Teacher*, The Early Learning Center

GRADE: 27E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The UD Early Learning Center within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accredited program serving children from 6 weeks to PreK, with a K-2 after school program.

The ELC serves as a site for undergraduate and graduate students from across the University community to observe, complete clinical placements, and internships as well as work on faculty research projects.

Teachers in the UD Early Learning Center are responsible for developing and implementing a research-based model educational program with a full-day full-year curriculum. The ELC is a professional learning community where teachers engage in study groups, course work, and research. Under the general direction of the Assistant/Associate Director, the Teacher oversees the daily operation of the classroom program, including collaborative decision-making with classroom partner, family communication, and mentoring relationships with undergraduate UD students.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Classroom and ELC Community:

• Plan and implement high quality inclusive early childhood programs that support the cognitive, physical, and social emotional development of the children and are:
  • Aligned with the goals and philosophy of the Inclusive Early Childhood Education in HDFS.
  • Consistent with Delaware Early Learning Foundations.
  • Recommended curriculum which includes Early Head Start Performance Standards (Infant and Toddler Programs) and the NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation (all programs).
• Provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences that reflect the current research base for children of all abilities, family contexts, cultures, and individual interests.
• Create and maintain inclusive environments that support development and learning for children of all abilities, family contexts, cultures, and individual interests.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with families to develop shared goals for children's progress and to ensure frequent two-way communication to maximize children's development.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with Early Learning Center colleagues to maximize children's development.
• Participate in IFSP/IEP meetings and consultations with community therapists to support the unique needs of children with diagnosed serviceable disabilities in an inclusive classroom setting.
• Maintain ongoing documentation and assessment (observation and developmentally appropriate tools) of children's development and program effectiveness. Use assessment data to inform instructional practice.
• Conduct Parent/Teacher conferences and home visits as required by age group department.
• Comply with DE licensing requirements, Delaware Stars for Early Success, Early Head Start National Performance Standards (Infant and Toddler Teachers only), and all accreditation criteria established by the NAEYC.
• Maintain classrooms following health and safety policies of the ELC and DE licensing requirements; practice universal precautions and infection control.
• Practice confidentiality in all matters related to staff and families as well as proprietary information regarding the operation of the ELC.
• Maintain communication with Assistant/Associate Director to keep her/him informed about overall classroom operation.

Support UD Academic and Research Programs:

• Maintain a flexible classroom framework that provides supported learning opportunities for UD students assigned to the Early Learning Center for clinical experiences, internships, student teaching, and research activities.
• Provide mentoring and support to UD students in clinical experiences, internships, student teaching, and research activities.
• Complete all required evaluations of UD students in clinical experiences, internships, student teaching, and research activities.
• Provide professional, detailed and timely feedback to faculty concerning UD students in clinical experiences, internships, student teaching, and research activities.
• Maintain all classroom records as well as records required by research projects, clinical and student teaching placements, and any grant requirements.

Leadership, Professional Learning and Growth:

• Utilize tools as chosen by the ELC (i.e., ITERS, ECERS, peer observations) to evaluate classroom environments, interactions, and materials to inform professional goals and classroom changes.
• Monitor Classroom Assistant performance, recommending any necessary changes and supporting improved performance through coaching and mentoring.
• Actively participate in ELC Committees, leadership teams, study groups, and other opportunities to improve the program collaboratively and continually.
• Develop annual professional development goals and participate in ongoing professional development aligned with those goals to advance own knowledge and skills related to current developments in the early education field.
• Attend all meetings and trainings hosted by the Early Learning Center & New Directions Early Head Start (Infant and Toddler Teachers only).
• Comply with ELC Departmental Policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or other related discipline, plus three months of supervised student teaching or 12 months experience working with children in a group setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Must be flexible and willing to work in a suburban and/or inner city setting that supports clinical placements, internships, student teachers and research activities.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires compliance with Delaware regulations including applicable laws and regulations - as well as National Accreditation criteria (NAEYC).
• Successful completion of criminal background check, child protection and adult abuse registry checks, health examination and TB test.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.