The Lead Teacher develops and implements nature-based preschool curriculum and creative curriculum that serve to enhance the mission and values of Cleveland Metroparks and Nature-based Preschool, including the ability to provide developmentally appropriate play in both outdoor and classroom environments.

Essential Functions:

• Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
• Implements Nature-based Preschool’s philosophy, policies, and procedures and evaluate and update as needed.
• Oversees the implementation and development of Nature-based Preschool curriculum and creative curriculum. Provides developmentally appropriate play in both outdoor and classroom environments. Evaluates and makes recommendations for improvement, as needed.
• Oversees the implementation of Nature-based Preschool Summer Camp series.
• Ensures the following administrative duties are performed: financial feasibility, purchasing in accordance with Park District policies and guidelines, internal marketing and customer service (enrollment tours and parent engagement), maintaining staff and student files (including records of attendance, statistics and other reports), and maintaining state of Ohio licensing and other statutory regulations.
• Communicates with the Nature Preschool Administrator and the appropriate support team members concerning administrative, operational, and personnel matters as needed.
• Ensures the health, safety and well-being of students through site surveys and daily check-ins with students; Develops and implements on-going evaluation methods designed to aid in the creation of individualized growth plans for each student that can be shared with parents; documents the learning and development that occurs in the classroom using a variety of methods for both internal and external use; and maintains clear communications with fellow staff, interns, students, and their families to achieve common goals and avoid potential conflicts.
• Promotes a close relationship with parents through daily, weekly, and monthly communications by conducting regular meetings, phone calls, and parent conferences during and outside of class time and ensures families feel that their traditions, experiences, and individual needs are reflected through all aspects of the program.
• Generates weekly lesson plans that focus on students’ interest.
• Assists the Nature Preschool Program Administrator with the training and supervision of seasonal/variable teaching staff and volunteers.
• Maintains State of Ohio training requirements and provides opportunities for staff to obtain professional development.
• Monitors safety concerns and adheres to Cleveland Metroparks Health and Safety procedures to ensure the health and safety of children, parents, and staff.
• Determines program needs for individuals with disabilities.
• Assists with daily tasks such as receiving and aiding in dressing and undressing for outdoor play, snack preparation, cleaning, etc.
• Preparing, cleaning up and maintaining teaching supplies and supporting materials in a well-organized and efficient manner.
• Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
• Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
• Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs)
• Actively participates in long- and short-term planning.Communicates to assure initiatives are compatible with divisional goals and Park District mission.Participates in district-wide planning as directed.
• Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood development or early childhood education, or bachelor’s degree in a biology/natural history interpretation/related discipline including at least four courses in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college, university, or technical college.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a licensed childcare facility serving children 3-5 years of age.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in program development and administration, staff management and financial oversight.
• Certifications in Growing Up Wild, Project Learning Tree: Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood, National Association for Interpretation preferred.
• Must be registered with the Ohio Professional Development Network, have an early childhood professional level three designation from the career pathways model of the quality rating program, and be trained and certified in child and adult CPR, basic first aid, and management of communicable disease.
• Must complete ODJFS Administrator training within 6 months of hire date and stay current on all required ODJFS training.
• Must maintain child abuse recognition and prevention training.
• Must successfully pass drug screen, background, and criminal investigations check.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing outdoor programs for a preschool level audience and knowledge and understanding of Early Learning Developmental Standards (ELDS).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the region and excellent interpretive ability preferred. Experienced and comfortable taking children into nature in all weather conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve, prioritize, and manage multiple projects. Computer literacy (with Microsoft Office programs especially), attention to detail, meet deadlines,
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Experience with Creative Curriculum preferred. Familiar with Reggio-inspired environment and play-based learning.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to provide direction to staff and volunteers – leadership.
• Must be a non-smoker/tobacco user.

Filing Deadline:  12/24/2019

To Apply:  Please visit our career site at www.clevelandmetroparks.com or copy and paste the following link into your web browser: 

https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1151751&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5000559938106&_fr...