Lead Pre-K Counts Teacher

Widener University is currently seeking a lead Pre-K Counts teacher for the Widener Child Development Center. Reporting to the Director of the WCDC, the lead teacher is responsible for the planning and implementation of high-quality instruction as well as the supervision and management of children and the assistant teacher in the room.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

• Read and be accountable for WCDC policies, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts regulations, Department of Human Services regulations (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), and Quality Rating System Standards (ECERS, Keystone STARS).
• Plan and facilitate the approved classroom curriculum to ensure engaging, age-appropriate lessons are offered to students.
• Provide a flexible instruction plan (at home learning) for students and families in the event of a closure due to weather or illness.
• Provide positive reinforcement to students and model problem solving behavior and good communication skills. Treat all children with dignity and respect to allow for individual differences.
• Lead all individuals in the room including assistant teacher and Widener University students, to ensure appropriate and respectful student-teacher interactions.
• Work cooperatively with the assistant teacher to ensure he/she takes an active role in implementing and participating in all activities.
• Maintain a required ratio of 1 teacher to 10 students and total awareness of children's safety at all times; actively supervise and manage a classroom of maximum of 20 students.
• Maintain accurate records, including but not limited to, classroom attendance, illness and injury, and absences.
• Take a proactive approach in adhering to the Pre-K Counts attendance regulations for students; communicate with individual families via phone and email within two days of absence and notify director.
• Facilitate and maintain an environment that is safe, inviting, interesting, and stimulating for students.
• Be accountable for leading classroom staff in emergency policies and procedures (Fire drills, weather drills, lockdown).
• Cultivate and maintain positive parent-teacher relationships; communicate with families on a daily basis via Brightwheel daily report. Acknowledge all parents, students, and visitors when entering and exiting the building each day.
• Take initiative in communicating with individual families via email or phone regarding any concerns or behaviors specific to individual children.
• Maintain written documentation and anecdotal notes of student progress to share with families during conferences twice a year; input data into the online assessment platform Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Be proactive in attending and renewing all trainings according to licensing requirements, including, but not limited to 12 hours of childcare related trainings annually as required by DHS and Keystone STARS.
• Be proactive in managing challenging behaviors by implementing strategies and accommodations specific to individual students- sticker charts, behavior charts, visuals, etc.
• Maintain documentation; ABC charts, anecdotal records, and additional; documentation as needed to address challenging behaviors
• With director support, maintain communication with individual student's IEP teams; collaborate with assigned therapists and special instructors, attend IEP meetings to implement accommodations and differentiations
• Collaborate with Widener University field placement students within a classroom setting, assign roles, and provide direction as to which activities to lead, which students to interact with, etc.
• If applicable, participate in a PDE approved induction program to advance from a level I provisional teaching certification to a level II teaching certification within six years from the effective date of certification

Secondary responsibilities:

• Must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Must be able to interpret and apply oral and written instruction.
• Ability to work collaboratively and exchange information with other staff and outside departments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Must be energetic and enthusiastic
• Must be self-motivated, patient, and flexible.
• Ability to work well and relate to students of all backgrounds.
• Ability to plan and organize work independently

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education with a valid PA Level I Teaching Certification.
• Proficient in use of computers, internet, and software programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Current PA State Police Criminal History Report.
• Current FBI Criminal History Report (DHS) Department of Human Services.
• Current PA Child Abuse History Clearance (DHS) Department of Human Services.
• Must have current Annual Physical Exam and Manitou TB Test.

To be completed after hire:

• Child Abuse and Mandated Reporter training, (Act 31 and Act 126)
• New Staff Orientation Better Kid Care (10 hours), Professional Development Training (minimum of 24 hours per year).
• Professional development training: Pediatric First Aid Certificate, Fire Safety Training, Emergency Evaluation and Procedures.
• STARS Training Certificate: PD Registry

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Must be able to fully participate in all classroom activities, which may include but are not limited to routinely stooping, standing, sitting on the floor, bending, kneeling, running, and other forms of physical activity.
• Routinely lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds; occasionally lift and carry supplies, equipment, and children that weight up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Occasionally walking or climbing stairs; mobility between office and other offices/buildings on campus.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D