Teachers at Catherine Hershey Schools are individuals passionate about education and working with children to build a foundation for lifelong success. In each classroom, the Lead Teacher, Associate Teacher, and Assistant Teacher collaborate to create an environment that encourages learning and growth through group and individual learning. The Lead Teacher, Associate Teacher, and Assistant Teacher each contribute toward the classroom and child experience based on their role, whose qualifications range from entry level to bachelor’s degree with multi-year experience. Each teacher will be supporting the implementation of the early childhood classroom curriculum and assessment process, involving families in classroom experiences, and cultivating a classroom environment that represents each child’s family culture.

Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities vary based on Lead Teacher, Associate Teacher, and Assistant Teacher positions but collaboratively include:
• Engaging with children to support development and learning in a safe and nurturing environment
• Enhancing social, emotional, and cognitive development through age-specific manipulatives, activities, and language experiences for children
• Preparing and implementing classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines/schedules
• Supporting children’s self-help skills and development
• Completing all program required documentation, daily attendance and meal participation reports
• Maintaining daily communication with families using multiple programs approved channels of communication
• Maintaining confidentiality as it pertains to program, staff, and families
• Observing, assessing, and documenting each assigned child’s health, skills, behavior, growth, and development
• Ensuring general classroom management, organization, cleanliness, and maintenance
• Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements as they pertain to health, safety, and professional requirements

Qualifications:

• Qualifications vary based on Lead Teacher, Associate Teacher, and Assistant Teacher positions.
• Current Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition  
• In the absence of Current Child Development Associate credential, at least 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Pre-K Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education, and/or with the ability to achieve a CDA Credential within 2 years of hire for Assistant Teacher positions
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Pre-K Elementary Education, or Early Childhood Special Education (Bachelor’s Degree Preferred). List C certification in the PA ECE Career Pathway preferred for Associate and Lead Teacher positions
• Experience and knowledge in Early Childhood Education program and teaching standards, including code of ethics – NAEYC standards preferred
• Familiarity with inquiry-based and project approach learning, as well as PBIS strategies preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to effectively work with low-income families preferred
• Ability to physically interact with children (e.g., talk, hear, stoop, kneel, crouch, etc.) and lift and or move items of up to 40 pounds
• Ability to proactively identify problems and implement solutions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Commitment to the mission and values of CHS and MHS and demonstrated high degree of integrity as all MHS and CHS staff are role models for students
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of pre-employment background checks and clearances