Position Title: Head Teacher, Preschool
Position Department: Child Development Center (CDC)
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Full/Part-Time: Full-time
Pay Rate: $24.84
Reports to: Program Coordinator

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS SUMMARY

Associated Students’ (A.S.) mission is to support and represent the students of San José State University by continuing the organization’s legacy of student advocacy and leadership; to enhance SJSU students’ education through high-quality programs and services, and to prepare students as they move towards a thoughtful and purposeful life after graduation.
A.S. is a non-profit auxiliary corporation serving the students of San Jose State University whose primary source of funding is from mandatory student body fees. A.S. Departments include the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center, Child Development Center, General Services Center, Human Resources, Information Technology, Events, Marketing, Print & Technology Center, Student Government, and Transportation Solutions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head Teacher is responsible for providing a warm, caring educational environment in which young children (2.5 years olds- 6 years old) and their families will thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In our Reggio Emilia inspired program, the Preschool Head Teacher will conduct child observations, support the learning and interests of children, create documentation of children’s work and develop age-appropriate emergent curriculum. The Head Teacher will build strong relationships with the children in their classroom and their parents based upon the practices of Teaching Pyramid.The Head Teacher will supervise and mentor SJSU student assistants who directly work in the classroom to meet ratios. This position requires great energy, self-motivation, and enthusiasm, as well as the ability to lead, innovate, communicate and cooperate with others.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of emergent curriculum, NAEYC best practices, licensing requirements,
• California Department of Education requirements (Title 5), Bloodborne Pathogens universal precautions, child observation and assessment (DRDPs, CLASS and ITERs), and unique learning styles.
• Knowledge of cultural inclusiveness
• Ability to work in an independent manner, without undue supervision.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate best practices in early childhood education and the ability to implement those practices in day to day tasks/interactions.
• Ability to determine cognitive, social, and physical needs of children.

REQUIRED OR PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

B.A. or B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field and possess or be eligible for a Child Development Master Teacher or Site Supervisor Permit.
Completion of Child Development, ECE Curriculum, and Child, Family and Community courses and Infant Development course if working with Infants/Toddlers.
A minimum of two years of teaching experience in a childcare center.
A valid adult and pediatric Basic First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Establishing and maintaining harmonious relationships with staff and college students is essential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Build positive, respectful relationships with the children and families.
• Develop flexible weekly curriculum plans for indoor and outdoor activities which meet the individual needs of each child based on observation, Reggio Emilia principles, Desired Results and Developmental Profile goals, QRIS and NAEYC best practices.
• Present curriculum project to families during classroom’s family event each semester
• Be available to communicate with parents daily about their child’s area of focus and development of the day.
• Complete the DRDP for each child in the class twice yearly, utilizing observations and individual portfolios of child progress.
• Listen to children intently, respond, ask open-ended questions, and maintain a receptive and respectful attitude in communication following CLASS strategies for interactions.
• Maintain accurate attendance and meal count records, keeping an accurate count of the number of children present at all times.
• Supervise and train part time student assistant teachers, student interns, and volunteers.
• Use positive, supportive guidance and discipline methods at all times using the Teaching Pyramid.
• Ability to maintain professionalism at all times while providing positive customer service to students, faculty and staff.
• Work collaboratively with members of the leadership team to create a high quality program, especially when issues surface with children or parents.
• Keep abreast of new developments and research in the field of early childhood education and apply what is learned.
• Over the course of each school year, complete at least 21 hours of professional development within your regularly scheduled work day and week, which includes during designated center closure for professional development.
• Attend staff meetings with teaching staff, Program Coordinator, and/or Director.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, duties, or responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.