Preschool Teacher

Join The Ecs4kids TeamEcs4kids (formerly Episcopal Children's Services) is a top workplace that honors young children's immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like voluntary prekindergarten (vpk), head start, school readiness, child care resource & referral (ccrr), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children's well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout northeast and central Florida.Ecs4kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:medical, dental and vision insurance403(b) plan with 5% employer matchemployee assistance program (eap)long-term & short-term disability insuranceemployer-paid life insurancepaid holidaysgenerous paid time offcareer developmentqualifying employer for public service loan forgiveness programGeneral Description:The classroom teacher provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child has the opportunity to develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately.Major Responsibilities:Education and DevelopmentPlan and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child's age and language.Use teaching strategies cloud to plan and create weekly digital lesson plans that promote the cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development of children and that support ecs school readiness goals.Follow the approved daily schedule to implement to fidelity the daily lesson plans from the approved curricula.Lead all learning times in a manner consistent with class philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice.Use teaching strategies that illustrates the class philosophy in emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support.Input daily child observation data in ts gold.Individualize for children throughout the day based on the observed needs of children, the goals set forth in support plans, and the ongoing analysis of child data.Plan a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment by adding new and interesting materials each weekProvide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ecs discipline policy.Develop nurturing relationships with each child by encouraging his or her social and emotional developmentMaintain accurate and complete vpk attendance and submit to center manager the last day of each month (if applicable).Assure parents sign the vpk parental choice certificate at the end of each month (if applicable).Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards. (These may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start.)Participate in research initiatives pertaining to early childhood education, development, and related topics.Children's Health and Developmental ServicesConduct daily health checks on each child.Plan weekly activities promoting a healthy lifestyle.Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.Participate in case management meetings regarding children's health and development.Family PartnershipsProvide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.Attend parent meetings as assigned.Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.Inform parents concerning their children's progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, learning outcomes, parent conferences and home visits.Engage parents in the development of school readiness goals for their children and guide parents in the use of curriculum activities related to their children's school readiness goals.Maintain transition procedures for children moving to another classroom or program and coordinate transition with other appropriate program staff.NutritionEat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.Serve food in a way that encourages the development and socialization of the children.Assist in kitchen duties (if applicable).Plan weekly activities that promote good nutrition.Training and CommunicationProvide leadership in following best practices in the field of early childhood education.Assist the center manager in training, mentoring, and developing the teacher aide to create an appropriate classroom environment.Work collaboratively and attentively with an in-class coach.Participate in the class evaluation and training of peers.Communicate regularly with other staff in order to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.Have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program.Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor.Maintain appropriate record keeping.Maintain confidentiality at all times.(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)This position reports to the center manager.RequirementsEducation and experience:High school diploma or GED, DCF 45-hour training, and one of the following:Teacher aide - $16.59CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential or enrolled in a program leading to CDA or an associate or baccalaureate degree in ECE or related field and complete w/in 2 years of hireTeacher I - $18.44National CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credentialSkills, knowledge and abilities:Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children's progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for childrenAbility to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom disciplineAbility and willingness to implement the approved curriculumAbility to exercise good judgment and emotional maturityAbility to build and establish collaborative relationshipsAbility to work effectively with diverse staff and familiesKnowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting proceduresAbility to maintain confidential informationAbility to communicate effectively both orally and in writingAbility to plan and organize work as well as maintain recordsA willingness to learn and continue personal educationCertifications:Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.Complete on-line food handlers course serving safe food in childcare within 90 days of employment.Must have current first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.Complete a minimum of 25 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30.Environmental conditions:Work involves constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise