come together as a community and contribute to the classroom work. Co-Teachers with children under 18 months of age perform Home Visits in August or before the first day of school.

• Use appropriate interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Work effectively as a team…