Lead Preschool Teacher, Good Shepherd - Early Learning Programs

Excellent Benefits:

• 3 weeks of vacation
• 14 paid holidays
• Paid sick time
• Free Life Insurance
• Health Insurance starting your first day (Offering Family Coverage)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401k plan including employer match
• And more!

Starting Range: $22.88 - 27.03

The Catholic Charitie Early Learning/Head Start program provides high quality, comprehensive approach to services for both children and families that includes early learning education, professional development, family engagement, health and nutrition, and mental health and disabilities services. We serve children and families in five locations in Cuyahoga County. All of our sites are Gold Level SUTQ Rating.

What You Will Do:

Actively supervise children at all times and engage in children’s play in all areas of the classroom and all parts of the curriculum including floor play, outdoor/gross motor and music/movement activities.
Complete all educational paperwork and documentation in education databases while maintaining compliance with all federal, state and Universal Pre-K regulations.

BASIC FUNCTION

Perform under supervision day-to-day classroom activities and operations to support children’s development and facilitate kindergarten readiness.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that the activities of this position and relevant programs are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland.
• Follow CCHS Policies and Procedures to report any suspected child abuse cases to the Department of Human Services and Site Administrator immediately and submit required documentation.
• Maintain compliance with all state and local regulations, Step Up To Quality (SUTQ), Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Pre4CLE, ECE, Head Start Performance Standards, policies, procedures, and other funder requirements.
• Plan and maintain a safe, clean learning environment that supports children's well-being, safety, independence, and development through defined learning centers.
• Implement required supplemental curriculum as assigned.
• Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to develop daily lesson plans aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards and curriculum indicators, informed by assessments and individualized for each child.
• Establish and maintain a consistent daily routine that meets the needs of all children in accordance with curriculum requirements.
• Provide active supervision of children and maintain required child-to-staff ratios at all times.
• Maintain timely and accurate attendance records.
• Assess and record children's height, weight, and blood pressure.
• Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to complete social-emotional screenings and obtain parent screenings per funder requirements, entering all information into the electronic system.
• Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to complete developmental screenings and required data entry.
• Complete re-screenings and implement intervention plans for children requiring additional support.
• Implement and document strategies and accommodations outlined in IEPs and by T/TA agency providers.
• Implement behavior plans developed by disabilities/mental health specialists and report on outcomes.
• Maintain accurate child assessment data, anecdotal notes, developmental progress records, and electronic documentation. Create outcome target goals following each assessment period.
• Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate to conduct two (2) home visits and two (2) parent-teacher conferences annually for each child.
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss developmental goals, progress, parent observations, and gather family input.
• Conduct kindergarten transition activities for children and families, including school visits or classroom visits by school personnel, and complete transfer packet documentation.
• Conduct annual pedestrian safety training activities for children and families.
• Work cooperatively with the Teacher Assistant and Family Advocate to engage parents and support curriculum through weekly school readiness activities.
• Maintain children's files, document parent contacts, complete required paperwork, and perform data entry into electronic systems.
• Maintain child portfolios and classroom education binders.
• Collaborate with the Teacher Assistant to create monthly calendars and newsletters for families.
• Utilize Target Goals and instructional practices to maintain and improve CLASS observation scores.
• Utilize Target Goals and instructional practices to maintain and improve PQA observation scores.
• Participate in required staff meetings and professional development activities.
• Complete annual SUTQ training and maintain an active OPDN profile.
• Assist with the recruitment and enrollment of children into the Head Start program.
• Greet children and families during arrival and dismissal.
• Supervise, guide, and model appropriate teaching techniques and behaviors for Teacher Assistants and classroom volunteers.
• Maintain positive working relationships with Teacher Assistants, volunteers, parents, and program staff.
• Actively engage with children during play and daily activities, supporting learning through interaction at the child's eye level.
• Plan daily transition activities that support classroom management and reduce wait times.
• Maintain the quality and condition of classroom materials and promote ownership and care of the learning environment.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom through instruction in handwashing, toothbrushing, fire drills, and disaster drills.
• Conduct daily health checks upon children's arrival.
• Conduct required bus evacuation drills.
• Sanitize toys and cots according to CCHS policies and procedures.
• Clean tables, eating areas, and surrounding classroom spaces daily.
• Submit weekly meal counts and complete monthly meal-related paperwork accurately.
• Sit with children during meals, model healthy eating habits, encourage conversation, and support self-serving practices when appropriate.
• Perform Point of Service meal counts and complete all CACFP and USDA documentation.
• Report and document signs of illness or injury, complete incident reports, and submit documentation within 24 hours when applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education; OR Bachelor's or advanced degree with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education; OR Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with progress toward a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in a daycare or preschool classroom preferred.
• Previous experience in a human services setting or Community Action program preferred.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal daycare licensing laws and regulations.
• Current certifications in First Aid, CPR, Communicable Disease, and Child Abuse, or ability to obtain within the first three months of employment.
• Current medical statement signed by a physician or certified nurse practitioner.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, economic, and organizational backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for Head Start programs within the community.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to actively engage with preschool children, including lifting up to 40 pounds, pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing, balancing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, bending, and squatting.
• Successful completion of fingerprinting and background check requirements.

**All staff are mandated reporters of known or suspected child abuse**

Learn More about Catholic Charities and our Programs by visiting:

• Overview | Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland (ccdocle.org) (https://www.ccdocle.org/careers)
• Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer.

Experience

Preferred

• 1 - 3 years: Experience working in a preschool classroom.

Education

Required

• Associates or better in Early Childhood Education

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Early Childhood Education or related field

Behaviors

Preferred

• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Preferred

• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.