Preschool Teacher

OVERVIEW:

The Preschool Teacher position at Community Seedlings Preschool is responsible for providing instruction to children ages 2½ to 5½ years of age. Seedlings is a Reggio-Emilia inspired program with a focus on nature-based learning and education. Preschool Teachers are responsible for encouraging children's curiosity and excitement for learning.

Serving as co-researchers, Preschool Teachers at Community Seedlings support the curiosity and excitement for learning that is inherent in every child. They recognize and honor children's natural quest to understand their place in the world around them. This is learned through play, small group projects, dialogue, journaling, reflection, and documentation of children's work. Preschool Teachers encourage a love of learning through exploration of art, STEM work, math, social studies, literacy, and the environments of both the indoor and outdoor classrooms.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in maintaining a safe and clean learning environment that supports exploration and discovery in both indoor and outdoor classrooms.
• Develop a positive relationship with each child and family members.
• Plan and prepare learning materials such as provocations and natural materials that encourage children to explore and wonder.
• Ensure that both indoor and outdoor classroom environments have the necessary materials available to facilitate meaningful play, active exploration and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Ensure appropriate guidance and supervision of children in each learning environment.
• Maintain documentation of children's learning and development through observation notes.
• Prepare materials needed for parent conferences to communicate children's growth and progress.
• Observe children daily to assess and support individual development and facilitate learning.
• Check email daily and respond within a timely manner.
• Participate in professional development activities and apply that learning in the classroom.
• Maintain and foster a cooperative and positive attitude while working with children, families, and the community.
• Display a sincere, nurturing and caring attitude toward all children, families and colleagues.
• Demonstrate an awareness of individual families' culture and ensure a culturally consistent environment for all children and families.
• Demonstrate ability to teach children from diverse cultural and economic and backgrounds by implementing inclusive, culturally responsive and differentiated instructional strategies.
• Follow all MANDATED REPORTER requirements and school safety policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the classroom and school community.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent * Bachelors preferred
• Teaching Permit/ or a minimum of 12 ECE units
• Knowledge of early childhood development
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with children
• Knowledge of computer software and applications needed to perform essential

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must pass fingerprint clearance, TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide immunization record of measles and pertussis vaccines.
• Must complete required training upon hire: CPR, First Aid, Mandated Reporter, and Sexual Harassment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Report to work on a regular and punctual basis
• Understand and implement developmentally appropriate practices (DAP)
• Exercise discretion and confidentiality when meeting with families and the public
• Be sincere, nurturing and caring toward all children
• Interact appropriately and positively with children at all times
• Understand and follow procedures and policies of the organization
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Demonstrate positive team attitude
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues
• Read, write, speak and understand English.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, twist, turn, bend, walk, talk, hear, and reach with hands.
• Regularly required to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Regularly required to see and observe students, walk and/or stand for extended periods of time, and hear and speak to exchange information.
• Regularly required to possess dexterity of hand and fingers, kneel, bend at the waist, sit on the floor, climb stairs and reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to perform assigned duties; lift light objects
• Regularly required to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in indoor and outdoor classrooms.

• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
• Duties are normally performed in a school, classroom, playground and/or other outdoor settings
• Duties may be performed in seasonal heat, sun, and cold
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Induction Program Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Credit Union Membership
• Before and after school childcare

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Roots Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.