PreK for All Lead Teacher

PreK FOR ALL LEAD TEACHER at Saline Area Schools JOB DESCRIPTION The PreK for All Lead Teacher serves as the primary instructor, facilitating and directing the classroom in collaboration with the Associate Teacher to prepare preschool students for kindergarten readiness. As part of the "PreK for All" initiative, this program helps Michigan families access high-quality early childhood education and helps students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We are looking for four (4) Lead Teachers. The ideal candidate understands that initiative, rigor, grit, strong leadership and collaboration are essential to this role. Responsibilities include implementing a safe, nurturing, and strength-based learning environment, driving children's social and educational development, and leading the classroom educational team. Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated, have a deep desire to grow professionally, believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive, and demonstrate the highest level of cultural competence. SAS strives to employ individuals who possess a strong work ethic, are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities, and understand that equity, inclusion, and social justice are essential to the success of a 21st-century school community. QUALIFICATIONS Required Education and CertificationBachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related fieldValid Michigan Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood (ZA or ZS) endorsementMeets all PreK For All Lead Teacher qualification requirementsCurrent CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (infant, child, adult) or ability to obtain upon hire Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or related fieldTraining and/or certification in HighScope Curriculum and COR Advantage assessmentBilingual or multilingual skills Required ExperienceExperience working with preschool-aged children (ages 4-5) in an early childhood classroomDemonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice Preferred ExperienceExperience in a PreK For All or publicly funded preschool programExperience implementing HighScope Curriculum and using COR Advantage or similar Early Childhood assessment toolsExperience supporting diverse learners, including students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual learnersExperience building strong family partnerships, including home visits RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIESPlan and implement developmentally appropriate instruction aligned to the HighScope Curriculum and Prek For All expectationsEstablish consistent daily routines that promote active learning, exploration, and student independenceCreate and maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment (indoor and outdoor)Partner with the Associate Teacher to ensure effective classroom operations and shared responsibility for student learningCollaborate with early childhood staff, specialists, and administration to support program quality and student successSupport children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development through intentional instruction and responsive interactionsImplement accommodations and supports for students with IEPs, 504 plans, and multilingual needs in collaboration with appropriate staffConduct ongoing child observations and assessments using approved tools (e.g., COR Advantage, Kaymbu)Use assessment data to inform instruction, monitor progress, and communicate student growthBuild strong partnerships with families through regular communicationConduct required home visits (minimum two per year per child) and parent-teacher conferencesSupport family engagement activities and program outreach effortsEnsure full compliance with PreK For All requirements, State of Michigan childcare licensing rules, and Great Start to Quality standardsMaintain accurate documentation and records as required by the programParticipate in professional learning, coaching, and team meetingsEngage in continuous reflection and professional growthContribute positively to a collaborative early childhood team ESSENTIAL DUTIESStrong understanding of early childhood development and instructional practicesUse computer network systems and software applications as needed.Organize and coordinate work.Develop and implement projects.Effective and respectful verbal and written communication skills.Communicate effectively with students and parents.Organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.Engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.Demonstrate exemplary attendance and punctuality. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS Work in standard office and school building environments requiring mobility, visual and auditory acuity, communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, adaptability, technology proficiency, physical stamina and environmental awareness. Plus:Ability to lift up to 50 poundsAbility to sit on the floor, bend, squat, and move frequently throughout the dayAbility to actively supervise and engage with children in indoor and outdoor environmentsWillingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions TRAVEL Local travel required for home visits (minimum two per year per student) WORK SCHEDULEFull-time, Monday-FridayAdditional hours may be required for family engagement activities, conferences, and program events FLSA STATUS Exempt TERMS OF EMPLOYMENTBackground Check: Ability to pass a Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check, School District Employee Background check, and Child Care Background Check.Benefits as outlined in the SEA Contract SALARY Per the SEA Contract APPLICATION METHOD EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and upload all necessary documents on the TalentEd Website (please visit our HR web page at: https://saline.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx# to access the SAS Job Openings). All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until the position has been filled. INTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume via email to Kara Davis, davisk@salineschools.org. All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until filled. NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. If you have any accessibility concerns regarding the completion of this application, please contact Alli Littlejohn, HR Coordinator, littleja@salineschools.org to set up an appointment for additional support.