Lead Preschool Teacher

About the Position

Nourish Early Learning is looking for a calm, heart-forward, loving lead to spend their days with our 3-5 year olds. Come grow with us and make an impact in the lives of children! 

Nourish is a child-centered, play-based environment, reggio-inspired early childhood learning center. A lead would act as a facilitator in the room, balancing flow of the day (routine) and play. The lead teacher would also manage the classroom assistants. 3-5 year olds are unique in their learning capabilities, fusing together fine and gross motor skills, sensory learning as well as building the communication and self-help skills. If you want to be a part of this pivotal time of growth at Nourish, apply today!

Why Work at Nourish?

Nourish offers unique opportunities for growth benefits that are particular to each employee. They include, but are not limited to: 

• monthly one on one coaching
• paid continuing education after one full year of working (CDA, special, certifications, continuing education and associates degrees)
• access to a wide array of professional development opportunities
• letters of recommendations to school districts
• childcare discounts, when available
• paid time off and paid holidays
• building a career path that fosters your gifts

Ultimately, we meet our employees where they are while holding them accountable to growth. We know that in order to inspire and promote development in children, we must be committed to our own development. Learning never ends and this challenging environment is a beautiful way to excavate our curiosity, wonder and awe. 

A wonderful fit for this position would: 

• be a natural leader to peers and children, utilizing integrity and values
• have a deep love of children, the way their minds work and the magic they create
• connect with young children quickly through a wide range of methods (stories, media, indoor or outdoor games, drawing, etc)
• be courageous in silliness, sustain high energy levels, and have some dance moves
• recognize children's intuitive need for individualization, and meet this need with connection on their level
• be organized and adaptable, attuned to your surroundings, recognizing the most important need in the moment
• be a lifelong learner, love to be empowered to come into work better the next day, knowing you use your best judgment to make decisions without seeking permission
• be proactive and willing to be coached
• be patient, flexible and kind
  
  

Responsibilities

A Lead Teacher is  responsible for (but not limited to):

• Curriculum Development and Implementation: Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with Nourish's philosophy and goals. Plan and organize daily activities, lessons, and routines that promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Observe children to create child-led provocations in the classroom
• Assessment and Progress Tracking: Regularly assess and monitor the developmental progress of each child. Use observation, documentation, and assessments to identify individual strengths, needs, and areas for improvement. Provide feedback and communicate progress to parents or guardians on a regular basis.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Provide leadership and guidance to assistant teachers and support staff. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, promoting effective communication and teamwork. Conduct regular team meetings, delegate tasks, and provide professional development opportunities for staff members.
• Parent Communication and Engagement: Establish and maintain positive and effective communication with parents or guardians. Regularly inform them about their child's development, daily activities, and milestones. Collaborate with parents to support their child's learning and address any concerns or questions they may have.
• Classroom Management and Supervision: Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children. Supervise and monitor children's activities, ensuring their safety and well-being. Manage behavior effectively and address any disciplinary issues in a positive and constructive manner. 
• Responsibly supervise behavior and safety of the school’s children during school hours maintaining ratios and ensuring no child is left unattended
• Design and continue to create a warm, welcoming environment in the classroom. Providing basic physical, emotional and spiritual care and caregiving activities
• Adhering with teaching standards and safety regulations as established by the official sources-i.e. ODJFS
• Maintaining a safe and clean environment for children to thrive
  
  

Requirements

The requirements for this position include: 

• Proven 3-5 years experience as a child care / preschool teacher
• Knowledge of child development and up-to-date education methods 
• Strong communication and time management skills
• Certificate in first aid and CPR, can be attained onsite
• Bachelors Degree is Early Childhood Education, preferred
• Childhood Development Associate Certificate or Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, required
• FBI & BCII background checks complete
• Workplace physical
  
  

About Nourish

Nourish Early Learning is an Early Childhood Learning center that encourages the healthy intellectual and psychological growth of children. We are dedicated to nourishing the brain, body, and spirit to ensure all young children thrive, learn, and reach their full potential. By adhering to the Nourish philosophy, you will have the opportunity to make a strong impact on the cognitive and emotional development of our children.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is our policy to abide by all federal, state and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination based solely on a person's race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status, veteran status (including protected veterans), marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bonafide occupational qualification exists.