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Full-time
Head Teacher | Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program

Founded in 1908, Settlement Music School, a non-profit organization, is one of the largest community schools of the arts in the United States serving children and adults of all ages at five branches in Pennsylvania located in South, West and Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and its virtual branch, Settlement Music Online. Settlement provides over $2.6 million dollars each year in financial aid and scholarships to fully 60% of its students. Settlement’s reach is broad, and it continues the principles of its Founders, that there be no barriers to participating in music and arts education.

Settlement Music School is one of only 18 community schools of the arts in the country that has national accreditation through ACCPAS – the Accrediting Commission of Community and Precollegiate Arts School. Kaleidoscope – the national award-winning arts-integrated Head Start Pre-School program – has NAEYC accreditation and 4 Keystone Stars.

Position: Kaleidoscope Arts Enrichment Program, Head Teacher – Full time

Location: Mary Louis Curtis Branch of Settlement Music School, 416 Queen Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Yearly Work Schedule: Preschool runs from late August through late June with summers and holidays off. The salary is divided up over the full calendar year.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Reports to: Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs

Position overview
Settlement is looking for a Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program Head Teacher for our award-winning program. The Head Teacher is responsible for maintaining a positive environment with children, staff, and parents. They will work collaboratively with all Settlement Music School staff, Early Childhood Program staff, and all other support service providers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provides all documentation necessary for program licensing under PA Department of Public Welfare and PA Department of Education regulations.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with all Settlement Music School Code of Personnel Practices, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP, Keystone Stars, School District of Philadelphia and NAEYC Accreditation Criteria.
  • Works cooperatively with all Settlement Music School staff, Early Childhood Program staff and all other support service providers. Provides regular and frequent communication with Kaleidoscope Social Worker of all information on children’s health, welfare, education, and family issues.
  • Supervises assistant teachers, parents, visitors, and volunteers.
  • Orientation and training for new staff, substitutes, and student teachers.
  • Curriculum planning and implementation consistent with NAEYC guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice, PA Early Learning Standards, Keystone Stars criteria, Head Start Performance Standards and the Kaleidoscope Preschool Arts Enrichment Program Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum.
  • Providing and posting monthly lesson plans and reflections for the school year. Daily communication and review of curriculum lesson plans with Kaleidoscope artist teachers. Full participation in arts classes and assistance for arts teaching. Adheres to appropriate supervision policies.
  • Preparation and completion of all steps in individual child assessment process for all tools used.
  • Fully participates in special events, staff meetings, research projects, conference presentations or other assignments that are mandatory.
  • Facilitates and encourages positive daily parent communication and involvement in the Kaleidoscope Program.
  • Sets up and maintains classroom, orders supplies, and inventory. Ensuring all postings are clear and presentable and keeping the classroom clean and tidy.
  • Oversees and maintains daily, weekly, and monthly record-keeping.
  • Participation and contribution to program planning, evaluation, and professional development.  Seeks ongoing personal professional development and supports professional development of co-workers.
  • Performs any duties assigned by the Early Childhood Executive Director necessary to sustain the growth and improvement of all programs included in the Settlement Music School Early Childhood Initiatives.
  • Maintains professional demeanor with co-workers, administration, children, and parents always

Qualifications:

  • B.A. Early Childhood Education. Two years’ experience working as a teacher in a preschool program.
  • Provide all documentation necessary for program licensing under PA Department of Public Welfare and PA Department of Education regulations
  • Able to create a joyful environment when working with children
  • Embody the School’s values and support Settlement’s mission
  • Belief in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and arts education.

Salary: $37,000 – $40,000 per year

Settlement Music School is an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.