Head Preschool Teacher (Long-Term Substitute) at The… · Burlington

Head Preschool Teacher (Long-Term Substitute) at The Schoolhouse Learning Center

Are you looking for a teaching position where you can combine your love of children, nature, and hands-on learning? Do you enjoy hiking, exploring the outdoors, discovering brooks, bugs, frogs, plants, and hidden woodland spaces alongside young children? Are you passionate about gardening, baking, art, music, literacy, and supporting children's learning through play? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach in a progressive, independent school?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, we'd love to hear from you!

The Schoolhouse Learning Center is seeking a full time Long-Term Substitute Head Preschool Teacher to co-lead a classroom of primarily four-year-olds alongside a team of collaborative and dedicated teaching partners. This position has a high likelihood of continued employment following the substitute term. We are looking for an enthusiastic educator who values play-based, nature-based learning and is excited to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world in young children.

Qualifications

Education and Training

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, School-Age Education, Science, Environmental Studies, Nature-Based Education, or a related field.*

Candidates with degrees in science, environmental studies, nature-based education, or other related fields who do not have formal training in early childhood education may be considered if they have:

• A demonstrated track record of working successfully with children;
• A strong interest in nature-based and play-based education; and
• A commitment to completing any required coursework or training needed to meet Vermont Child Care Licensing requirements.

Experience

A minimum of two years of successful experience leading a classroom of young children as a Head Teacher or Lead Teacher, including curriculum development, implementation, and assessment.

Skills and Professional Qualities

• Demonstrated ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with children, families, and colleagues while fostering a strong classroom community.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to guide and support a teaching team, nurture children's growth and development, and contribute positively to the school community.
• Commitment to implementing the Story Time curriculum and philosophy while designing and adapting engaging learning experiences that reflect our nature-based, play-based approach.
• Ability to observe children's interests and developmental needs and use those observations to guide meaningful, child-centered learning opportunities.
• Enthusiasm for spending significant time outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth, including completing a minimum of 15 hours of early childhood professional development annually and obtaining First Aid/CPR certification within the timeline required by Vermont Child Care Licensing regulations.
• Willingness to obtain a school bus endorsement for your driver's license.
• Please refer to Vermont Child Care Licensing regulations for a complete list of acceptable related fields. Examples include Child Development, Social Work, Environmental Studies, and other closely related disciplines.

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION AND EXPECTATIONS

Preschool HEAD TEACHER

Classification: Regular, Exempt

Supervised by: Preschool Co-Directors, Head of School or Designee

The Schoolhouse holds high professional and ethical standards for all of its employees. Employees are expected to embrace, model and embody the Schoolhouse mission and the 5 Core concepts that guide the institution. Employees strive for joyful, transformative learning that cultivates students' natural curiosity, critical thinking skills, and compassion for others. Employees respect children’s individual differences, nurture their capacity for growth, and are committed to authenticity in the activities that shape their learning. Employees collaborate with colleagues, community members and caregivers who are responsible for all aspects of the student’s school experience.

Attendance and Availability

The employee will:

• work the number of academic and in-service days articulated in the official school calendar, as published annually by the Board, plus 5 or more non-holiday workdays before the first day of school and 5 non-holiday work days after the last day of school as assigned by the Head of School or her designee.
• work the number of hours per week determined by their supervisor, Preschool Co-Director or the Head of School, understanding that hours may change to meet the needs of the SCHOOL or the employee.
• devote a reasonable amount of time during the contract period to curriculum development and professional development outside of the school year calendar, including in the summer (as an exempt employee).
• arrive at the school ready to start at the appointed time and stay until their shift ends, and, as appropriate, stay until all students have been picked up and the facilities are orderly
• expect to spend time outside of school hours planning and organizing curriculum, communicating with parents, and attending school events (as an exempt employee)
• follow the established procedures for requesting and tracking PTO including
  • seeking approval in advance for planned days off and finding coverage for missed hours
  • notifying the appropriate member of the administrative leadership team of an unplanned absence due to illness or an emergency as soon as possible but no later than 7:15 am.
• facilitate and/or attend the following (which may occur outside of normal school hours):
  • staff and team meetings
  • fire and other drills
  • staff in-service training days
  • opening and closing school functions
  • family events such as classroom potlucks, Season of Light, family days and End of Year celebrations
  • professional development, including the VTAECY Conference, as requested
  • caregiver conferences
  • student activities and performances
  • other events or meetings as may be assigned from time to time
• encourage Lead and Assistant teachers to attend school gatherings
• use program time effectively and give his/her full attention to the students during program hours by limiting non-student or non-developmental conversations with colleagues to the absolute minimum
• be available to students and parents after hours, as needed (and within reasonable personal limitations)

