Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Teacher

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Teacher

Department:   Education

FLSA Status:    Exempt

Reports to:        Principal 

Supervises:      Classroom Teaching Assistants & Paraprofessionals

JOB SUMMARY

Planning and implementing of developmentally appropriate lessons and activities for children enrolled in the assigned classroom.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

•    Organizes classroom to create a safe and optimal learning environment appropriate to student needs. 

•    Collaborates in developing or revising curriculum or learning materials to meet needs of each student.

•    Communicates information about the school program and curriculum to parents and other persons as appropriate-through written and verbal means.

•    Work with parents/guardians on how they can reinforce at home what is taught in school.

•    Maintains appropriate records according to agency policies, home school district, and state regulation, completing records and reports in a timely manner.  

•    Responsible for the collection of data, attendance, and other record keeping.

•    Assist in the development and implementation of IEPs.

•    Plan and execute field trips and special events.    

•    Participates in professional development activities to maintain and enhance professional competence. 

•    Attends and participates in Department, Team, and other designated meetings. 

•    Works cooperatively with community agencies to supplement and enhance programming.

•    Works cooperatively with related service providers, therapists, other teachers, assistants and aides.  

•    Ensures the room, furniture and other items in the room have been cleaned and sanitized per the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) guidelines and that the steps have been documented.

•    Ensures that children arriving or showing signs of becoming ill during the day must be taken to the Nurses Office immediately.

•    Assess the progress of children in reaching goals and objectives on a regular basis.

•    The employee practices in accordance to agency standards and professional conduct and ethics by respecting confidentiality (HIPAA, PHI, etc...) of consumer and family information as well as demonstrating multicultural awareness and respect for all people.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES 

•    Trains and supervises classroom teaching assistants & paraprofessionals in appropriate methods of support and classroom management.

•    Completes Performance Appraisal Form for classroom staff: Teaching Assistants & paraprofessionals.

•    Regularly meets with the principal.

OTHER DUTIES 

•    Performs other duties as assigned by Administration. (may not be essential)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

•    Bachelor's Degree in Education. 

•    New York State Certification in Early Childhood Education, Birth – Grade 2.

•    Clearance from Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) which includes NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Statewide Central Register Database Check and NYS Justice Center.

•    Ability to provide documentation demonstrating that you are able to legally perform work in the United States.

•    Valid NYS Driver’s License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

•    The employee demonstrates basic knowledge of human growth and development and is able to apply that knowledge in a holistic manner when planning educational programming for children.

•    The employee displays understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all other staff, demonstrating effective problem solving and decision-making abilities in collaboration with the other team members and administration. 

•    Ability to work effectively in a team environment with staff members and administration. 

•    Knowledge of effective learning environment, classroom organization, and classroom management techniques.

•    Knowledge of formal and informal assessment techniques and instruments in order to develop appropriate learning programs.  

•    Will successfully complete required training courses.

•    Ability to work effectively with parents/guardians, agency staff and community agencies.

•    Multicultural awareness and respect for all people in accordance with agency standards, professional conduct and ethics.

•    Trained in CPR/First Aid and maintained according to Red Cross standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•    Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds consistently throughout the day.

•    Ability to physically respond to students requiring behavioral or crisis interventions; within parameters of NYSED, and PBIS. 

•    Ability to react quickly, which may include but is not limited to stooping, bending, sitting, standing, stretching, walking and running.

•    May be exposed to various weather conditions.

•    Noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.  

•    Employee may be required to travel to various job sites.