Early Childhood Educator

Since its founding in 1985, Queen of Peace Center (QOPC) has been providing family-centered behavioral healthcare for women, children, and families. As a member of the Federation of Catholic Charities, we serve the metropolitan and surrounding St. Louis area through four core programs: prevention, education, treatment, and housing. 

Position Summary

Responsible for developing and maintaining a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for children being served through Queen of Peace Center’s CSTAR program. Responsible for developing and implementing lesson plans that are trauma informed and based on the needs of each child in attendance. An understanding of the impact of childhood trauma and development is required.

Overview and Responsibilities

• Provide a trauma informed learning environment for children, recognizing the impact of trauma on the developing brain and potential triggers for trauma in the learning environment
• Build rapport with children and parents
• Develop and implement lesson plan(s) based on each child’s need and grant requirements while utilizing approved curriculum
• Communicate with mothers regarding child activities in the classroom
• Follow all licensure rules and regulations
• Must understand and follow MO Childcare Licensure standards and MO DMH Women and Children CSTAR childcare requirements
• Daily documentation of outcomes, goal achievement and observations in the electronic health record
• Daily documentation of activities, including diapering, nap times and feedings as appropriate
• Document and report all incidents and injuries and report to Lead – Early Childhood Educator
• Work closely with treatment teams
• discuss observations or behavioral concerns
• make treatment plan recommendations as appropriate
• implement interventions as recommended by assigned CSS, Counselor or Manager
• participate in client staffing meetings
• Sanitize all toys and equipment, including cots and cribs, according to licensure requirements
• Assist with potty training as needed; assist with snack and meal times as needed
• Verification of allergies and other medical conditions upon initial enrollment
• Other duties as assigned within the reasonable context of the position, safety, and quality standards

NOTE : Position may require schedule flexibility and approved overtime to satisfy both the essential and other duties as assigned functions of the position

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Minimum of associates degree or higher in Early Childhood, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work or related field

• One year experience in working with child development

• Knowledge of substance use and trauma and the impact on the family preferred

Skills and Competencies Required

• Work readiness, fitness for duty, behavioral/psychological/emotional consistency

• Individual and team behaviors consistent with the stated Values of Queen of Peace Center

• Capability to perform essential functions of the position (with or without accommodation) to include physical, psychological, emotional and behavioral determinants and in a manner that does not hinder the ability to care for the welfare, safety and wellbeing of children or to maintain a nurturing and safe environment (as determined by a licensed physician) if required • Ensures integration of data-driven decision-making into operational and community- based/clinical practices.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Queen of Peace Center does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. Queen of Peace Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. 




Pre-Employment Screening 
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, and Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.