Job description

Mission:

Guided by our Quaker principles, Friends Academy educates our students to discover and develop the best of who they are and who they can become.

Belief Statement:

We achieve educational excellence by committing to the highest standards of learning and living. Our diverse and welcoming community is strengthened by our Quaker values, which empower our students to inquire, reflect, and engage in their classrooms, in their neighborhoods, and in the world. Because when we inspire students to learn and live with purpose, they achieve greatness without sacrificing goodness.

Visit our career page https://www.friendsacademy.org/career

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Director, under the supervision of the Lower School Principal, will direct the planning and operations of the Early Childhood Program as well as lead their own section of Pre-Kindergarten as a master educator. The Director of Early Childhood will promote and execute developmentally appropriate, 21st century curriculum, and lead their team to do so as well. Curriculum includes, but is not limited to: inquiry based learning, emergent curriculum, a Reggio-Emilia inspired approach, block building curriculum, a Forest Program (rooted in the concept of Forest Schools), Foundations and other skills-based content. In addition, the Director will also implement and coordinate special projects and have supervisory responsibilities.

The following are essential duties and function of this role. Duties can change and others may be assigned.

Leadership

● uphold the Quaker mission and educational philosophy

● participate and support engagement identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion work

● lead teachers’ meetings, after school weekly faculty meetings, teacher trainings, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and other events or meetings that contribute to the life of the school

● work closely with the admissions team and participate in procedures, events, prospective student screenings, etc. to support student admissions and retention

● Inspire and influence a collegial and collaborative work environment

● administer the budget for the Early Childhood program

Curricular and Teaching

● fully commit to professional development to grow in current and best educational practices

● Provide ongoing guidance and development growth of the Early Childhood block curriculum, Forest Program, and Reggio Emilia inspired work

● work closely with the Lower School Principal and Reggio Emilia specialist to balance this approach within the structure of the full program and meet goals

● study curriculum and do the intellectual work needed to deliver instruction at a high level

● possess a demonstrated strong understanding of how to use formal, informal, summative and formative assessments to plan and develop student-centered lessons and emergent curriculum

● The ability to manage classroom behavior using the Responsive Classroom (or similar) approach

● able to help students reach their potential

Supervisory Responsibilities

● coach teachers and teacher assistants in areas related to the academic curriculum, social/emotional development of children and classroom management/discipline

● provide guidance and oversight to teachers on the development of student goals

● mentor, supervise and support daily instruction

● actively observe instruction and meet with with early childhood teachers to give constructive and timely feedback to support the growth of educators and uphold the integrity of the Early Childhood program

● support the PreK to kindergarten transition

Parent Partnership

● Plan an educational program for the parents and who are new to their child’s initiation to formal learning

● ensure responsive, timely and successful teacher/parent communication

Qualifications:

Interested candidates will have a BA with an emphasis in early childhood development or early childhood education. A Master’s Degree is preferred and related work experience and education.

● Five + years experience in the field of education including pre-school experience

● Five + years of demonstrated supervisory experience and as a head teacher in a school setting

● Demonstrated emotional intelligence

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter with the desired salary to the recruitment email address. Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Competencies and Skills:

● Flexible and work with colleagues in a professional manner

● Love working with young children

● Support the diversity initiatives of the school

● Strong written and verbal communication skills

● Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives to class, meetings and appointments on time

● takes direction and incorporates feedback into practice; demonstartaes a keen self-awareness and manages emotions and stress

● Judgment - Displays willingness to make timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process;

● Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds school values

● Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; benefits organization through outside activities

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Able to move around and across campus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Friends Academy is committed to our guiding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome candidates representing the diversity of the world as we deepen and elevate our educational program.

Friends Academy is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to hiring and retaining exceptional, dedicated people of diverse backgrounds. We consider qualified individuals for employment with the School regardless of age, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, genetics, national origin, race, religion, sex,sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. It is Friends Academy’s policy to comply with all applicable laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

We invite you to read ourcommunity welcome letter from our Director of Diversity, Equity, + Inclusion

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Locust Valley, NY 11560: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• How many years of supervisory experience do you have?

Experience:

• Teaching: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: One location

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