Lead Preschool Teacher/UPK - Center Director

Summary

This position is the lead in a daycare classroom of Head Start children at our Caroline St. location in Saratoga Springs. Will facilitate team planning, implementation, and supervision of classroom activities. Provides supervision to Assistant Teachers and Program Aides. Works with typically developing children and children with disabilities.

As the Center Director, will have primary responsibility for the building site and all compliance standards for the program.

LifeWorks Community Action, formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, is a nonprofit that helps thousands of neighbors each year overcome the challenges of poverty by providing food, early childhood education, energy services, health and wellness, and immigrant services. Popular programs include The Pantry in Ballston Spa and The Kitchen in Saratoga Springs, as well as Head Start, WIC and Weatherization. Help Starts Here.

Duties

• Works with classroom staff and parents to implement curriculum that is meaningful and meets the individual and program needs.
• Supervise classrooms staff, promoting teamwork and professional growth.
• Responsible for the weekly preparation of daily lesson plans that support children’s learning goals.
• Develop an individual plan for each child to include goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established school readiness goals and outcome goals.
• Address challenging behaviors using developmentally appropriate, supportive, and consistent approaches.
• Model and teach appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.
• Ensure the site and its programming are in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and NY Pre-K regulations.

Position starts at $22.70 if candidate has a Bachelor’s Degree and holds the required teaching certification. A rate of $24.86 is offered if candidate has a Master's Degree and holds the required teaching certification. A higher rate of pay may also be considered based on previous relevant teaching experience and certification. Will also offer an additional .25 for center director duties.

This is a school year position working 44 weeks of the year (late August to late June).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Valid NYS Teaching Certification in a preschool category.
• 1 year of experience supervising staff in a child care program with successful and proven techniques for management.
• 1 year of full-time teaching experience in an early childhood program.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable to operate agency vehicles.
• Must be willing to obtain and maintain Basic First Aid, CPR certification and MAT (Medication Administration Training) within the initial probationary period and maintain certification. Required to be MAT trained and certified to pass medications as needed.
• Experience with safe and thorough basic cleaning and sanitation practices for classrooms, inspections, fire drills, etc.
• Build strong, respectful partnerships with families that is responsive to the unique needs and culture, such as single parents, grandparents as caregivers, co-parenting relationships, LGTBQ families, non-English speaking, teen parents, domestic violence situations and more.
• Above average organizational and communication skills, ability to work as a member of a team, good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain professionalism with staff, children and families.
• Computer skills and knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, Google Docs, Zoom or other online meeting platforms. Familiarity with mobile devices, online training platforms and software applications helpful.
• Some evening work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits and Parent Committee Meetings.
• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

Candidates please send a cover letter along with a resume reflecting NYS Teaching Certification in a preschool category.

Benefits

• Kid-friendly work schedule
• Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement
• Paid Vacation, Paid Personal, Paid Sick Time
• Paid School Breaks
• Employee Assistance Plan

About Us

LifeWorks Community Action, formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, is a nonprofit that helps thousands of neighbors each year overcome the challenges of poverty by providing food, early childhood education, energy services, health and wellness, and immigrant services. Popular programs include The Pantry in Ballston Spa and The Kitchen in Saratoga Springs, as well as Head Start, WIC and Weatherization. Help Starts Here. 

 

LifeWorks Community Action promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in all agency programs and services. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who embrace and support an inclusive and equitable work environment.