Preschool Lead Teacher - Montessori
17 days ago
West Covina
Job Description Preschool Lead Teacher: Montessori The Early Education Lead Teacher plays a crucial role in nurturing the academic, social-emotional growth, and development of toddlers and/or preschool-age children. This position is responsible for creating and implementing an enriching, compliant, and nurturing environment that integrates both Montessori and Early Childhood Education principles. The Lead Teacher builds strong partnerships with parents, ensures adherence to all State and local regulations (including Title V), and serves as a passionate, dedicated role model for assistant teachers, embodying the agency's core values. Upholding high standards of care is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. Key Responsibilities I. Curriculum & Instruction • Develop, plan weekly, and implement age-appropriate curriculum (lesson plans) that stimulate all domains of children’s development, incorporating Montessori methods and ECE principles., • Prepare classroom materials and environments daily to support planned activities, reflecting children's learning and growth., • Design and conduct a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that encourages observation, questioning, and investigation., • Provide a rich variety of materials and an environment that fosters cultural diversity, exploration, and imaginative play., • Perform ongoing developmental evaluations of children as required by funding sources (e.g., DRDP, ECERS, Parent Survey), developing lesson plans that address individual needs., • Prepare developmental progress reports and conduct periodical parent conferences to discuss children's progress, needs, and interests., • Demonstrate cultural competency by integrating children's cultural, linguistic, and familial values and beliefs into the program and lesson plans., • Promote literacy, strong communication, discussion, and interaction with children. II. Child Development & Care • Provide responsive, individualized care to all children by adapting routines and plans to their interests and needs., • Conduct daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of the children., • Ensure a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment for children, both indoors and outdoors., • Prepare and serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines, assisting with nutrition and food service monitoring., • Integrate special needs children respectfully, preparing the environment and meeting their developmental requirements., • Set and enforce appropriate, non-punitive rules for children's behavior and classroom order, adhering to developmental needs and agency guidelines., • Clean and sterilize equipment and toys regularly. III. Parent & Family Engagement • Complete child transition and classroom orientation with parents., • Maintain ongoing, open communication with parents/caregivers, fostering strong relationships., • Create a classroom environment that actively encourages parent participation., • Serve as a liaison with families to ensure smooth transitions between home and child care setting, and from classroom to classroom (e.g., toddler to preschool, preschool to kindergarten). IV. Team Leadership & Collaboration • Conduct weekly supervision and bi-monthly meetings with Associate and Assistant Teachers to discuss child progress, curriculum, and environment preparation., • Plan, delegate, and assign work effectively to Assistant Teachers weekly., • Participate in all required school/agency staff development, in-service trainings, and educational development opportunities., • Collaborate collegially with other staff members and assistant teachers to achieve program standards based on Title V. V. Administrative & Compliance • Maintain accurate, complete, and timely client, agency, and attendance records (e.g., daily meal/attendance, emergency forms, child development profiles)., • Become familiar with and implement emergency procedures and protocols., • Prepare annual inventory of classroom equipment, materials, and supplies., • Participate in fundraising efforts for the school. Education & Certifications • Minimum AA degree in Child Development preferred, other subject acceptable, with, • Minimum 24 units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education including CORE courses in Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family and Community and Program/Curriculum, or ability to apply for Teacher Permit within three months of employment, • Child Development Teacher Permit required or Assoc. Teacher min. with ability to apply for Teacher permit (must keep valid and updated)., • 5 -10 years minimum teaching experience and 3 years as a lead teacher supervising other adults, • Montessori Training Diploma from an accredited institution preferred, or willingness to obtain formal training after the completion of one year of employment required. Experience, Skills & Abilities • Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a lead teacher in a classroom, including supervising other staff., • Demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm for working with young children in a child development setting., • Knowledge of Desired Results (DRDP), ECERS, Parent Survey, and Developmentally Appropriate Practices., • Familiarity with California State Preschool Program (CSPP) Requirements for Center-based Programs., • Strong communication, problem-solving, and priority-setting skills., • Ability to effectively plan, organize, and implement educational activities., • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and ability to use computer systems for developmental data input., • Ability to make sound decisions on behalf of children and protect their well-being., • Must be able to manage confidential information. Desired Attributes • Exemplifies maturity, a positive attitude, professionalism, and emotional stability., • Fosters a collaborative and respectful team environment, serving as a positive role model for children and colleagues., • Possesses a team-building approach, demonstrating appropriate daily behavior and emotional expression. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. • Frequently walks, uses hands to handle objects, tools, or controls, and talks or hears., • Often required to stand, sit, reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat, or crawl., • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, and up to a 40-pound child in case of emergency., • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus., • May occasionally be required to drive a motor vehicle., • Responsible for daily cleaning, preparation, and maintenance of equipment, furniture, and the classroom/facility (indoors and outdoors) to ensure a clean and safe environment for children. LOCATION: Various (Azusa, Pomona, Hacienda Heights, Baldwin Park, Los Angeles and Compton areas) REPORTS TO: Site Supervisor SCHEDULE: Year-round. Full-time & Part-time opportunities available. Benefits • Paid Holidays, • Paid Vacation & Sick Leave, • Group Health Plan (Dental/Vision), • Life Insurance Coverage, • 401k If you are a passionate and experienced leader ready to lead multiple sites and drive transformative educational outcomes for children and families, we encourage you to apply! Company DescriptionWe are a Montessori agency that provides Infant through Kindergarten educational and child care services to children and families through the Montessori method of teaching in the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. We have preschool sites in Pomona, Hacienda Heights, Azusa, Baldwin Park and El Monte. We are also hiring for new sites being developed in greater Los Angeles areas, Compton and Van Nuys. We provide private (fee-paying) and subsidized programs funded by the Department of Education/Child Development Division via State Preschool. We have a combined government grant which offers subsidized preschool program services to families in the communities we serve that qualify for the program. This funding required Title V regulations to be followed when enrolling families. Our preschool program follows the Montessori Philosophy and Reggio approach to education which offers classrooms that are rich in diversity, materials and experiences.We are a Montessori agency that provides Infant through Kindergarten educational and child care services to children and families through the Montessori method of teaching in the San Gabriel Valley since 1982. We have preschool sites in Pomona, Hacienda Heights, Azusa, Baldwin Park and El Monte. We are also hiring for new sites being developed in greater Los Angeles areas, Compton and Van Nuys. We provide private (fee-paying) and subsidized programs funded by the Department of Education/Child Development Division via State Preschool. We have a combined government grant which offers subsidized preschool program services to families in the communities we serve that qualify for the program. This funding required Title V regulations to be followed when enrolling families. Our preschool program follows the Montessori Philosophy and Reggio approach to education which offers classrooms that are rich in diversity, materials and experiences.
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