UPK Lead Teacher (Albany)

Description

Position Title: UPK Lead Teacher

Performance Profile: Front Line

Department: Universal Prekindergarten

Work Location: Varies- Albany City School District

Reports to: UPK Director

Salary Range: Starting from $18.75/hour

Hours & Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week

Classification: Full-Time Non-Exempt

Full-Time Benefits: Paid school holidays and breaks, sick leave, 401(k) w/match, health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, New York Paid Family Leave benefits, retirement benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), and eligibility for additional third-party discounts.

Note: This is a 10-month position (August 2025 - June 2026) with BGCCA, working in collaboration with the City School District of Albany (CSDA).

Organizational Values

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA), you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll be part of our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Our team collaborates to ensure that youth in the Capital Area have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in today’s fast-paced environment.

Overview of Your Role

The primary function of the UPK Lead Teacher will be to play a vital role in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3-4 years old in accordance with the approved CSDA curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives. Your focus will be on creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment that fosters academic and social-emotional achievement in conjunction with the second-step curriculum. The classroom configuration consists of 18 students, one teacher, and one teacher's assistant.

Key Job Responsibilities:

The following non-exhaustive list of job duties required for this position:

Leadership & Supervision

• Collaborate effectively with the Teaching Assistant to implement planned lessons, ensuring a safe and positive classroom environment.
• Provide clear guidance and direction to the Teaching Assistant regarding daily tasks and responsibilities.
• Conduct regular evaluations of the Teaching Assistant's performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Offer mentorship and coaching to support the professional growth of the Teaching Assistant.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team dynamic within the classroom.

Planning

• Develop comprehensive and engaging weekly lesson plans that align with the approved curriculum and meet individual student needs.
• Incorporate a variety of teaching methods and materials to accommodate different learning styles.
• Design age-appropriate activities that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Collaborate with the Teaching Assistant to prepare and organize all necessary materials for daily activities.
• Utilize curriculum resources, such as Learning Without Tears and 2nd Step, to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
• Adapt lesson plans as needed based on ongoing assessment of student progress and interests.

Education Delivery

• Implement innovative and hands-on classroom activities that align with predetermined units of study.
• Create a stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with special needs or advanced abilities
• Facilitate both small group and whole class learning experiences
• Integrate technology appropriately to enhance learning experiences.
• Provide opportunities for student-led activities and exploration.

Assessment and Reporting

• Conduct ongoing assessments of student progress using various methods (e.g., observations, portfolios, developmental checklists)
• Provide timely and accurate progress reports, attendance records, and other required documentation.
• Complete progress monitoring reports, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress, concerns, and achievements.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and other family engagement activities.
• Use assessment data to inform instruction and individualize learning experiences.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to and enforce all health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district.
• Implement proper sanitation and disinfection procedures in the classroom.
• Monitor the health and wellness of students, promptly reporting any concerns to parents/guardians and administrators.
• Maintain a safe and secure classroom environment, addressing potential hazards promptly.

Requirements

CREDENTIALS, SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Required - Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university
• Minimum one (1) year of professional experience working with youth between 3-5 years of age
• Group leadership skills, including an understanding of group dynamics
• Knowledge of principles related to the development of youth between 3-5 years of age

Required Certifications:

• Valid NYS Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education B-2nd OR Masters equivalents such as Literacy B-2nd or Curriculum Development, OR Currently enrolled in a certification program
• Mandated Reporter Certification
• CPR and First Aid Training

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Strong Computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Google Drive & Docs, Email)
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and sex offender registry check, as required by BGCCA

Work environment:

• Early childhood classroom environment with moderate noise levels from children's activities. Indoor school setting with standard classroom temperature control.

Travel required:

• Minimal travel is required, with occasional attendance at off-site professional development or district meetings.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing/walking for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Fine motor coordination for computer work
• Regular verbal communication with children, staff, and parents
• Visual acuity to monitor children's activities and safety

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce. Persons from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community, are encouraged to apply.