Professional Conduct

The employee will:

• respect the rights and dignity of all members of the Schoolhouse community - students, colleagues, and caregivers.

• implement/model Schoolhouse values as understood in the Five Core Concepts: Responsibility, Respect, Trust, Sharing, and Belonging

• model self disciplined and ethical behavior

• be consistent and reliable

• commit to ongoing professional growth and development including

  • establishing annual professional goals with their supervisor (IPDP)
  • participating in scheduled in-service meetings (or as requested by the Head of School)
  • other professional development opportunities including but not limited to 15 hours a year.
  • Attending the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children conference as requested by the Preschool Leadership Team.

• abide by policies outlined in the Schoolhouse Employee Handbook and Staff Policies and revised from time to time

• exhibit enthusiasm for the school and the opportunities it provides

• maintain a flexible and open attitude

• limit personal business to non-school hours to the extent possible

• dress professionally and appropriately for their job duties

Curriculum and Learning

The employee will:

• maintain child/staff ratios and operate daily classroom in conformity with the State regulations for the physical safety and wellbeing of the children, families and staff.
• be responsible for the whole student’s experience, social, emotional and academic, (in all areas of development)
• take responsibility for class flow and scheduling, grouping of students and teachers according to skill level, one on one processing with children when needed, curriculum, transition times, meals, toileting, circle, trips and other activities.
• develop, plan and implement age-appropriate activities and curriculum for a multi-age nature and play based environment.
• provide a visual daily schedule for both children, families and staff that is consistent with the daily flow.
• edit/ update Story Time curriculum book.
• understand and implement the Vermont Early Learning Standards and The Common Core (as it relates to pre-schools)
• understand and implement Teaching Strategies Gold, ASQ and other student assessments and support outside and inside the classroom as requested by Preschool Leadership Team.
• understand age-appropriate expectations for children (academic and social)
• encourage play, nature exploration, emergent math and literacy with students in accordance with program philosophy
• develop and promote each child’s positive self-image
• provide a stimulating learning environment that encourages curiosity, inquiry, exploration, autonomy and independence
• encourage exploration of how identity, and social and/or environmental justice, shape our world and connect the many areas of learning as part of a broad commitment to anti-racist and anti-bias education
• explicitly teach and support students in developing strong executive function, problem solving and communication skills
• understand the needs of and differentiate instruction and activities for diverse learners including those with learning differences.
• communicate concerns about children’s development with supervisor and/or Preschool Leadership Team in a timely manner
• submit plans, records and reports as requested by Supervisor and/or Preschool Leadership Team
• remain current on any changes in the field of early childhood education, nature-play based preschool education, and current child care program practice.

Communication and Collaboration

The employee will:

• afford colleagues, students and caregivers the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss concerns, differences and difficulties and seek meaningful resolution, using a strength based approach.. Seek support from one’s supervisor if needed.
• communicate effectively and frequently with caregivers who are partners in their student’s education including (but not limited to):
  • conversations before and after school
  • emails, texts and phone calls
  • a weekly program newsletter
• communicate with prospective families and students to help them understand the school and its programs
• inform the Preschool Leadership Team and/or Head of School of concerns that arise in a timely fashion
• maintain confidentiality of children, families and staff at all times.

Child and Family

The employee will:

• welcome and orient new parents and children

• updating regular classroom blog/instagram

• seek to maintain positive relationships and daily communication with families.

• inform Preschool Leadership Team of observations or areas of concern.

• be familiar with and implement all Allergy Alert plans, illness alerts and asthma plans.

• maintain all medication logs and update medications for classrooms.

• write and send out weekly parent newsletters with updates about the current week and other important information

• Set up Bi-annual parent conferences, including scheduling

• maintain positive and timely e-mail communication with parents.

