Outdoor Education Preschool Teacher

These general functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals, Mission and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. Teachers are responsible for providing high-quality care and education that meets the needs of children and families in a setting that is inclusive for children of all abilities. Teachers implement services aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, rules and regulations determined by the California Department of Education, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Community Care Licensing. Teachers facilitate developmentally appropriate classroom/outdoor activities and environments using the Creative Curriculum and partner with families to ensure that children are provided with an education that results in growth and positive learning outcomes. Teachers observe and assess children and use assessment data to ensure that curriculum is individualized to meet the needs of individuals and groups.

Develop and implement written curriculum goals in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, Project-Based Curriculum, The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.

Plan and facilitate learning activities that meet curriculum goals for individuals and groups of children, while providing direction, guidance, and visual supervision.

Supervise and monitor children at all times.

Interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.

Document the progress of each child in the designated online system using observation notes, picture and anecdotal notes, work samples, documentation panels, screenings, and assessments.

Conduct two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences for each child annually.

Create and maintain stimulating, organized, and inviting learning environments in the classroom and outdoor play areas that are reflective of the cultural diversity in the classroom and the surrounding community.

Develop relationships with families that foster effective partnerships and promote each child’s optimum growth and development.

Have knowledge of and carry out all Health and Safety requirements according to Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.

Conduct a daily health check for each child and adhere to treatment/intervention plans and medication administration for children with special health needs.

Monitor classroom materials and equipment and outdoor facilities daily to ensure safety, performing and/or requesting maintenance as required.

Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.

Instruct and monitor children in proper health and hygiene skills, including toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.

Conduct and log monthly earthquake/fire drills.

Teachers may be required to attend classes to attain AA or BA degrees.

Maintain updated and organized files on all children and ensure that all required paperwork including observations, screenings, and assessments is completed within set deadlines.

Ensure accurate documentation in the online system of Attendance and Daily Meal Counts for the Child Care Food Program.

Create effective and professional relationships with families and children, maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality and initiate ongoing communication with family members through conversations, daily notes, home visits, and parent/teacher conferences.

This position has a primary impact on the operations of the ECI Program. Therefore, the effectiveness of the fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

The knowledge and implementation of relevant/required program procedures.

A healthy and safe workplace and school environment.

Positive outcomes for children and families that are aligned with program goals.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is required to work outdoors daily.
• High School Diploma or equivalent. (NOTE Head Start=AA degree or above required, Early Head Start=AA degree or above preferred)
• Current Child Development permit at the Associate Teacher level or above
• Successful completion of 12 or more semester units in Early Childhood Education, for Early Head Start, completion of 6 units of infant/toddler development with grade C or above
• Must be able to communicate in English with proficiency, bilingual or multi-lingual preferred
• 2 years of experience as a classroom teacher in Early Childhood Programs, prefer experience in state subsidized or Early/Head Start setting
• Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds
• Current certificates for Pediatric First Aid and CPR, including a total of 15 hours of preventative health and safety training or completion of this training within 90 days of hire
• LiveScan fingerprint and criminal record clearance
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other computer programs