Lead Preschool Educator

Working at the School of Imagination and Happy Talkers is more than a job — it’s a mission with heart.

Join a nonprofit, mission-driven team committed to bringing out the extraordinary in every child. Our supportive, inclusive culture values every team member and puts children first.

The School of Imagination and Happy Talkers is the leading inclusive early childhood education and multidisciplinary intervention program for neurodiverse learners, bringing out the extraordinary in every child.
We offer groundbreaking early-childhood education programs, cutting-edge intervention services, and a full-inclusion preschool that empowers special-needs children to excel with their typical peers, giving all children the foundation for success in learning and life.

Job Summary:

The Lead Educator is the primary educator responsible for the overall management and leadership of the classroom. They oversee the development and implementation of a curriculum that promotes comprehensive development across social, emotional, cognitive, and physical domains. The Lead Educator also ensures robust communication with their team, parents, and guardians, providing updates and addressing concerns to foster a supportive community. 

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Educator

Child-Focused Responsibilities

• Greet parents and children warmly during drop-off and pick-up times, ensuring a smooth and efficient sign-in/out process.
• Provide daily updates to parents regarding their child's activities, learning progress, and any noteworthy moments or concerns.
• Respond promptly to parental and team communications, including emails and messages, addressing any inquiries or concerns with attention and care.
• Create and distribute engaging newsletters to keep parents informed about upcoming events, classroom news, and important announcements.
• Organize and host parent meetings and conferences to discuss each child's developmental progress, educational challenges, and milestones.
• Prepare and lead dynamic classroom activities that engage children and stimulate learning in line with the curriculum.
• Work flexible hours as needed for Early Birds and Late Birds programs, adapting to the varying needs of children and parents.

Classroom Lead Responsibilities

• Oversee the classroom team which includes an Associate Educator and Assistant Educator, ensuring effective teamwork and high-quality educational delivery.
• Mentor classroom staff, observing interactions, providing coaching, and delivering constructive feedback to enhance educational practices.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to discuss classroom strategies, challenges, and achievements, promoting an environment of open communication and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with preschool leadership and other departments to discuss child progress, implement educational strategies, and address any operational needs.
• Ensure the classroom is well-organized and prepared for daily activities, meeting all curriculum deadlines and State Licensing compliance with safety and educational standards.
• Complete the cleaning tasks and weekly duties that have been assigned.

Reporting Structure:
The Lead Educator reports directly to the Program Director. They oversee the classroom team, maintaining a cohesive and supportive educational team.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 12 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units and three years of classroom experience is required.
• Two years experience working with neurodiverse children in a classroom setting.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills able to manage competing priorities and workflow.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children and their families.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other educators and staff members.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.

Work Requirements

• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously
• Bend, reach, and lift up to or above the head
• May be required to lift up to 40 pounds
• Kneel or sit on the floor for up to thirty minutes at a time while working with children
• Climb and descent stairways
• Ability to work in a moderate to loud environment

Available Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision plans, with several medical benefit offerings paid 100% by SOI.
• Health Savings Plans available for eligible medical plans.
• Life & Personal Accident Insurance (paid by employer)
• Accidental and Voluntary Life Insurance also available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off + 5 annual sick days
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan

For more details and to apply, please visit our website.