• actively make resources and information available to families.

• maintain Family Communication board with daily message, important information and documentation about children’s work (in the hallway)

• Work with Tutors, Specialist and School District representatives to support children and families with diverse learning needs

• facilitate bi-annual curriculum meetings with families

Program-Specific Oversight and Supervision

The employee will work with the Preschool Leadership Team to:

• define program goals and oversee implementation

• be responsible for the class culture as a whole and the whole experience for the classroom

• oversee staff breaks according to staff schedule

• general staff supervision: oversee training hours, qualifications, IPDP, yearly review, ensure teacher files are being kept up to licensing standards (yearly file review as part of supervision). All supervision is from a strength-based perspective.

• ensure all preschool staff have a firm grounding in the Storytime and Schoolhouse philosophy, VELS and State Licensing Requirements. This requires periodic review with staff.

• Mentor and train lead and assistant teachers including but not limited to:

  • providing frequent and direct feedback to ensure they are able to grow in their position.
  • providing frequent reminders of classroom guidelines (supervisor will review this during the staff member’s orientation)
  • ensuring that the flow of the day does not leave Assistant Teachers in charge of a large group or in a position to be the sole point of staff contact with parents. (ie beginning and end of day)
  • ensuring that the flow of the day does not leave an assistant teacher alone with any small group that includes students we know need extra support and guidance except with the explicit agreement of the Co-Director.
  • lead by example and be explicit in coaching the assistant teacher on the spot (ie did you see that I redirected that child by…, gave the child a chance for a break,... )
  • communicating with assistant teacher’s supervisor and co-directors about any concerns or compliments as requested or needed
  • providing feedback to the co-directors that can be included in staff evaluations, as requested

• train subs and other staff members as requested.

• supervise and enforce daily procedures

• provide positive encouragement, constructive feedback and role modeling for program staff

• ensure the program adheres to Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations and other applicable regulations, including staff members’ training hours and maintaining the program’s STARS rating

• recruit, interview, mentor, train and supervise preschool staff when requested

• review preschool staff annual Individual Professional Development Plans when requested

• plan for and participate in meetings and training opportunities for preschool staff.

• perform inventory and assist in purchasing of necessary supplies (including but not limited to: snack, crafts, equipment)

• research area programs to understand their offerings

• communicate with Business Manager about late pick ups, drop days, budget and program expenditures.

• communicate with Operations Manager about needs for the building and grounds

• share responsibility to and leadership for the broader school community

Other Expectations

The employee will:

• ensure student safety above all else and understand The Schoolhouse policies to ensure student and community safety
• track student attendance in the manner and format requested
• file and maintain incident reports
• be aware of staff breaks and other scheduling needs (according to schedule that is maintained and posted by the Preschool Leadership Team).
• take responsibility for opening, setting up and closing classrooms at the end of the day according to opening and closing checklists
• follow, teach and practice established safety procedures
• take responsibility for an orderly and neat classroom during the school hours
• take responsibility for keeping common areas and school grounds neat and orderly
• ensure the proper use, maintenance and storage of school materials, equipment and property
• maintain and renew CPR and First Aid certification
• obtain a bus driver endorsement within one year of being hired unless exempted from this expectations by Supervisor or Head of School
• ensure personnel file is complete including copies of:
  • signed contract
  • resume
  • teaching license (if applicable)
  • up to date CPR and First Aid certifications
  • information about professional development and training hours (outside of school-provided in-service training)
  • updated Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
• perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Preschool Leadership Team and/or Head of School.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Repetitive bending.
• Mobility to ensure the safety of the children.
• Work with children on the floor.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather.
• Have visual or hearing capabilities consistent with Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Perform light cleaning duties.

Salary & Benefits

Salary

$45,000-$65,000 annually depending on experience, training and skills

Benefits

Time off:

Generous paid time off

All major holidays paid

Additional PTO time between 3 and 7 days annually

Retirement:

3% match for employees working 30 hours or more

Health:

Telehealth, SH subsidized health care through Vermont Health Connect or private pay, options for dental, vision, hearing, a dedicated staff member to walk you through the steps of picking your plan, long term disability, outdoor gear stipend, discounted gym membership

Contact information, how to apply: