Lead Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Being a Preschool Learning teacher is a rewarding and essential role that involves working with young children and their families to promote healthy development and school readiness.

Essential Functions:

• Childcare and Education: Creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers to learn and grow. Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities that encourage exploration, curiosity, and skill-building.
• Individualized Learning: Recognizing and responding to each child's unique needs and developmental milestones. Using observation and assessment tools to track progress and tailor activities accordingly.
• Parent Involvement: Establishing strong partnerships with parents and families. Engaging in regular communication to share information about their child's progress and development and providing resources and support to enhance parenting skills.
• Health and Safety: Ensuring a clean and hygienic environment. Following health and safety protocols to protect the well-being of the children.
• Curriculum Development: Collaborating with colleagues to develop and adapt curriculum materials that align with Early Head Start guidelines and best practices.
• Teamwork: Working closely with other teachers, staff members, and specialists to coordinate services and provide a cohesive approach to children's education and well-being.
• Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices and new research in early childhood education.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records and documentation of child development progress and program outcomes for reporting purposes.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity ensures that all children and families are respected and supported in their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Advocacy: Advocating for the needs of young children and their families within the community and promoting the importance of early childhood education and support services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Overall, being an Infant/Toddler Early Head Start teacher requires a passion for working with young children, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a dedication to fostering positive relationships with both children and their families. It's a role that can make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field strongly preferred.
• Previous work or volunteer experience working with children ages 3 and under
• Able to communicate in English verbally and writen, and read and understand English.
• Certification in: Childcare Basics (STARS 30 Hours), First Aid/CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, Food Worker Card, Infant Safe Sleep (or must be able to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Bilingual in a language spoken by DLEC parents (Spanish, Amharic, Cantonese, and Vietnamese) preferred.

Position Pay Range: $26.96 - $38.46 hourly

Location: Varies

Benefits:

As a Denise Louie Education Center team member, you may receive some or all of the following employee benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and options for supplemental Insurance coverage. Team members are eligible to participate in the company 401(k) plan, which offers a non-elective employer contribution after an introductory period. In addition, eligible part-time and full-time team members will receive PTO, thirteen paid holidays, and one personal holiday.

Additional compensation may come in the form of tuition reimbursement, hiring, retention, longevity, referral, or special assignment bonuses, subject to budgetary limitations. Please visit our career page for more information on our current benefit offerings.

Pre-emplyment Requirements: All new hires must register with Merit and go through a Federal Background check, including fingerprinting (PBC), negative TB Test within the last 12 months, or an x-ray, and complete a pre-employment physical, prior to starting work. All employees must have MMR and COVID-19 vaccinations at the time of hire. A medical or religious exemption may be requested. If approved, weekly testing will be required.