Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teacher

Under general direction, this position instructs and provides general direction to teaching staff and classroom volunteers. Leads teaching staff in the center, in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that engage the whole child. Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment and encourages the involvement of families to strengthen the relationships between children, families, and community. Responsible for the general day-to-day operations of a Head Start/Early Head Start center, ensuring regulatory and legal compliance with Agency's policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations, as well as fostering an environment that communicates effectively. This position serves as the lead contact for, and ensures compliance with, Child Care Licensing.

General direction and supervision are provided by the Education Coordinator or Site Supervisor.

Classroom Health and Safety

• Implements a plan to ensure the safety of children within the group utilizing indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Inspects facilities, following Plaza de la Raza's Health and Safety policies and Procedures for hazardous conditions and unsafe materials. Removes hazardous and unsafe materials.

• Reports needed repairs and or maintenance to the appropriate personnel.

• Implements classroom activities that build healthy habits, i.e., hand washing and brushing teeth.

• Provides diaper changes (if needed) and meets toileting needs of children.

• Provides constant and consistent supervision and management of children in the classroom to ensure a safe, clean, healthy, and secure learning environment.

• Conducts emergency drills.

• Recognizes and reports accidents, illnesses, and suspected child abuse to appropriate personnel according Plaza policies and procedures.

• Ensures staff comply with Plaza de la Raza Health and Safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe, healthy, and secure learning environment for children and staff.

• Ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal and state regulation, and Community Care Licensing requirements.

Effective Teaching Practices

• Ensures effective curriculum planning and implementation based on individual children's development continuum.

• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities that support assessment of individual children in the classroom that includes language, literacy, social/emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development.

• Integrates child assessment data in individual and group planning.

• Promotes 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 children with disabilities and dual language learners.

• Plans and implements daily developmentally appropriate curriculum activities based on children's interest to foster School Readiness in all learning domains.

• Develops and implements, in partnership with parents, the child's Individual Development Plan (IDP) establishing developmentally appropriate learning goals and activities for home and school that will support achievement of identified goals and aligns with Plaza de la Raza, Performance Standards and grantee Education GIM.

• Develops and modifies the weekly lesson plans in accordance with established curriculum, including families as partners and recognizing their role in the education of their children.

• Orders classroom supplies and materials as needed for effective service delivery.

• Conducts parent/teacher conferences and home visits twice a year in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.

• Ensures completion of required paperwork on the children in the classroom, enrollment records and reports.

• Records pertinent information about children in the group to document growth and development.

• Maintains record keeping and reporting systems to ensure accurate information, with timely completion and follow-up as indicated in Plaza de la Raza policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards and state and local regulations.

• Builds relationships with, and participates in, community collaborations and events to enhance Head Start services and recruitment.

• Serves as the lead contact for licensing purposes.

• Participates in a variety of staff and education development activities.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Parent/Family Community Engagement

• Encourages participation in parent groups at the center and provides opportunities for parent involvement in the program.

• Communicates both verbally and in writing, with both parents and the children in their home language when possible.

Job Requirements

Knowledge: Must have working knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices that fosters school readiness.

Ability to: Establish and maintain a healthy learning environment. Support the social/emotional, physical and cognitive development of children and encourage family involvement in the program. Support the development of relationships between children and their families, implement effective curriculum planning and maintain confidentiality of student/family information, use problem-solving and analytical skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in early childhood education, child development or related field and a current California Child Development Teacher Permit are required.

Experience Three years teaching and administrative experience in a child development program. Head Start experience is highly preferred.

Health Requirements

• Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician to determine, at a minimum, that the prospective employee can perform requirements of the job description's physical requirements.

• Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis, from a physician that the prospective employee is cleared to work with children and families

• Documentation of current immunizations against Influenza, Measles (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).

Additional Requirements

• Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.

• Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies.

• Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

• A valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties is required.

• As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

• Bi-lingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee may frequently lift and/or move a minimum of 25 pounds up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards

• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.

• Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.

• Attends mandated training and meetings and seeks out staff development opportunities.

• Works as a team member with all staff and maintains a positive work ethic.

• Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties.

Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct which indicates that staff members are required to adhere to the following codes of conduct:

1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.

2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members.

3. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care.

4. Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.

5. Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolations, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

6. Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value form contractors or potential contractors.

7. Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children.

8. Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products