Lead Teacher for 3K Classroom

Location: Urban Horizons Early Childhood Development Center Early Learn/Head Start
Reports to: Center Director and Education Director
About Us:
The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a community development
organization founded on the radically simple idea that all people deserve to live in healthy, vibrant
communities. We build award-winning, sustainable, affordable homes – but our work is not over when
our buildings are complete. WHEDco believes that to be successful, affordable housing must be
anchored in strong communities of which residents can be proud. WHEDco’s mission is to create and
bridge access to resources in the South Bronx that support thriving neighborhoods – from high-quality
early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic
opportunity. See www.whedco.org for more information.
Job Summary:
WHEDco seeks a Lead Teacher to head a classroom in the Urban Horizons Early Childhood Discovery
Center, a year-round Early Learn NYC and Head Start program for three-and four-year-old children. The
Center serves 111 pre-school students from over 20 different countries. WHEDco’s full-day program
offers a nurturing environment that allows children to develop confidence, think creatively, analyze
information, and communicate effectively. Each year 100% of the students graduate prepared for
kindergarten, ensuring that they begin their school careers ready to succeed. The Lead Teacher has
primary responsibility for classroom operation including planning, carrying out activities, maintaining the
classroom environment, and supervising children. The Lead Teacher also conducts parent/teacher
conferences, and supervises teacher assistants and classroom volunteers.
Responsibilities:
• Plans and maintains a safe and clean learning environment, and assures the well-being and
safety of children in her/his/their care.
• Supervises the planning and execution of a program that takes into account the educational,
social, developmental and health needs of the group as well as the individual child.
• Develops activities that are appropriate to the age and developmental level of the children.
• Uses community resources and a multicultural approach in planning a program to enrich the
educational experience of children.
• Along with the Educational Director, supervise, lead and direct the Assistant Teachers and
volunteers assigned to the classroom.
• Engage Assistant Teachers in lesson planning and in its implementation.
• Along with the Teaching Assistant, responsible for daily data collection.
• Responsible for assessing children and entering the information in the COR Advantage
assessment system on a weekly basis.
• Develops plans by which information concerning the child and the program can be shared with
the parent.
• Conducts two home visits per year in collaboration with the family services team.
• Additional duties assigned by the Center Director or Education Director.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field and current certification in
early childhood education; or a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and two years of
experience in an early childhood program; or a written study plan approved by an accredited
college or university.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communications skills.
• Proven ability to read, write, and speak clearly in English required; Fluency in a language
common among participant families is a plus.
• Familiarity with and a commitment to the DOE/DECE Explorations curriculum and the Child
Observation Record (COR) assessment platform.
• Satisfactory completion of medical examinations as well as other required pre-employment
screenings.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds as well as the ability to conduct home visits using public
transportation which involves climbing stairs.
• Previous work experience in low-income communities preferred.
After 60 days of employment, Center staff working 15 hours or more per week are represented by Local
95, DC 37, AFSCME, and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Competitive salary based on
education and experience ($48,140-$79,217).
All new hires must provide proof of having received at least one dose of a U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (“FDA”) authorized COVID-19 vaccine by their first day of employment, and proof of
full vaccination within 30 calendar days
To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Lead Teacher”
in the subject line.
WHEDco affords all qualified applicants equal employment opportunities without discrimination
because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age,
disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any
other category protected by law. WHEDco follows the requirements of the New York Human Rights Law
with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.