Early Childhood Lead Teacher 2024-25 School Year

Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel (BZBI) is a warm and welcoming conservative synagogue located in Center City Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse area. Our Early Childhood Education program is a Reggio-Emilia-inspired school with 6 classes of students between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old. We are seeking a full-time Lead Teacher to join our team for the 2024-25 school year. The Lead Teacher reports to the Director of Early Childhood Education.

Responsibilities

• Co-construct learning with students and respect students as independent learners
• Provide leadership in the classroom to ensure that the teaching team adheres to the program philosophy, licensing guidelines, and policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain open and responsive communication with parents, including via email, app, and with meetings as needed.
• Post daily pictures and descriptions of classroom experiences on our communication app.
• Document and assess student progress as required
• Schedule and facilitate bi-annual parent teacher conferences and complete annual progress reports for each child.
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning and nurturing emergent learning with an emphasis on Jewish values and ritual. Judaic knowledge a plus but not required. Must be open to learning about and supporting Jewish content and practice.
• Utilize planning time along with the teaching team to prepare the learning space and conduct parent communication
• Share responsibility in maintaining materials, classroom space, and indoor play space
• Respond to the individual and developmental needs of each child and engage with children in a positive manner using appropriate language and a calm demeanor
• Promote children’s self-esteem and encourage independence with appropriate expectations
• Support children in conflict resolution and set appropriate behavioral expectations aligned with our philosophy
• Help support an environment that is void of stereotyping, labeling, and diagnosing children
• Adhere to all health and safety guidelines as required by Title 55 PA State Code Chapter 3270
• Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children and ensure they are safe and accounted for at all times
• Follow appropriate protocols when handling grievances with colleagues or families and concerns about children’s health or safety
• Model behavior and language that respects and values individual and cultural differences of children, families, and colleagues
• Refrain from practices that discriminate against colleagues, families, and children because of sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations, age, marital status/family structure, disability, or sexual orientation.
• Communicate directly and kindly with colleagues when conflict arises; seek assistance from supervisors when guidance is needed. Refrain from discussing concerns in front of children. Recognize that mutual respect with colleagues is key to our program’s success
• Exhibit willingness and flexibility and strive to assume a fair share of work
• Follow appropriate protocol and supervisory approval when communicating absences, emergencies, lateness, or schedule changes
• Display willingness to perform other duties as necessary to ensure program compliance and quality of services to children and families

Professional Requirements

• AA, BA, or MA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field preferred
• Two years prior experience in a preschool classroom
• Familiarity and/or interest in working in a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool setting
• Willingness to engage in Jewish learning around culture, holidays, and values with colleagues and with children
• Willingness to obtain or present the required certificates: Mandated Reporter, Infant/Child CPR and First Aid, DHS Required Health and Safety Training, Fire Safety Training
• Willingness to complete new staff orientation and required professional development
• Willingness to obtain two written letters of recommendation from non-related references
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication including basic computer/technology skills
• Ability to lift and carry children up to 70 lbs.

Nondiscrimination Policy Statement Equal Opportunity Employment:

An open and equitable personnel system is established and maintained. Personnel policies, procedures, and practices are in place to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, or sexual identity. Employment opportunities shall be provided, and reasonable accommodations made, for qualified applicants who also have physical or mental limitations or disabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting at $22.50/hour
• Paid legal holidays and Jewish holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Health/Dental Insurance, FSA, and Retirement Plans

Must Send Cover Letter and Resume

To apply for the early childhood teacher position, please send resume and cover letter to ECDirector@bzbi.org

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – 2024-25 School Year

Our Early Childhood Education program is a Reggio-Emilia-inspired school with 6 classes of students between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old. We are seeking part-time and full-time Assistant Teachers to join our team for the 2024-25 school year under the guidance of the Lead Teacher. The Assistant Teacher reports to the Director of Early Childhood Education.

Responsibilities

• Co-construct learning with students and respect students as independent learners
• Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning and nurturing emergent learning with an emphasis on Jewish values and ritual. Judaic knowledge a plus but not required. Must be open to learning about and supporting Jewish content and practice.
• Utilize planning time along with the teaching team to prepare the learning space and conduct parent communication
• Share responsibility in maintaining materials, classroom space, and indoor play space
• Respond to the individual and developmental needs of each child and engage with children in a positive manner using appropriate language and a calm demeanor
• Promote children’s self-esteem and encourage independence with appropriate expectations
• Support children in conflict resolution and set appropriate behavioral expectations aligned with our philosophy
• Help support an environment that is void of stereotyping, labeling, and diagnosing children
• Adhere to all health and safety guidelines as required by Title 55 PA State Code Chapter 3270
• Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children and ensure they are safe and accounted for at all times
• Follow appropriate protocols when handling grievances with colleagues or families and concerns about children’s health or safety
• Model behavior and language that respects and values individual and cultural differences of children, families, and colleagues
• Refrain from practices that discriminate against colleagues, families, and children because of sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations, age, marital status/family structure, disability, or sexual orientation.
• Communicate directly and kindly with colleagues when conflict arises; seek assistance from supervisors when guidance is needed. Refrain from discussing concerns in front of children. Recognize that mutual respect with colleagues is key to our program’s success
• Exhibit willingness and flexibility and strive to assume a fair share of work
• Follow appropriate protocol and supervisory approval when communicating absences, emergencies, lateness, or schedule changes
• Display willingness to perform other duties as necessary to ensure program compliance and quality of services to children and families

Professional Requirements

• BA or AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field; CDA Credential (must be current); Enrolled in AA or BA; H.S. Diploma
• Two years prior experience working with young children in a preschool, camp, or care setting
• Willingness to obtain or present the required certificates: Mandated Reporter, Infant/Child CPR and First Aid, DHS Required Health and Safety Training, Fire Safety Training
• Must complete new staff orientation and required professional development
• Willingness to obtain two written letters of recommendation from non-related references
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication including basic computer/technology skills
• Ability to lift and carry children up to 70 lbs.

Nondiscrimination Policy Statement Equal Opportunity Employment:

An open and equitable personnel system is established and maintained. Personnel policies, procedures, and practices are in place to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, or sexual identity. Employment opportunities shall be provided, and reasonable accommodations made, for qualified applicants who also have physical or mental limitations or disabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

• $18.00-$20.00/hour commensurate with degree and experience
• Paid legal holidays and Jewish holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Health Insurance, FSA and Retirement Plans for Full Time, School Year Employees

Must send cover letter and resume

To apply for the early childhood teacher position, please send resume and cover letter to ECDirector@bzbi.org