Preschool Lead Teacher

POSITION: Preschool Lead Teacher

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 2/Coordinator 1; Grade 7

WAGE: Starting at $52488 per year based on experience

FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS: IRCO Early Beginnings Preschool Glisan Landing

385 NE 75th Ave. Portland OR 97213

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (2)

APPLY AT:

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): Preschool for All

SECTOR/DIVISION: Early Learning Services Preschool

REQUIREMENTS: High level proficiency in written and spoken English; bilingual preferred.

Registration in the Central Background Registry.

Completion of required health and safety training before working with

children.

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required.

Program Summary
The Preschool Teams purpose is to provide safe and accepting learning environments and engaging interactions for the children in their care.

Position Summary
The Lead Teacher is primarily responsible for ensuring the wellbeing of the preschool children in their care and creating and leading developmentally appropriate activities designed to promote social physical and intellectual growth while following Oregon state licensing guidelines and early childhood best practices.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and facilitate daily activities in a community aware and responsive learning environment.
• Actively supervise children to always ensure their safety.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Assist children and foster their independence with daily routines (e.g. using the restroom changing clothes mealtime naptime).
• Promote and model health safety and nutrition; assist with cleaning the classroom throughout the day and at the end of each day.
• Promote and support social physical emotional and intellectual development through planned activities and an engaging classroom environment.
• Partner with families to ensure a positive early learning experience for them and their child(ren).
• Maintain and keep confidential records following IRCO Policies and Procedures and state licensing guidelines.
• Lead and communicate with the teaching team regarding classroom routine classroom management and all aspects of childrens care.
• Gain familiarity with follow and ensure adherence to all relevant IRCO Preschool for All and Oregon state licensing policies and procedures.
• Complete all necessary paperwork in a timely manner including weekly lesson plans student documentation conference forms monthly newsletters etc. Delegate and train teaching team to support with tasks as necessary and appropriate.
• Lead on maintaining classroom and outdoor environments while always considering safety security and equal access.
• Plan and facilitate family-focused activities such as conferences home visits field trips and events.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Participate in Early Learning Services Department and IRCO All Staff meetings and events as required and allowed by the classroom schedule.
• Ensure the teaching team has the resources to lead the classroom in the event of Lead Teachers absence.

Secondary Functions

• Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment demonstrate a high degree of flexibility respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently and to meet commitments.
• Ability to meet multiple including conflicting deadlines.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities for related job functions.
• Strong community focused communication skills with varied background communities.
• Communicate in a positive manner verbally in writing and by phone to individuals and groups.
• Listen to understanding and assist in problem solving.
• Ability to prepare clear accurate and concise materials.
• Punctuality and ability to maintain a good attendance.
• Use of basic office equipment cellphones copier and personal computer.
• Ability to handle distressed individuals and employees in a calm and effective manner.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization.
• This position works under the guidance of the Site Coordinator and the Assistant Manager Preschool Programs.

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 3 years experience working with young children in a classroom setting

Knowledge and understanding of child development positive discipline approaches developmentally appropriate practices and school/classroom health and safety procedures

A bachelors degree in a related field Child Development Associate (CDA) Preschool Credential or step level 7 as determined by the Oregon Registry Online (ORO)

Proficiency in the English language; oral and written communication skills commensurate with the needs of the position

Registration with the Central Background Registry and completion of orientation and required training before working with children (including Pediatric First Aid/CPR and Food Handlers)

Excellent leadership organizational and interpersonal skills

Compassionate with the ability to adapt to stressful conditions and manage time efficiently

Ability to work independently and with multi-background staff in a team setting

Ability to courteously communicate with families other employees and external partners

Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment demonstrate a high degree of flexibility respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently and meet commitments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong effective and community focused communication skills

Knowledge of Oregon state childcare licensing guidelines

Knowledge and understanding of immigrant and refugee and local populations

Bilingual in English and a second language preferred

Experience planning lessons observing and documenting childrens development and using Teaching Strategies/Creative Curriculum

Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities

Physical Mental & Environmental Requirements

• In-person classroom setting
• Position requires some analysis of problems or decision-making ability
• Work under close supervision
• Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles
• Stable work schedule with limited fluctuations

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are responsible for daily work provided to staff/volunteers in similar job functions at comparable or subordinate levels. Positions are not responsible for hiring firing disciplinary actions etc.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit packages to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5% immediate vesting
• 3% match for student loans or college savings
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life Short term and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Flexible spending accounts

Required Engagement

Engage fully in recommended professional development as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCOs mission vision and values-based initiatives.

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.
3. For questions about this position please email

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCOs main office 10301 NE Glisan Portland OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter resume and IRCO application.

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy age national origin disability status genetic information protected veteran status or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.