Title: Early Childhood Lead Teacher                         Classification: Exempt

Department: Primary School                                      Status: Full-Time, Ten Month

School Day: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm                                  Reports to: Preschool Director

Sacred Heart Schools is seeking a Primary School Preschool Lead Teacher whose chief responsibility will be to work within the scope of the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education to educate three, four, and/or five-year-old children responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development in a multi-disciplinary setting.

Essential Job Functions:

As a member of the Primary School faculty, the Lead Preschool Teacher will:

• Develop weekly plans in accordance with the current curriculum, incorporating D.A.P. (Developmentally Appropriate Practice) and the ISELS (Illinois State Early Learning Standards)
• Provide a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects the children’s learning and growth while inspiring learning
• Work as an active and collaborative member of teacher teams and other primary school faculty members
• Perform ongoing developmental evaluations of children and develop lesson plans that address the individual needs of each child
• Prepare developmental progress reports/report cards for parents/caregivers
• Conduct Parent Teacher Conferences that focus on children’s developmental progress, needs and interests, including parents’ goals for their child
• Implement developmentally appropriate assessments to evaluate student outcomes in all domains
• Serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary intervention/prevention team within the Primary School as part of the Student Support Team
• Maintain up to date individual child development profile and other records as needed
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for the child’s background by incorporating the family values and beliefs into the program where appropriate
• Assist child in transition and orientation of the classroom with parents
• Foster a positive parent/school connection with families
• Maintain ongoing, open communication with parents and caregivers
• Ensure that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experience clear communication with teaching staff

The Primary School Preschool Instructor will work within the scope of the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart:

• Supports – Implements – Models the Goals and Criteria for Sacred Heart Schools
• Exhibits a genuine respect for children as individuals and for their families, as the children’s first teachers
• Upholds professional standards of personal presentation, discretion, punctuality, and clear, direct, open communication
• Appropriately carries out specific assignments, including but not limited to assigned supervision and duties, and other areas as assigned by Director or Head of Primary School
• Maintains professional credentials and/or certification as defined by our accrediting agency and consistent with band level placement
• Align with other Primary School faculty for vertical curriculum coordination

A Successful Candidate will:

• Be highly motivated, ethical and eager to learn in a collaborative setting
• Have excellent communication skills with student’s best interests at the forefront
• Have experience in implementing project-based learning activities
• Have experience teaching in a differentiated environment
• Have a declared passion for children and a willingness to help provide quality early learning experiences for young children to promote their overall developmental well-being
• A warm and welcoming personality, comfortable with a diverse school population of children, staff, and families

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education required
• Preschool Teaching Experience is preferred
• Understands developmental stages of three and four-year-old children and is effective with supporting their social and emotional development
• Experience developing and delivering age appropriate curriculum and tracking children's progress
• Exceptional classroom and time management skills that focus on children’s best interests and goals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Fluency in another language is a plus, but not required

Sacred Heart Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or handicap, veteran status, marital status or any other classification protected by law.