Preschool Lead Teacher - Quincy Quincy, MA

General Description

The Lead Teacher oversees the education of each child in the classroom, developing an environment and curriculum that supports optimal development. The Lead Teacher works with the Center Director to plan and implement all center programs and to supervise and support their classroom staff, and may assume responsibility for the center in the absence of the Center Director.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum based on child assessment data.
• Oversee ongoing child assessment, using tools provided by the agency, and support other classroom staff in using the tools.
• Develop and implement individual plans for children based on assessment data.
• Develop and implement effective teaching strategies.
• Oversee the completion of all required family and progress reports.
• Identify child developmental concerns, consult with Center Director, Family Support Clinicians, and others to develop and implement individual accommodation plans.
• Develop a classroom environment that supports the social/emotional development of all children.
• Organize and maintain a stimulating and nurturing classroom environment in compliance with all licensing, accreditation, and agency standards.
• Supervise, monitor, and interact with children throughout the day, maintaining their safety.
• Develop warm, nurturing relationships with all children.
• Maintain all required documentation of classroom activities and children’s progress in compliance with licensing, accreditation, and agency standards.
• Maintain open and supportive communication with families.
• Refer concerns expressed by families to the Director and share observations regarding parent‑child interactions.
• Hold conferences with families.
• Communicate with families through daily contact, bi‑weekly reports, newsletters, etc., and maintain documentation of all communication.
• Develop and complete an annual Professional Development Plan.
• Develop an annual Classroom Action Plan using program evaluation and child assessment data, and lead the completion of Action Plan goals.
• Attend staff, team, and curriculum meetings, training and supervision as required.
• Help organize and attend Center family meetings and other Center events.
• Actively participate in and facilitate Team, curriculum and other classroom meetings.
• Assist in food preparation and clean‑up, and participate in mealtimes.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures and document as required.
• Work a flexible schedule.
• Perform all other assigned duties.

• Serve as the team leader and a role model for classroom, center, and program staff.
• Plan and facilitate regular teaching team curriculum meetings.
• Provide ongoing supervision of classroom staff.
  
  Complete performance evaluations of teachers and teacher assistants with a professional development plan, supporting staff in reaching their goals.
• Assist the Center Director in orienting and supervising all volunteers and student interns.

• BA in Early Childhood Education or a BA out of field with 36 ECE credits.
• DEEC Lead Teacher Preschool Certified.
• Two years of experience teaching preschool.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all job description responsibilities.
• Warm and nurturing personality.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Demonstrated classroom management skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to developmentally appropriate practice.
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child assessment and ability to use data to develop and implement individual plans.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise classroom team members.
• Commitment to the agency’s mission of supporting low‑income families and at‑risk children.
• All South Shore Stars employees should be able to lift at least 40 lbs and work in a non‑sedentary environment.

Reports to:

Center Director.

This is a full‑year, full‑time position with a guaranteed 40 hours per week, 8½ hour workday with a ½ hour unpaid break. Shift may change based on program needs. This is a physically active position.

South Shore Stars is an equal‑opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and agency need.