Preschool/Early Learning Teacher - Full-time

Full-time
Preschool Teacher

Education
REPORTS TO: Education Coordinator or Site Supervisor

POSITION TYPE: Full Time/Part Year (9.83-Months)
HOURLY PAY RANGE: $31.82 to $33.43
Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on school readiness for children zero to five years of age. Developmentally appropriate services are provided for children from low-income families, zero to five years of age. Plaza de la Raza currently serves over 650 children and their families.

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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General direction and supervision are provided by the Education Coordinator or Site Supervisor.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Participates in a variety of staff and education development activities.
• Parent/Family Community Engagement
• Communicates both verbally and in writing, with both parents and the children in their home language when possible.

Must have working knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices that fosters school readiness.
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.
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.
Three years teaching and administrative experience in a child development program. Head Start experience is highly preferred.
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).

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

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.
• 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.

Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members.
Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care.
Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.
Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolations, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.
Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value form contractors or potential contractors.
Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children.
Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds.
Maintain adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services.
Enrolling pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head Start services.
Health Care Coverages : Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Sponsored Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
Accidental, Hospital and Life Insurance

Financial: 401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off: Holiday, Sick and Personal Time, and up to 30 Days of Jury Duty
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete an online employment application on ; 3) Copy of valid California Child Development Teacher Permit; and 5) Copy of valid CPR/First Aid for infants/children. Only complete application packets will be considered for the screening and selection process.
Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all. Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.