Early Childhood Head Teacher (Preschool)

Posting Summary:

The Rita Gold Early Childhood Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking a highly qualified Head Teacher to join
our preschool room instructional team. The incumbent must be able to provide direct care, leading a classroom of preschoolers, 
ages 3-5 years.

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Rita Gold Center at Teachers College, Columbia University serves families with children from eight weeks to five years of age 
and offers a rich combination of care and education in ways that mirror the interests and developmental characteristics of young 
children. The overall approach utilizes inter-age placement in settings that are culturally responsive and inclusive.

The Head Teacher will work collaboratively with the Co-Head Teacher and other classroom staff to provide a high-quality childcare program of direct service to young children and their families. The Head Teacher will:

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching: Provide service to families (65%)
● Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based, and equity-oriented educational program with an emergent curriculum for an assigned class of school children.
● Develop innovative curricula, caring teaching/learning strategies.
● Document and record children’s daily activities, engagement and overall progress to inform curriculum and communicate to parents.
● Develop supportive and caring relationships with parents that fosters a home-school connection to facilitate children’s adjustment and       ongoing learning.
● Maintain various ways of communication with parents through verbal, electronic, initiation of parent conferences/meetings and           encouragement of parents to participate in classroom or Center-wide events.
● Support parents with the ex-missions and application process to pre-kindergarten and/or kindergarten programs by completing school     reports required for school applications.
● Write annual assessment reports for parents that describe each child’s uniqueness, developmental history, areas of skills and strengths, and assessment of children’s progress on an ongoing basis
● Form a positive, supportive team atmosphere with co-head teacher and other staff members.
● Contribute to the Center’s professional community through attendance and participation at staff meetings, classroom team meetings,     and other Center staff development opportunities, including staff development week and staff development days
● Engage in reflection and action about equity initiatives at the Center.
● Participate at Center-wide events such as Curriculum Night, which includes preparation and presentation of materials and providing     feedback to parents
● Schedule weekly team meetings with Co-Teacher and Director to develop curriculum, discuss children’s experiences and development     and provide feedback for graduate students and family support.
● Perform all administrative tasks and record keeping, such as maintenance of daily attendance logs and other required records/documentation.

Professional Preparation (25%)
● Work with practicum students. Supervise, train and utilize graduate students’ skills and abilities in the classroom, as established with     Co-Head Teacher and directors. Provide ongoing feedback about their practice and how to best support curriculum.
● Mentor students about assignments.
● Model exemplary and high-quality practice and professionalism for grad students who are engaged in early childhood professional     preparation.
● Participate in one’s own as well as others’ professional development at the Center.

Research (5%)
● Support ongoing research through facilitating access to the classrooms and providing information in support of the Center’s research aims
● Facilitate or participate in research to support one’s own or others’ research inquiries.

Other duties as assigned (5%):
● Support outreach by modeling a high quality of practice for visitors and engage with groups outside the center about Center practices
● Meet with visitors, when possible
● Participate in the design and implementation of special events held at the Center.

About The Rita Gold Center
Founded in 1982, the RGC provides care for infants, toddlers, preschool children, and their
families who are affiliated with Columbia University, and prepares graduate students in the field
of early childhood education. We are committed to continually discovering, creating, and
sustaining a teaching and learning environment that supports inquiry, diversity, and equity.
These foundational principles are interwoven throughout the various dimensions of the position.

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