Per-Diem Associate Teacher

Early Childhood at Manny Cantor Center is a pioneering integrated preschool program, blending Head Start, UPK and private funding to serve families across the economic spectrum on the Lower East Side. Our inspired, responsive and progressive program is built on a few simple principles: All children are competent, capable and curious. All families have something to contribute. We are stronger together.

Working within inspired and dynamic teams, our Per Diem Teachers are helping to build a vision for progressive education in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. Inspired by progressive schools around the world, we believe that all children learn through inquiry, exploration and play in the context of strong relationships and a sense of belonging. 

Our teachers create responsive, safe, joyful and nurturing learning environments for children for children aged 0-5 that foster inquiry, exploration, learning & reflection; collaborate with co-teachers to plan an emergent curriculum based on observations of children’s interests and development; document children’s learning through photographs, anecdotes, panels and mini-stories; facilitate communication and collaboration between the family and the preschool.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, Preparation + Curriculum Development 

• Co-constructing curriculum, based on children’s interests, questions and development
• Documenting, reflecting and planning from observations
• Participating in weekly planning meetings with teaching team
• Meeting the needs of all children, including English language learners

 Classroom Environment

• Planning and creating a classroom environment with inquiry, exploration, learning and respect in mind
• Nurturing children’s home languages through curated books, materials and the physical environment
• Creating a warm and inclusive environment where children and families feel welcome
• Organizing physical space and selection of materials in a way that is inviting and accessible to children
• Creating visual evidence of the narratives and curriculum occurring in your classroom

Interactions with Children 

• Speaking and listening to children with respect and mindfulness
• Supervising the whole group, while giving individual attention
• Managing classroom procedures including transitions, routines and small groups
• Engage students in exploration and ongoing project work
• Scaffolding children through conflict and problem solving

Relationships with Families

• Building respectful and reciprocal relationships with families
• Communicating consistently with families 

Professional Responsibilities 

• Documenting children’s learning, development and progress
• Maintaining collaborative and professional relationships with colleagues 
• Mentoring Associate and Assistant teachers
• Participating in weekly professional learning meetings