Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is helping to build a vision for progressive education on the Lower East Side. We believe that all children make meaning through inquiry, exploration and play in the context of strong relationships and a sense of belonging. Our Assistant Head of School works in direct partnership with the Associate Directors of Education and the teaching teams to support the creation of rich and responsive co-constructed curriculum in classrooms.
We are seeking a full-time Assistant Head of School who also acts as a back up for many critical tasks set forth by the Head of School including but not limited to: budgets, staffing, overseeing grant proposals, collaborating with the NYCPS and the NYCDOHMH, disciplinary action, cross functional work within the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIESProgram Development and Classroom Support• In partnership with educational leadership team, support teacher's professional development by planning staff meetings, dialogue groups and professional development.
• Facilitate regular meetings with teaching teams to discuss ongoing project work and investigations, documentation, and communication with families.
• Observe in classrooms to provide feedback, strategies and coaching to individual teachers and teams, to help identify emerging lines of inquiry, and to support the planning and implementation of a responsive, co-constructed curriculum. Conduct formal assessments as necessary.
• Support teachers to use documentation as the basis of the reflection and planning process, and to make children's learning visible to children, families and the community. Work with teachers to ensure that align such documentation with the DRDP assessment system.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to teachers. Document professional development plans and coaching logs as required by DOE and/or Head Start.
• Check in regularly with Early Childhood Leadership, Program Coordinators, Social Workers and support staff, Community Music Teaching Artist and Community Studio Manager to ensure alignment and understand needs.
• Participate in parent meetings as needed.
• Participate in interviewing, recruitment, training and development of teachers, assistant teachers and additional support staff.
• Provide extended teacher training and orientation to new staff to ensure alignment to our approach and philosophy and understanding of the teaching role.
• In Partnership with leadership, work collaboratively with the Head Start Parent Policy Council, Admissions Manager and Family Coordinator to assist with planning and delivery of family events and projects as necessary.
• Collaborate with other programs and departments within Educational Alliance and Manny Cantor Center as appropriate.
Administration• Serve as alternate Head Start/Early Head Start Director.
• Supervise assigned teaching staff including providing regular performance feedback and coaching, approving time off, and conducting the annual goal-setting and evaluation process.
• Maintain classroom compliance for DOH, DOE and other regulatory requirements.
• Assist program staff, teachers, students and parents with questions, concerns, and information.
Other• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education required
• Valid NYS Early Childhood teaching certificate required
• Knowledge of and experience in Reggio-inspired pedagogy and/or constructivist classroom practices
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills
• Organized with strong attention to detail and ability to develop efficient, internal systems and workflow
• Minimum 3 years of classroom teaching experience required
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience required
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed
• The ideal candidate will be a passionate and warm collaborator, excellent communicator with proven success connecting and relating with students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Understand developmental milestones, appropriate practice and assessment for all age groups in the school.
• Team player with a passion for building relationships and fostering partnerships, both internal and external to Manny Cantor Center
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, highly efficient, and able to problem solve and follow through on open items to completion with minimal guidance
• Able to work on tight deadlines and pivot as necessary
• Demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations in a professional, warm and friendly manner
• Conversational in one or more Chinese dialects is a plus
BENEFITS- Generous PTO Policy
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Pension Plan
- 403(b) Retirement Plans
- Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
- Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14th St Y Gym
- Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Reward
Limitations and Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
