Lead Teacher

Description

The Organization:

Founded in 1846 to care for the children of sailors in the Port of New York, Seamen's Society for Children and Families ("Seamen’s Society”) was one of the first organizations in the US to care for abandoned children in family settings, rather than institutions. Today, Seamen's Society is a comprehensive $28 million nonprofit organization that offers foster care and adoption services, mental and behavioral health care services, prevention/family stabilization services, domestic violence intervention services, a health home care management program, education financial support, a childcare center, and a youth tutoring program. The agency's 200+ professionals serve over 1,250 children and over 500 families in New York City. Programs are conducted in a trauma-informed, caring manner that understands and embraces the diversity of the communities served by the organization.

Role: Lead Teacher

Department: Child Care Center

Reports to: Education Director

Location:  95 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301 (on-site)

Compensation: $31.11 per hour

Employment Type: Full Time

Job Summary:

The Lead Teacher is responsible for general administrative duties as assigned, for supervision of subordinate staff, and for planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities, monitoring children’s progress, and maintenance of related records for assigned classroom. The Lead Teacher promotes the center’s philosophy and educational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Supervising a given group of children

· Supervise the planning and execution of a program to provide day care for children which takes into account the educational, social, developmental and health needs of the group, as well as that of the individual child.

· Take responsibility for keeping equipment and material accessible and in good condition to encourage maximum constructive use by the children.

· Take responsibility for removing or reporting any damaged or hazardous equipment to the director or other designated person so that necessary action may be taken.

· Take responsibility for planning and supervising an appropriate arrangement of his/her own classroom furniture designed to promote optimal program functioning.

· Share In the overall planning for the best use of shared space In relation to the total center program.

· Plan the use of community resources to enrich the educational content of the children's program.

· Develop a program of sound educational goals appropriate to the age and developmental level of children that will enable them to make the most of future educational opportunities.

Promoting the professional growth of classroom associates

· Share with classroom associates their mutual knowledge and understanding of the sponsoring agency and the community that their center serves.

· Take responsibility for the professional growth and development of the classroom associates through regularly scheduled individual and classroom group conferences based on daily observation of the associates' performance within the group and their applications of new skills as acquired through training and experience.

· In cooperation with the director, assist in the annual evaluation of the job performance of the classroom associates.

· Take responsibility for equitable sharing among all classroom personnel relating to all areas of the program.

Promoting sound parent relationships

· Developing an appropriate plan by which information concerning the children and program can be shared with the parent, the teacher, and associates.

· Attend and participate in group parent meetings.

· Respect the confidential nature of all information about parents and children.

Maintaining objective staff relationships

· Maintaining good working relationships and objective attitudes with other staff members,

Conducting regular group conferences

· Assuming responsibility for planning and conducting regular group conferences with classroom associates, encouraging their attendance and participation in workshops and conferences designed to further their professional growth. ·

Cooperating in self-evaluation

· Assuming responsibility for discussing his or her own professional performance objectively in regularly scheduled supervisory conferences with the director. Using these conferences as a source of information and professional guidance.

Record writing

· Writing, keeping, using, and sharing with appropriate staff members such as are required and necessary for the effective administration of the center, the development of the program, work with the individual child, students, and volunteers.

Accepting administrative responsibilities

· Accepting responsibility when required for fulfilling the overall administrative function in the director's absence.

Other related duties, as assigned, consistent with the above.

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

· Supports the professional growth of colleagues by sharing materials and information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement

· Excellent oral and communication skills

· Strong teaching abilities

· Adaptable

Qualifications/Requirements:

· A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field required

· A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a pre-school program (experience with children under the age of 5)

· Valid certification by the State Education Department required

· Valid driver’s license preferred but not needed

· Bilingual Preferred but not needed

Why Join Us?

At Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, we value our team members and are committed to providing a supportive, rewarding, and growth-oriented work environment. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

Extensive Training & Career Development – Gain hands-on experience with comprehensive training programs to enhance your skills and career growth.

Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays – Maintain a healthy work-life balance with our comprehensive PTO package, including: 13 paid holidays throughout the year, Half-day Summer Fridays to make the most of the season, Ample vacation, personal, and sick time so you can recharge and focus on what matters most. Your well-being is a priority for us. Take time to rest and recharge.

Robust Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance – Stay covered with our significantly subsidized plans designed to fit your needs.

Company paid Life Insurance & Financial Security – We offer life insurance, a generous 403(b) retirement plan (with agency contribution), and a tax-deferred annuity to secure your future.

Commuter Benefit Program & Flexible Spending Accounts – Save money on daily expenses with our commuter benefits and FSA options.

Exclusive Perks & Discounts – As part of our team, you'll gain access to Plum Benefits, the leading Corporate Entertainment Benefits provider. Enjoy exclusive discounts, special offers, and preferred seating for top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels, and more.

Employee Assistance Program – Receive confidential support services for mental health, financial advice, and personal well-being.

Internship & Referral Programs – Help build the future by mentoring interns or referring great candidates and earning incentives.

Additional Information

Seamen’s Society is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity or expression (sexual orientation, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.