The Lead Teacher is responsible for the planning, supervision, and implementation of a developmentally appropriate early childhood program in order to meet the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of the children in the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).  Schedule 37.5 hours/week - 7.5 hours/day 35 weeks

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Valid Michigan teacher certificate with an early childhood endorsement (ZA) and/or (ZS).
• Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in an early childhood setting, GSRP preferred.
• Maintains current CPR and first aid certification.
• Evidence of strong teamwork, interpersonal communication, and problem solving skills 
• Evidence of accurate record keeping, financial management, and data collection skills.
• Ability to utilize district technology, and work to maintain proficiency, as required skill sets
• Change with technology and/or the needs of the district.
• Ability to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with program goals.
• Ability to assess young children using program assessments and evaluation methods.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with parents/guardians and staff.
• Discretion with confidential information.

Job Duties:

• Lead, implement, and utilize Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD on a daily basis.
• Plan individual and group activities to stimulate growth in literacy, language, mathematics, science, social, and motor skills. Encourage children to express themselves creatively in art, music, movement, and dramatic play. 
• Plan in accordance with GSRP performance standards as set forth in the implementation manual.
• Develop and use instructional materials suitable for a learning environment for children with wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional maturity.
• Provide a welcoming and supportive climate to establish and reinforce acceptable child behavior, attitudes, and social skills.
• Document families' eligibility and assist with follow up, as well as conduct home visits.
• Create an effective and stimulating work environment for learning that meets the standards set forth in the Preschool Program Quality Assessment (P.Q.A.)
• Implement and maintain standards set forth by the “Great Start to Quality” initiative.
• Know and follow all State of Michigan licensing guidelines. 
• Maintain a routine schedule of observations, data collection, data input, and interpretation.
• Plan and coordinate the work of associate teacher, parents, students, and volunteers in the classroom and all educational activities.
• Communicate regularly with parents by means of a newsletter, notes, phone calls, home visits, and individual parent conferences.
• Interpret school program to parents in order to strengthen parental understanding of the individual pupil's needs and the schools role in the child's life.
• Promote parent participation and involvement in education activities provided for their children.
• Conduct and evaluate Early Childhood Screener (Ages and Stages) twice a year. 
• Participate in in-service and training as required by licensing, the MISD, etc. 
• Participate in staff and team meetings.
• Assist in the orientation and training of associate teachers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Method 

Applicants must apply online at https://uticak12.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx.  Please scan and upload your cover letter, resume, transcripts, credentials and letters of recommendation to your online application. Paper applications and emails will not be accepted.  Posting expires when job is filled.

NONDISCRIMINATION: It is the policy of the Utica Community Schools that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, marital status or handicap shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or otherwise be subjected to discrimination by this educational agency. Any persons suspecting a discriminatory practice should contact the Human Resources Department at