PreK Counts Lead Teacher

At Wonderspring, we believe every child should have access to high-quality early education. We’re looking for a dynamic, certified PreK Counts Lead Teacher at our New Market West center in West Philadelphia. PA PreK Counts offers high quality, free pre-Kindergarten education to three, four and five-year-old children in Pennsylvania. As a PreK Counts teacher, you’ll plan and implement lesson based on the Creative Curriculum and the PA Early Learning Standards; execute best practices in creating healthy, safe, positive learning climates; and collaborate with parents and an assistant teacher to prepare each child for educational success.

Come work for an organization that values FUN and that is committed to helping employees develop their skills and talents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and implement lessons based on developmentally appropriate practices that reflect the approved curriculum objectives. Wonderspring uses The Creative Curriculum for Preschool.
• Communicate weekly lesson plans with families and post the plans inside and outside of the classroom.
• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of the children, be alert to the needs of children as individuals and as a group as outlined in the Wonderspring Supervision of Children and Child ID policies.
• Maintain a professional and positive demeanor with children, parents, co-workers, and administrators.
• Teach children how to use acceptable alternatives to challenging behavior to reduce conflict by using provide guidance approaches such as FLIP IT and Second Step.
• Observe children in the program throughout the year by recording observations, anecdotes, checklists, and other methods. These observations will be included in the children’s records.
• Assess children’s progress, routines, and interests, and keep parents informed of their child’s development.
• Conduct Family/Teacher Conferences at least twice a year with Center Administration.
• Provide and maintain a neat, organized classroom; take responsibility for the upkeep of materials and equipment. Involve the children in the housekeeping- encourage them to put away their toys and supplies in the proper areas.
• Maintain a stimulating, aesthetically and educationally appealing room décor (display of children’s work, arrangement of bulletin boards, placement of books, science materials, etc.).
• Request, order, inventory, and maintain all classroom supplies, furniture, materials, and equipment.
• Teachers in programs that participate in CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) will need to adhere to additional serving and preparation procedures. Family style serving is required.
• Participate in the plan for licensing and monitor’s visits.
• Participate in Wonderspring staff meetings, in-services, outside training programs, and center events.
• Adhere to PA PreK Counts partnerships (PEAK or School District of Philadelphia) requirements.
• Must maintain Act 48 credits pursuant to the requirements of keeping Instructional Certification active.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education and valid PA N-3 or PreK-4 Instructional I Certification
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with preschool children in an educational setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with parents/guardians.
• Ability to maintain high level standards of confidentiality regarding center, staff, and family matters.
• Knowledge and understanding of DHS licensing, Keystone Stars, and accreditation requirements.
• Ability to relate well in a multicultural cultural classroom environment.
• Basic Proficiency in Microsoft Word Office Suite
• First Aid/ CPR

Health and Welfare Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employer paid basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Accident, Illness/Cancer, and Whole Life Insurance

Time Off

• Vacation, Sick, and Holiday pay
• Summers off

Retirement

• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Retirement Education

Additional Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee childcare tuition discount
• College tuition discount
• Pet Insurance discount

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, political affiliations, marital or veteran status. No application will be rejected as a result of a disability that, with reasonable accommodation, does not prevent performance of the essential job duties.