Early Childhood Educator

About the Employer

Job Description

Norfolk Elementary Schools Norfolk, Massachusetts

Position Summary

The Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and assessing a developmentally appropriate preschool program that supports the academic, social-emotional, communication, behavioral, and physical development of young children. The lead teacher creates a safe, inclusive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment while collaborating with families, educators, specialists, and administrators to meet the individual needs of all students.

Instruction and Curriculum

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate, engaging, and inclusive preschool curriculum aligned with Massachusetts Early Learning Standards and district expectations.
• Plan and deliver daily learning experiences that address early literacy, language development, mathematics, science, social studies, social-emotional learning, physical development, and creative expression.
• Differentiate instruction and classroom activities to meet the developmental and individual needs of students.
• Use developmentally appropriate instructional strategies, materials, technology, and learning centers.
• Establish predictable classroom routines and procedures that promote student independence and successful participation.
• Monitor student progress and use assessment information to inform instruction and intervention.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of student learning, progress, and educational needs.

Student Support and Classroom Management

• Establish and maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Support students in developing age-appropriate communication, self-regulation, social skills, independence, and problem-solving skills.
• Implement positive behavioral supports and classroom management strategies consistent with district expectations.
• Identify student needs and communicate concerns to appropriate school personnel.
• Collaborate with special education staff and related service providers to support students with disabilities and other identified needs.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports as required by student plans.
• Ensure appropriate supervision and safety of students at all times.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as the instructional and classroom leader for assigned preschool staff.
• Provide guidance and direction to paraprofessionals, classroom assistants, and other support staff regarding classroom routines, student needs, instructional activities, and supervision.
• Promote a collaborative and respectful classroom team environment.
• Work closely with special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, counselors, school nurses, and other specialists.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, student support meetings, IEP meetings, parent conferences, and other meetings as assigned.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure consistency in instructional practices, behavioral supports, and student services.

Family and Community Engagement

• Establish positive, professional, and respectful relationships with parents and guardians.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress, classroom activities, and developmental needs.
• Participate in parent conferences, family events, orientations, and other activities that support strong school-family partnerships.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student and family information.

Assessment and Documentation

• Conduct and/or participate in appropriate developmental and educational assessments.
• Maintain accurate student records and required documentation.
• Collect and analyze student data to monitor progress and inform instructional planning.
• Complete reports, progress monitoring documentation, and other required records in a timely manner.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of early childhood education practices, child development, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Participate in professional development activities and implement new learning into classroom practice.
• Follow district policies, procedures, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Maintain required professional licensure and certifications.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional learning communities, committees, and other district activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the superintendent, principal, director of student services, or designee.

Required

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Massachusetts DESM/IEM/PK-2 or PK-8 licensure required.
• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Preferred

• Master's degree in early childhood education, special education, elementary education, or a related field.
• Experience working in an inclusive preschool or public school early childhood program.
• Experience working with students with disabilities.
• Experience supervising or providing direction to paraprofessionals or classroom assistants.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Knowledge of early childhood development and evidence-based preschool instructional practices.
• Ability to create an engaging, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive learning environment.
• Ability to differentiate instruction based on individual student needs.
• Strong classroom management and positive behavioral support skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with educators, specialists, administrators, and families.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and meeting the individual needs of every student.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. The employee may be required to:
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, and move frequently throughout the school day.
• Work at children's tables, on the floor, and in other early childhood learning environments.
• Assist students with routine activities and physical needs as appropriate to the position.
• Lift, carry, push, or move classroom materials and equipment.
• Respond quickly to student safety and emergency situations.
• Maintain the physical stamina necessary to supervise and interact with preschool-aged children throughout the workday.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a preschool classroom and school environment. The position requires frequent interaction with young children, families, school personnel, and outside service providers. The employee may encounter situations involving student behavioral, developmental, medical, or emotional needs and must respond appropriately and professionally.