Preschool Lead Teacher at CHS Hershey Center summary: The Preschool Lead Teacher at CHS is responsible for planning and implementing early childhood education programs that foster children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. This role involves creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment, engaging families, ensuring compliance with state licensing, and leading a team of educators. The Lead Teacher also maintains open communication with families and collaborates with staff for continuous professional development and program quality.

The Lead Teacher at CHS is an individual passionate about education, and excited about working with children to further their educational and emotional growth. The Lead Teacher enjoys being in the classroom and creating a love of learning. This individual is responsible for implementing and supporting the early childhood classroom curriculum and assessment process, involving families in classroom experiences, and cultivating a classroom environment that represents each child's family culture. This individual is responsible for directing and leading in planning and implementing the daily education program for children. The Lead Teacher reports to the Assistant Director and gives them information should a risk or issue arise. Starting salary is in the range of $52,005 to $56,650 per year, based on experience. Responsibilities: Preparing and implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-specific manipulatives, activities, and language experiences for children Supervising and providing a safe, nurturing environment for children Including children and families in the development of classroom experiences, rotate materials, and prepare instructional resources/materials for classroom activities in a timely manner Supporting children's self-help skills and development Ensuring general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance Caring for safety and hygiene of children Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple channels of communication Meeting and communicating with families during designated conference times and as necessary Maintaining developmental profiles for children Collaborating and engaging in a teaming environment with Associate Teachers and Assistant Teachers serving as the leader of the classroom team In collaboration with the Curriculum & Instruction Coaches, developing a coaching plan to inform professional development and learning Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements as they pertain to health, safety, and professional requirements Ensuring all required program documentation and reports are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner Acting as a role model for child development Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families Qualifications: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education (Bachelor's Degree Preferred) List C certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway (preferred) 3+ years of experience in a similar role Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics - NAEYC standards preferred Familiar with inquiry-based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred Comfortability with technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and /or willingness to learn Excels at engaging with parents/caregivers, including initiating discussions when necessary+ Responsible, enthusiastic, and cares about working in a mission-focused organization Willingness to be held accountable and receive feedback Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to influence, lead, and educate teams Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are considered to be role models for students U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances

Keywords: early childhood education, preschool teacher, lesson planning, child development, classroom management, family engagement, curriculum implementation, child safety, NAEYC standards, professional development