Lead Teacher (Childcare)

Job Description:

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a caring, engaging, and reliable part-time Lead Teacher (Childcare) to join the Early Childhood Team. This position will be responsible for the care of children, supervision of staff and lead daily operations in the classroom at the year-round Fairlington Creative Preschoolers Program and Little Explorers Camp. This program serves a diverse audience of 24 preschool children, from three to five years of age, including children that may have disabilities.

The Creative Preschooler’s program consists of two classes; Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some children may participate in both classes. Program runs September – May. The Summer Camp program consists of 8 weeks of camp, June – August.  Children may participate in some or all camp weeks.

Responsibilities

Specific duties include:

• Planning, organizing, and implementing daily activities in accordance with pre-established curriculum;

• Supervising, directing, teaching and actively participating in daily preschool activities at the assigned center

• Evaluating programs and activities seasonally both onsite and sites county-wide;Recording and reporting children's progress to parents and preparing semi-annual child evaluations;

• Enforcing federal, state, and local policies, procedures, rules, and administrative regulations;

• Performing administrative duties including, monitoring the operational supply budget, ordering supplies, preparing attendance reports, and providing text for calendars and fliers; and

• Supervising program staff at the assigned center.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate with parents and children;

• Problem solving and supervision skills for staff, volunteers, and parents;

• Effective and efficient program management experience;

• Experience monitoring compliance with policies and procedures; and

• Supervisory skills that promote an open and effective team environment.

Qualifications

Minimum: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; and

• Some experience as a teacher/teaching assistant in a preschool or day care environment - OR - in a job related to the care of preschool age children.

Licenses/Certifications: 

• CPR & First Aid Certification: Must possess or able to possess within 30 days of hire.

• MAT Certification: Must possess or able to possess within 90 days of hire.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Assessing needs of preschool age children, supervising programs/activities, and training staff;

• Developing and maintaining relationships with parent groups or community organizations; 

• Working with a culturally diverse population; 

• Working knowledge of Arlington County and Virginia Department of Social Services State licensing regulations; and

• CPR/First Aid/MAT Certifications or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Special Requirements

This supervisor is required to:

• Attend monthly preschool teacher meetings and 16 hours of training a year. 

• Provide negative TB results or submit to a TB screening. 

Travel: This position requires travel throughout the County. Applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid Driver License, or the applicant must have the ability to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties at other Arlington locations. Any offer of employment may be contingent on a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Work involves stooping and bending while working with groups of young children indoors and outdoors.

Additional Information

Work Hours: This position operates year-round. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., including afternoon meetings 1-2 times per month and occasional evening and weekend hours.

The official title of this position is Recreation Supervisor (Play School).

#LI-Onsite