Preschool Lead Teacher, Children's Center
Boise State University

Job Info

---

Job Summary/Basic Function:
Lead teachers at the Boise State Children's Center are responsible for the creation and implementation of a child-centered curriculum that honors and nurtures young children's curiosities and places their interests at the center of the curriculum. They prioritize the whole child by equally valuing all domains and supporting them through a play based, child inquiry driven curriculum and intentional environments. Finally, lead teachers build respectful partnerships with children, families, and colleagues.
Department Overview:
The Boise State University Children's Center is Boise State's onsite early care and education center serving Boise State students, staff, and faculty. We are a fully inclusive program with ten classrooms working with children ages 2 months through 5 years of age.
Level Scope:
Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry-level professionals and/or support employees.
Essential Functions:
• Planning, implementing, and evaluating "individual-based" developmentally appropriate curriculum and "interest-based" activities through well-designed environments that involve children in the whole process including art, music, physical activities, language and literacy, sensory and self-help areas according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards and Early Learning eguidelines of Idaho.
• Provide developmentally appropriate materials and activities which foster social skills and encourage children to think, problem solve, question, and experiment.
• Setting up and maintaining "culturally sensitive" and "naturally designed" environments to promote growth and development of physical, cognitive, language, creative, and social/emotional,l and self-help skills.
• Provide "relationship-based" care that is respectful and responsive to a child's individual needs reflecting the family's cultural beliefs and recognizing the importance of the parent-caregiver relationship as an indicator of quality care for each child's overall emotional well-being.
• Abide by all regulations set forth for "best practice" for all children through current educational/professional standards through NAEYC and the Early Learning eguidelines of Idaho.
• Daily observing, recording, and assessing children's developmental levels and progress in all areas of development according to NAEYC and center standards using a variety of observational methods (formal and informal) and media tools (video/picture).
• Caring for the needs of children in personal hygiene areas including feeding, diapering/toileting, dressing, lifting and carrying children; and administering medications.
• Follow all safety and health rules through NAEYC and policies/procedures within the university and Boise State University Staff Handbook while supervising all children at all times.
• Knowledge of community resources to support a family's complex needs.
• View parents-teacher relationships as a partnership, focusing on each child's individual strengths and abilities.
• Gather information from the teaching team for feedback with families.
• Plans and conducts home visits annually to understand the child's unique needs and bring the family culture within the classroom.
• Communicating with parents concerning the needs, progress, and behavior of children in respectful ways to develop strategies for positive outcomes.
• Provides a variety of ways that families can participate in the classroom environment. Encourage parents to participate in the field trips, planned classroom activities, and overall program needs
• Assisting in hiring, ongoing training, and daily supervising all classroom staff, practicum students, and volunteers within the classroom, support in collaboration with other team members.
• Providing effective leadership in a teaching environment for all staff at various levels of understanding.
• Implementing emergency and risk management procedures with hired staff, practicum students, and volunteers.

A Lead Teacher's responsibility is to use the environment, relationships and experiences to facilitate the positive development of all children. The Lead Teacher must assist in:
- interacting frequently and respectfully with all children.
- encouraging independence and modeling the use of language.
- respecting and building positive relationships with children and families.
- creating a positive emotional climate for children and staff members.
- facilitating positive peer interactions.
- creating a predictable, consistent, and harmonious classroom.

May also perform other duties as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• A commitment to experiential learning and inquiry within an inclusive environment that views all young children as capable and competent, that establishes families as partners, and that implements a range of evidence-based practices to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Experience fostering collaboration and community with children, parents, teachers and collaborative partners
• Ethic of care with uncompromising respect for children, families and teachers
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with parents, community, students and staff
• The characteristics of an active learner and collaborator: curious, engaged, responsible, adaptable, confident, and humble
• Excellent strategic and problem-solving skills
• Interest, experience, and/or ability to promote cultural competency and/or diversity
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and 2 years experience or equivalent

Current Boise City Child Care License, First Aid, and CPR Certification (or ability to obtain before position start date).
Salary and Benefits:

Salary of $19/hr.

Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 9.27% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:
Please include your Resume, Cover Letter, and Three References
About Us:
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/

Advertised: January 14, 2025 Mountain Standard Time
Applications close: January 29, 2025 11:55 PM Mountain Standard Time

---