Preschool Associate Teacher

GENERAL SUMMARY: Provide a high-quality instructional program within a lab school environment that follows the Reggio Emilia approach. Curate an open-ended environment (valued as the third teacher). Plan and implement an emergent curriculum through the hundred languages of children. Research and observe along with the children. Invest in a personal relationship with each student and family, ensuring that each child feels valued as an individual. Establish a culture of high expectations that includes the shared belief that every student will attend college. Create nurturing, supportive educational environments for preschool children at various stages of development. Provide guidance, mentoring, and leadership to student teachers. Uphold the mission, vision, and values of Fortune School.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY TO:

• Maintain student health, safety, ratio, and supervision at all times according to Title 22 regulations.
• Assist in caregiving routines such as hand washing, serving meals, diapering, toileting, and naptime.
• Provide stimulating Reggio inspired educational experiences which promote socio/emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Help to scaffold lessons and environments to meet the developmental needs of each child.
• Help to plan, implement, and evaluate daily instructional activities.
• Prepare instructional materials, set up activities.
• Actively participate with children.
• Collaborate with the lead teachers to improve instructional practices throughout the school; share best practices.
• Nurture meaningful relationships with families in the classroom.
• Assist the lead teacher in writing formal and informal ongoing observations throughout the year.
• Assist the lead teacher in creating and displaying a variety of documentation boards.
• Utilize age-appropriate, positive discipline techniques.
• Work with the teaching team to help identify unique student needs.
• Respectfully work with lab students and volunteers.
• Ensures the safety, security, cleanliness, and orderliness of the classroom and playground environments.
• Actively participate in professional development activities, staff meetings, and school events.
• Assist the lead teacher with supporting and encouraging emergent plurilingual learners and family biliteracy.
• Maintain confidentiality of students and families.
• Support the lead teacher in preparation for parent/guardian conferences.
• Complete center paperwork (accident reports, potty logs, observations of children) in a timely manner.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and research in the field of early childhood education.
• Assist the lead teacher with selecting classroom supplies upon request to the administration.
• Address concerns with the lead teacher.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Support the mission, vision, and core values of Fortune Schools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY TO:

• Work with students in small groups, 1:1, and large groups.
• Child Development and early learning techniques.
• Willingness to follow the Reggio Emilia approach.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors or outdoors.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to assume postures in low levels, get up and down from the floor, and engage in physical activity with children.
• Ability to use a computer with basic proficiency.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Successfully completed with passing grades, at least 12 units from an accredited or approved college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development covering areas of child growth and development, or human growth or development, or child, family, and community, or program/curriculum.
• AA degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field (Preferred)
• 1+ year experience working in a childcare setting with 2-5-year-old.
• Valid First Aid/CPR training, or willingness to obtain.
• Mandated reporting training (or ability to comply within 30 days)

CLEARANCES

• DOJ and FBI fingerprint clearance
• TB screening results : Health Screening Form with current TB clearance signed by a physician within a year of, and not more than 7 days after, the hire date (a health screening form template will be provided if needed)
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Proof of immunizations (MMR and Tdap)

Fortune School of Education provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.