WPCS is a progressive parent-run cooperative preschool that engages children ages 2 through 5 in play-based, experiential learning. WPCS is primarily a parent-volunteer-run organization, and the Lead Teacher will be the primary teacher running the classroom for our day regular program. The Lead Teacher will report to our Director.
The Lead Teacher will collaborate with other teachers and parents to create opportunities for child-focused, child-led discoveries that support social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development via emergent curriculum. Teachers must be prepared to shift curricular plans to best scaffold students’ developing questions in meaningful ways.
All WPCS teachers must:
Honor the individuality and full humanity of each student
Meet each child where they are developmentally
Respond thoughtfully to each child’s character traits and personality preferences
Respect each child’s gender identity and expression
Work to understand and support each child’s ability to communicate
Help each child to face challenges inherent and unique to their development
Commit to their own introspection and growth as educators
Commit to their coworkers in developing honest, direct, and collaborative relationships
Commit to the principles of anti-bias teaching and learning
Responsibilities:
Plans developmentally appropriate curriculum to support free play and small- and large-group instruction, in cooperation with the parent curriculum committee
Leads daily implementation of curriculum (lessons, activities, circle time, etc.) with other teachers and in-schooling parents
Supervises and ensures high quality care for all children, including being responsible for every child’s physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being
Manages up to 16 children with support of teachers
Documents children’s work for parents via anecdotes and photographs
Attends to the needs of our youngest students, including diapering and assistance with dressing
Uses positive discipline and teaches developmentally appropriate conflict resolution skills
Works as a cooperative team member on the teaching team
Communicates regularly with the parents/guardians of students regarding their child’s development. This may include verbal check-ins at pick-up and drop-off, texting child-related updates, and participating in parent-teacher conferences.
Conducts parent-teacher conferences twice per year
Cleans, organizes, puts materials away, and maintains a functional workspace every day
Other tasks as delegated by the Director
Every candidate must have:
2+ years experience working with children ages 2-5
Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development
Experience working in an educational setting, such as a school, daycare, or camp
Love for young children
Ideal candidate has:
Degree in early childhood education
Knowledge of individualized approaches to early childhood education
Knowledge of emergent curriculum
Experience in or knowledge of special education
Experience in or knowledge of cooperatives
Experience in leading exploration for young children in nature/science, music, movement, pre-literacy skills and/or visual arts
Experience and comfort utilizing or willingness to learn G-Suite, Google Drive, and Google calendar
Desired traits:
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Capacity for small- and big-picture thinking
Presence of mind coupled with strong multitasking ability
Additional requirements:
Must be available Monday - Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm, plus 1 hour/week (flexible) for a staff meeting outside of school hours
Must have current PA Child Abuse clearances, PA Criminal Background Check, FBI Fingerprinting, PA Mandated Reporter training, and NSOR
Must be certified in infant/child CPR and first aid (or become certified within 3 months)
Complete 6 CEUs within thirty days of hire
Complete 12 hours of CEUs per academic year
WPCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to equity and diversity. We enthusiastically encourage applicants who are underrepresented in early childhood education, and welcome people of every race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or physical ability.
