Preschool Co-Teacher

About us

At Preschool of the Arts, our mission is to nurture open-minded and open-hearted individuals who learn alongside one another and embrace the world with compassion, creativity, wonder, and joy. We are inspired by the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy and we are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate, and experienced educator to join our team.

Preschool of the Arts seeks co-teachers to join our team, either in May or August. Hours are 7:45-3:45, Monday through Friday. Experience working with children required.

Our classrooms are comprised of teaching teams. Two co-teachers work from 7:45 to 3:45, and one afternoon teacher works from 11:30-5:30, providing lunch breaks, planning time, and staying after school.

Purpose of this role:

The Co-Teacher, in collaboration with the teaching team, is responsible for the safe supervision of children, and classroom management of the children in their care. Co-Teachers are responsible for preparing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and the values and practices of Preschool of the Arts.

Responsibilities:

Classroom Management:

• Establish and maintain a safe, clean and enriching classroom environment. Develop logical and consistent routines for the classroom. Help children understand and carry out the expectations of the classroom and the school. Actively supervise children, including while outdoors on playgrounds.
• Collaborate with the teaching team including establishing a consistent schedule, dividing classroom responsibilities, and planning curriculum. Coordinate with Art Specialists, Music Specialists and Pedagogical Specialists.
• Maintain written guidelines for Afternoon Teachers and Substitutes working in the classroom, including classroom routines and expectations.
• Consult with the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist in cases of child behavior, family concerns, or other needs. Implement behavior interventions as needed and determined by the Executive Director and Behavioral Support Specialist.
• Know and accommodate the individual health needs and allergies of the children in the classroom.

Curriculum

• Develop curriculum around the needs and interests of the children, following the Reggio Emilia-inspired values and practices of PSA. This may include daily provocations, short and long term projects, documentation and more.
• Reflect regularly with the teaching team. Use written plans and documentation to study the children’s thinking and determine how to best facilitate learning consistent with the culture, philosophy and values of PSA.

Family Relations

• Establish respectful and welcoming relationships with parents and caregivers. Communicate with families as needed about their child’s day.
• Provide written feedback to families on a daily or weekly basis. Regular documentation of learning (photos, artwork, dialogue, etc) should be sent to families at least twice per month.
• Participate in three conferences with each family throughout the year: (1) Discuss social-emotional development, introduce goals and become better acquainted with parents and caregivers. (2&3) Use the developmental portfolio framework, discuss child’s progress and address any possible concerns, if not done already. Additional conferences and/or family meetings may be required.
• Document children’s growth and conduct authentic assessment using PSA’s developmental portfolio framework.
• Plan and lead two classroom community events per school year: One Back To School Night in September, outlining the expectations and philosophy of the classroom and program; one Reggio Night, which is an opportunity for families to come together as a community and contribute to the classroom work. Co-Teachers with children under 18 months of age perform Home Visits in August or before the first day of school.

School Expectations

• Use appropriate interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Work effectively as a team member. Demonstrate respect towards other staff and the ability to foster an environment of mutual trust and collaboration with all staff. Provide guidance to new staff members.
• Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual in the community (children, families and colleagues). Respect the privacy of students, families, and colleagues by maintaining confidentiality.
• Attend designated meetings such as reflective practice, staff meetings and Study Groups.
• Keep up with daily school and family communication (email and Procare). Work with computer programs such as Google Suite, Procare and others as needed.
• Dress appropriately, including to go outside.
• Uphold licensing and accreditation standards. Participate in biennial accreditation process. Follow school guidelines.
• Learn about, understand, and implement a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum. Learn about, understand, and implement an anti-bias curriculum.

Why work for PSA?

• At PSA, our close-knit, collaborative teaching staff will warmly welcome you to our school.
• We offer a full benefits package (health insurance, PTO, 401(K) with match) for all permanent employees working 20 hours per week or more.
• We deeply value the growth and development of our teachers. That's why we provide in-house professional development about our Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, and we have a budget dedicated to paying for professional development. We want you to continue learning about the ECE topics that interest you the most.
• We value teachers taking time off. All teachers get a paid break each day and are encouraged to use PTO. Holidays are paid, including winter and spring breaks. We allow teachers to take extended leaves of absence over the summer or as needed.
• Community! You will be a part of a classroom community, getting to know our brilliant educators and capable students. We have a co-teaching model, so you will have other educators to rely on as you work with children.
• Joy! Preschool of the Arts is full of laughter, joy, creativity, and collaboration.

What kind of staff is PSA looking for?

• We value lifelong learning, and we want staff who are excited to learn with the children and teachers at our school.
• Bring your creativity! Our staff is brimming with talented musicians and artists. We value collaboration between our children and our staff.
• PSA embraces an anti-bias curriculum. We want staff who reflect on their own bias and work to build a safe, respectful environment for all children.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person