Little Reds Preschool Teacher- Full and Part Time

ENERAL SUMMARY :

The Little Reds Preschool Teacher reports to the Director of Early Childhood Education and is an essential member of the Early Childhood Education team at RPCS.

This individual is responsible for providing classroom instruction that promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth for all students assigned to their class.

The Little Reds Preschool Teacher cares for the daily needs of our children and delivers interactive learning programs that engage and educate our youngest students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Preparation and Management

• Build a strong classroom community with positive communication skills.
• Create an engaging, student-centered environment where there is provision for individual, small and large group work inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy.
• Prepare and maintain a clean and orderly environment - areas are complete, well maintained, accessible and supporting children's interests.
• Provide an attractive learning environment with thoughtful displays of art and student work.
• Record observations on student inquiry daily.
• Generate bi-weekly lesson plans that focus on students' interests.
• Plan daily developmentally appropriate work for students using various materials.
• Assure compliance with all relevant state and governmental rules and regulations.

Teaching and Learning

• Maintain regular communication with colleagues.
• Collaborate with teaching team to develop project work arising out of thoughtful reflection on student interest and work.
• Establish and communicate clear expectations for students encompassing respect, collaboration, participation, community-building and problem-solving.
• Work with students in a democratic fashion modeling good citizenship, critical and creative thinking and responsibility as a member of the RPCS community.
• Provide opportunities for individual and small group investigation and skill-building.
• Foster equitable participation in lessons and conversation supporting language development.
• Provide a culturally relevant, literacy-rich learning environment with a variety of print materials appealing to diverse levels, learning styles and interests.
• Stay abreast of current research based on early childhood educational, state guidelines, and best practices and Reggio Emelia inspired philosophy.
• Provide ample opportunities for students to connect with new vocabulary and experience in multi-sensory ways based on prior experience and applying to real life context.
• Integrate the outdoors, arts integration, cultural and current events using community resources when possible, into instruction.

Communication and Collaboration

• Build an open and trusting relationship with staff, children and families.
• Increase cultural competence to work effectively with families of all backgrounds.
• Send daily / weekly communication to each family regarding their child's personalized work, document for monthly communication with Director.
• Promptly communicate student concerns to Director and parents / guardians in a private, respectable manner
• Be sensitive to multiple household families.
• Respond to e-mails within 24 hours - weekends and holidays excluded. Copy Director on concerning e-mails.
• Address concerns through a direct conversation, free of emotion or judgement, ask questions. Ask for help when needed.
• Participate in regular evaluation process; observations, feedback conferences, self-evaluation, and goal setting to refine practice.

Professional Growth

• Actively participate in level meetings.
• Seek resources and ask for help for those requirements or areas of curriculum that are not your strength.
• Stay abreast of current industry research and implement Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum in a way that is consistent with the unique needs of each child.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES :

• Must have exemplary interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to cultivate positive relationships with families, colleagues, and students.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn and play.
• Possess outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. Pays great attention to details.
• Excellent computer skills, including use of iPads; proficiency in MS Office (Outlook and Word) is strongly desired.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality, have good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Must be able to comply with background checks, including fingerprints, as required by the licensing agency and / or state regulations.
• Willingness to work some extended hours, night and weekends, as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

• An associate's or bachelor's degree with minimum of 2 years' experience required. Credit hours in Early Childcare Education (ECE), strongly desired.
• Must possess or be in the process of completing 90-hour certification, 45 hours of which must be in Infant / Toddler.
• The candidate must also possess 45 hours of Child Development and 9 hours of Communication.
• Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia philosophy is strongly desired.
• Must possess CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to immediately obtain upon hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Must be able to ascend / descend stairs in a school building.

Must be able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity with children.

Requires ability to turn, sit, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crawl, stoop, push, pull, walk around campus, and stand for prolonged periods.

Must be physically able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and regularly work indoors or outdoors.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

Some local travel may be required from time-to-time.

APPLY

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to Lisa Teeling, Lower School Head, at .