PreK Counts Lead Teacher 2025-26

POSITION SUMMARY: The Hillel Academy Pre-K Lead Teacher is responsible for providing an early childhood education program for a group of 3‐5 year old children that meet the Pennsylvania early learning standards. The Lead Teacher addresses all areas of development and meets the individual needs of each child. In partnership with parents, the lead teacher observes and assesses children’s development, plans children’s curriculum based on child development knowledge, designs the learning environment, and implements and supervises developmentally appropriate learning activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop an indoor and outdoor learning environment that provides a variety of age appropriate experiences to foster child exploration and discovery.
• Use a curriculum framework and curriculum tools that provide opportunities for each child to meet learning expectations that prepare children for success in school.
• Establish a daily routine that includes time for small group and large group activities, encourages creative expression, and incorporates health and nutrition development as part of daily activities.
• Model appropriate and respectful behavior to the children and fellow staff.
• Support children’s social and emotional development through positive child guidance approaches and the development of positive relationships in the classroom.
• Assess each child’s learning needs through screening, observation, ongoing assessment and the development of individual learning plans.
• Lead the classroom team that can include an Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide and Family Support or Early Intervention Specialists in collaboratively working with children and families. Provide direction to staff as needed.
• Have parent conferences with each child’s parent(s) to partner in learning goals, develop coordinated learning support strategies and involve the parent(s) in the child’s preschool experience.
• Establish and maintain confidential, accurate and timely information on each child’s development and program participation. Maintain confidentiality.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other functions as necessary or as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree in early childhood education.
• A valid Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Pre‐K‐4)
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently within a team.
• Demonstrated computer skills, organizational skills and commitment to follow through on tasks with a minimum of supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment in critical and adverse situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people, including parents, social service providers and school district personnel.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work in a preschool classroom setting arranging furniture and classroom learning areas.
• Have the ability to lift fifty pounds.
• Be able to perform stationary routine and repetitive functions for extended periods.

Employment Requirements:

• Successful completion of a criminal records, child abuse check, FBI fingerprint background check, and NSOR clearance
• Successful completion of Pediatric First Aid and CPR