Classroom Teacher

Job Description

The classroom teacher’s primary responsibility is the safety and education of all the children at The HEI Early Learning Centre and specifically those in their care. The teacher will need to adhere to HEI operational guidelines and a pedagogical approach to early childhood education.

Overall:

• Plan, prepare and deliver activities that facilitate learning experiences in accordance with HEI curriculum
• Implement lesson plans in accordance with HEI curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom schedule.
• Prepare classroom for activities in accordance with HEI curriculum.
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources and instruct and monitor students in the use of them.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development, create reports as per HEI guidelines.
• Maintain daily open communication with parents and through parent-teacher conferences.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by using positive reinforcement and establishing age-appropriate rules and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe and healthy environment.
• Keep accident records, inform the nurse when a medical assistant is needed.
• Participate in training, meetings and events.
• Provide appropriate feedback and communicate necessary information regularly to administration, colleagues and parents.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Inspect and maintain record of damage or lost materials, maintain classroom inventory updated with a full sign off of inventory in August, December and June each year. 
• Keep all appropriate records such as attendance, time sheets, classroom folders.
• Maintain child centered displays and children's portfolios updated and changed regularly to evidence the learning journey in the classroom.
• Use approved Parent Application for tracking and communication.
• Adhere to Centre policies.

Centre Operations:

• Support Nursery Principal and administration in day-to-day operations when requested. 

Staff Management:

• Conduct performance reviews of Teaching assistants. 
• Assess Teaching assistants and providing coaching where needed. 
• Oversee the training of Teaching assistants when applicable.

Curriculum Development:

• Attend franchisee training as needed. 
• Collaborate with the Nursery principal and peers to improve the educational offering and to create processes that further enhance children’s learning.
• Support Teaching assistants in implementing the curriculum effectively and providing resources and training as needed. 

Financial Management: 

• Monitor classroom expenses and implement cost-effective measures. 

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay up to date with local and national regulations governing Early Learning Centres. 
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and safeguarding regulations as well as educational standards. 
• Coordinate inspections when required, maintaining accurate records, and addressing any compliance issues promptly. 

Parent and Community Engagement & Marketing Activities:

• Foster strong relationships with parents, addressing their concerns, and maintaining regular communication. 
• Participate in community events, open houses, and parent workshops when required.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure cost-effective use of classroom supplies and learning resources.
• Monitor and report any classroom material losses or damages.
• Support budget adherence for classroom and activity planning.
• Maintain inventory records of teaching tools and educational materials.
• Recommend resource needs based on curriculum plans within allocated budgets.
• Ensure children's safety and wellbeing at all times.
• Support consistent implementation of curriculum and educational philosophy.
• Maintain accurate student records and reports.
• Supervise and mentor teaching assistants and nannies.
• Foster positive relationships with children, parents, and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• NCFE Cache Level 3 certificate

Additional Information

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum: At least 2 years working with children in a nursery or early learning setting
• Desired: 3–5 years in a similar role with experience supervising others

Skills and Abilities:

• Fluency in English; knowledge of the  child-centered education philosophy; child safety protocols; creative mindset; problem-solving skills; strong classroom management and multitasking; confidentiality and understanding of child information sharing; collaborative team player; lesson planning and scheduling; flexibility and resilience under pressure.
• Leadership, emotional intelligence, proactive communication, and optimistic approach to daily challenges. Knowledge of Finnish/Scandinavian curriculum.