Kindergarten Lead Teacher (KOP Location)

The Preschool Lead Teacher, under the supervision of the Preschool Directors, is responsible for creating and implementing a developmentally sound educational program for an assigned class of preschool / Kindergarten school children. The program must meet the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language needs of both the individual child and the group. THE START DATE FOR THIS ROLE WILL BE IN AUGUST 2026.Minimum Qualifications:Responsibilities:Relationships with ChildrenInteract with children at eye levelUse an appropriate voice when speaking with childrenListen respectfully to ideas, thoughts, and feelings the children shareEncourage children to be age-appropriately independent and develop their self-help skillsModel appropriate conflict resolution techniques for childrenValidate the children's feelingsAsk open-ended questionsBe attentive to the unique needs of each childBe nurturing and help the children feel supported and secureRespect diversity in cultural and family backgroundsActively engage in the children's play in the classroom, gym, and outdoor areasTreat every child equally with warmth, love, dignity, and respectSupport children to participate in daily cleanup and maintenance of the classroomProvide children opportunities in decision making and issues concerning classroom behavior, plans, and activitiesRelationships with FamiliesBe available to parents and easily approachableBe sensitive when delivering information to familiesGain the confidence, trust, and respect of the parentsPrepare regular informative newsletters that make the learning in the classroom visible and valuedValue the importance of families feeling a part of our community and encourage parent involvement in the classroom, school, and Jewish communityPlan and conduct meaningful parent-teacher conferencesArticulate and educate families on information related to their child's developmentArticulate and educate families on Jewish values, holidays, and traditionsDiscuss concerns about children with Directors prior to any discussion with parentsRespect confidential informationRelationships with ColleaguesCome to work with a positive attitudeBe respectful of co-workersView self as a member of a team and work cooperatively with co-workersPrepare annual written evaluation of Assistant Teacher/s working with youOffer and share ideas and information with colleaguesApproach constructive feedback with a learning attitudeCurriculumUse the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and The Creative Curriculum as a foundation for planning while looking through a Jewish lensEncourage imaginative use of materials and space and inspire children to extend their thinkingEngage thoughtful curriculum planning and be flexible when modifications need to be madePlan and implement experiences that promote the development of the whole child: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and spiritualImplement effective classroom management techniquesValue the importance of process with less significance placed on productDevelop emergent curriculum around the children's interestsDocument, analyze and plan based on classroom observationsView the gym and outdoor areas as an extension of the classroom: This will be evident in the planning, set up and documentation of the children's learningOffer varied experiences to respond to children's individual learning styles and developmental stagesEncourage children to solve problems and exploreProvide a consistent routine and appropriate balance between activitiesPlan predictable transitions and limit waiting time between activitiesDemonstrate preparation and organization of activities and materials in advanceSeek out the children's ideas and discern how they understand by observing, talking, and listeningDisplay children's work in an attractive manner that allows children to revisit it and parents and colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of the workKeep a "portfolio" of each child's progress, including photographs, samples of their artwork, projects, writing, etc.Maintain all required reports pertaining to the class and/or individual children: This includes progress reports twice annually in January & JuneSubmit a written lesson plan weekly to the Preschool Director for prior approval. This lesson plan MUST incorporate PA learning standards for early childhood education or Goals and Objectives outlined in the Creative Curriculum.Keep informed of current trends in Early Childhood to continuously learn and improveReflect on learning with childrenUse observation and documentation to design goals and guide curriculum planning and monitor progressEnvironmentDesign the room so that it is evident the children and families are entering a Jewish spaceCreate and maintain a safe and inviting learning environment and follow agency security protocolsChange materials to reflect the interest of the children to promote inquiry and discoveryProvide thought provoking materials that will stimulate the curiosity and senses of the childrenIntentionally utilize space outdoors to expand on the children's learning that is happening in the classroomEnsure the classroom furnishings and materials are reflective of the children's changing needs throughout the yearUtilize the environment to display documentation of the children's experiences and workGeneral ProfessionalismSupport the agency mission of building community and enriching livesBe accountable for your own responsibilitiesMaintain a high standard of professional ethics and confidentiality regarding children, families & staffComply with licensing standards and guidelinesBe reliable in attendance and arrive on timeAdhere to JCC work rules as stated in the employee handbookSupervise and evaluate assistant teachers, student teachers, substitutes and volunteers who work in the classroomMaintain classroom furniture and supplies, conserving utilities, and general consideration of classroom, bathroom, and other center areasMaintain daily attendance recordsOversee all mealtime/snack time activitiesPerform routine and emergency housekeeping to maintain an orderly, safe, and healthy environmentBe in line with the children whenever the class walks to an activity. One staff member in front and one in back alwaysRemember that you are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of each child in your class. Staff must be spread around, remain aware, and always supervise the children. Close supervision is required in the outdoor play areas, on trips, maintaining strategic points on playground, remembering to communicate with and view things at the child's eye level. Do not sit on the bleachers, benches or stand in groups.Participate with children in small groups or on a 1:1 basis, both indoors and outMaintain the highest standards of confidentiality for all matters and persons related to the Kaiserman JCC and particularly the Preschool Program. Do not discuss personnel matters with parents.Follow policies, and professional codes of ethicsBe receptive to professional help and constructive criticismParticipate in professional development activitiesBe flexible and respond well to changes in programDemonstrate a positive attitude, be courteous and cooperative with co-workers, help and be flexible to meet the needs of the JCCRefrain from engaging in negative conversationsMaintain a healthy collaborative relationship with classroom co-teachers, communicate regarding observations, conflicts, and planningDress appropriately for your jobRespond to and communicate with the Director and Assistant Director in a prompt, consistent, and professional mannerComply with all Kaiserman Jewish Community Center and Preschool / Kindergarten policiesBe aware of health, safety, and sanitation standards, medicine procedures, accident reporting, other licensing regulationsAttend Preschool Orientation and set-up week prior to the start of schoolMaintain adherence to all agency policies and procedures, including agency safety requirementsPerform additional program duties as assigned by the Director according to agency needsCome to school every day prepared and eager to teach the studentsSupport the Director and Assistant Director in promoting positive parent-staff relationships including such things as participating in and initiating school events (social, educational, fundraising)Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field.Current Early Childhood / Elementary Teaching CertificateExperience in and/or knowledge of emergent curriculum and developmentally appropriate practiceMust be emotionally responsive in their work with children and wish to be part of a larger community that enriches children's lives by co-constructing meaningful learning experiencesMust have effective and strong communication skills (orally and written)At least 2 years' experience working with preschool age childrenKaiserman JCC Mission and Values:Since 1971, the Kaiserman JCC has worked to advance and enrich life in Philadelphia. Our mission is to create fulfilling connections, enhance lives, and foster Jewish peoplehood through inspirational educational, cultural, and recreational programs. Our campus, which is located just west of Philadelphia, serves a diverse community through programs and activities that impact families, teens, and older adults.Our guiding organizational values are rooted in Jewish tradition and inform how we deliver our mission. These values have universal resonance in the Jewish community and beyond--we welcome everyone to participate in the programming we offer.Sakranut (Curiosity) - We pursue any opportunity to learn and grow as an organization and as individuals in service to our community.Hod (Amenability) - We embrace change and stay nimble as community needs and preferences evolve.Hachnasat Orchim (Hospitality) - We are committed to welcoming people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.Simcha (Joy) - Our work and what we offer to others inspires happiness and fulfillment, even amid life's great challenges.L'dor V'dor (Connection) - We help strengthen the bonds between and among generations by bridging our past with a diverse and inclusive future.