Preschool Co-Teacher

Summary

The Co-Teacher, in collaboration with the teaching team, is responsible for the safe supervision of children, and classroom management of the children in their care. Co-Teachers are responsible for preparing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and the values and practices of Preschool of the Arts.

Duties

Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a safe, clean and enriching classroom environment. Develop logical and consistent routines for the classroom. Help children understand and carry out the expectations of the classroom and the school. Actively supervise children, including while outdoors on playgrounds.
• Collaborate with the teaching team including establishing a consistent schedule, dividing classroom responsibilities, and planning curriculum. Coordinate with Art Specialists, Music Specialists and Pedagogical Specialists.
• Maintain written guidelines for Afternoon Teachers and Substitutes working in the classroom, including classroom routines and expectations. 
• Consult with the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist in cases of child behavior, family concerns, or other needs. Implement behavior interventions as needed and determined by the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist.
• Know and accommodate the individual health needs and allergies of the children in the classroom. 
• Adhere to classroom budget.

Curriculum

• Develop curriculum around the needs and interests of the children, following the Reggio Emilia-inspired values and practices of PSA. This may include daily provocations, short and long term projects, documentation and more.
• Reflect regularly with the teaching team. Use written plans and documentation to study the children’s thinking and determine how to best facilitate learning consistent with the culture, philosophy and values of PSA.

Family Relations

• Establish respectful and welcoming relationships with parents and caregivers. Communicate with families as needed about their child’s day. 
• Provide written feedback to families on a daily or weekly basis. Regular documentation of learning (photos, artwork, dialogue, etc) should be sent to families at least twice per month.
• Participate in three conferences with each family throughout the year: (1) Discuss social-emotional development, introduce goals and become better acquainted with parents and caregivers. (2&3) Use the developmental portfolio framework, discuss child’s progress and address any possible concerns, if not done already. Additional conferences and/or family meetings may be required.
• Document children’s growth and conduct authentic assessment using PSA’s developmental portfolio framework. 
• Plan and lead two classroom community events per school year: One Back To School Night in September, outlining the expectations and philosophy of the classroom and program; one Reggio Night, which is an opportunity for families to come together as a community and contribute to the classroom work. Co-Teachers with children under 18 months of age perform Home Visits in August or before the first day of school.

School Expectations

• Use appropriate interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Work effectively as a team member. Demonstrate respect towards other staff and the ability to foster an environment of mutual trust and collaboration with all staff. Provide guidance to new staff members.
• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual in the community (children, families and colleagues). Respect the privacy of students, families, and colleagues by maintaining confidentiality. 
• Attend designated meetings such as reflective practice, staff meetings and Study Groups. 
• Keep up with daily school and family communication (email and Procare). Work with computer programs such as Google Suite, Procare and others as needed.
• Dress appropriately, including to go outside. 
• Uphold licensing and accreditation standards. Participate in biennial accreditation process. Follow school guidelines.
• Learn about, understand, and implement a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum. Learn about, understand, and implement an anti-bias curriculum.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age, with a high school diploma or equivalent; degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Completion of at least two courses for credit in Early Childhood Education.
• Participate in the appropriate number of hours of professional development as determined by licensing per year. PSA will provide in-house, but outside opportunities are also available. 
• Successful completion of state required background checks and health screening, as required by licensing.
• Stamina to actively supervise children and engage with staff in a dynamic environment. Interact with over a hundred children and adults on a daily basis. 
• Able to work indoors and outdoors on a daily basis, in a range of weather conditions. Able to lift up to 50 pounds.  Able to look at and use a computer regularly. 
• Frequent standing, kneeling, bending, squatting and crawling.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working as a lead teacher preferred.
• A degree in Early Childhood Education and/or completion of toddler specific coursework.

Benefits

• Our tight-knit, collaborative teaching staff will welcome you to our school.
• We offer a full benefits package (health, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, 401(k) with match, etc) available for all permanent employees who work 20 hours per week or more.
• We care about nurturing our teachers. We provide in-house professional development about our Reggio Emilia inspired practice, and we have a budget to pay for professional development so you can continue to learn about the ECE topics that interest you the most. Teachers are part of Reflective Practice cohorts to continue to deepen their practice and work with children.
• We value teachers taking time off. All teachers get a paid break each day, and teachers are encouraged to use PTO. Holidays are paid, including winter and spring breaks. We allow teachers to take extended leaves of absence over the summer or as needed.
• Free coffee and chocolate!

About Us

About Preschool of the Arts:

At Preschool of the Arts, our mission is to nurture open-minded and open-hearted individuals who learn alongside one another and embrace the world with compassion, creativity, wonder, and joy. We are inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and believe that children are powerful and competent learners and that they learn best in thoughtfully prepared and engaging environments by educators who are loving, enthusiastic, joyful, and careful listeners.