Early Childhood Lead Teacher
hace 5 días
Norman
Job Description Summary Join OU’s Early Childhood Program as a Lead Teacher at the Institute of Child Development (ICD) Lab School The Institute of Child Development at the University of Oklahoma invites passionate, reflective, and collaborative Early Childhood Educators to join our University Laboratory School. We are seeking applications for full‑time (nine‑month) Lead Teacher positions for our program serving children ages 1 through 5 years. As a Reggio‑inspired university lab school, the ICD has three core goals: • Mentorship Teacher Preparation: Provide a developmentally appropriate, high‑quality environment for undergraduate and graduate students to observe, practice, and grow as future educators., • High‑Quality Care Family Engagement: Serve families of the university and broader community through responsive, relationship‑based care and education., • Cover letter addressing their qualifications and interest, • Resume/CV, • Three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) Duties Job Responsibilities Lead Teachers at the ICD are responsible for, but not limited to: Teaching Classroom Leadership • Teaching full day in the classroom., • Creating a safe, nurturing, culturally responsive environment., • Designing environments and experiences that foster inquiry, autonomy, collaboration, and creativity., • Planning learning experiences based on early learning standards, developmental appropriateness, and Reggio‑inspired practice., • Supporting children’s learning through observation, documentation, reflection, and ongoing assessment.Mentorship Professional Collaboration, • Serving as a cooperating/mentor teacher for practicum students, student aides, and visitors., • Modeling reflective practice and openness to coaching and collaborative decision‑making., • Supporting study tours, visitors, and research activities consistent with a university laboratory setting., • Engaging respectfully and promptly with colleagues, families, faculty, and community members., • Participating in monthly staff meetings and ICD Professional Development Days.Family Engagement, • Building strong, respectful relationships with families., • Communicating regularly with parents about learning, experiences, and developmental progress.Professional Expectations, • Maintaining up‑to‑date CPR/First Aid, DHS training requirements, and yearly OU OnPoint training., • Maintaining confidentiality in accordance with DHS and university standards., • Caring for ICD materials, environments, and shared spaces with intention and respect., • Actively participating in ongoing professional learning and contributing to the professional growth of others. Requirements Required Education • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development (or closely related field)., • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds., • Bend, kneel, and move comfortably in a classroom environment., • Sit on the floor with children and transition between floor and standing positions. Nice To Haves Preferred Qualifications • Experience teaching in an early childhood setting., • Familiarity with early childhood standards, child development theories, and play‑based pedagogy., • Experience with Reggio Emilia‑inspired practice, documentation, or research in early childhood settings., • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a dynamic teaching team.