Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher (Cohoes)

Job Title: Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher - Cohoes UPK

Department: Early Childhood Department

Reports to: Universal Prekindergarten Director (UPK Director)

Location: Cohoes Elementary Schools

Salary: Starting $32,000/10-month contract

Benefits: Sick time, summer employment opportunities, paid time off for all school holidays and school breaks, 401K, health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement benefits, and eligibility for additional third-party discounts.

This is a 10-month contracted position working for BGCCA in collaboration with the Cohoes City School District (CCSD). (August 2023 - June 2024)

Overview of Your Role

As a Universal Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher, you will play a vital role in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3-4 years old in accordance with the approved CCSD curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives. Your focus will be on creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment that fosters academic and social-emotional achievement. The classroom configuration is 18 students, one teacher, and one teacher assistant.

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Leadership & Supervision:

• Collaborate effectively with the Teaching Assistant to implement planned lessons, ensuring a safe and positive classroom environment.
• Conduct regular evaluations and provide coaching to the Teaching Assistant based on the performance evaluation policy.
• Actively participate in offered Professional Development opportunities by the City School District of Albany and the BGCA to enhance teaching skills and stay updated with best practices.

Planning:

• Develop engaging and interactive weekly lesson plans that align with the curriculum and meet the unique needs of each student.
• Collaborate with the Teaching Assistant to effectively deliver the lesson plan and ensure all required materials are prepared and available in the classroom.
• Utilize curriculum to provide comprehensive academic and social-emotional programming that addresses each student's learning style.

Education Delivery:

• Deliver innovative and hands-on classroom activities that align with predetermined units of study and address individual student needs.
• Provide timely and accurate progress reports, attendance records, progress monitoring reports, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates.
• Complete all required paperwork in an organized and timely manner.

Health & Safety:

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district, including proper sanitation and disinfection procedures.
• Monitor the health and wellness of students, promptly reporting any concerns to parents/guardians and administrators.
• Ensure that all classroom students and staff are familiar with established emergency procedures, such as lockdown drills or evacuations.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

• Strong Computer Skills (Ms. Office, Google Drive & Docs, Email)
• Strong Verbal and Written communication
• One (1) year of professional experience working with youth between 4-12 years of age
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Group leadership skills, including an understanding of group dynamics.
• Principles related to the development of youth between 4-13 years of age

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university
• Valid NYS Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education OR
• Masters equivalents such as Literacy B-6th or Curriculum Development, OR
• Currently enrolled in a certification program
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred
• Mandated Reporter Certification
• State Ed. Background Check Clearance

Physical Requirements:

This job may require extended periods of standing, walking, and engaging in physical activities with children. The ability to lift up to 25 pounds may also be necessary.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce. Persons from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community, are encouraged to apply.