Job Description: Early Childhood Teacher

Reports to: Facility Directors, Lead Teacher

Broad Function: Responsible for a group of infants, toddlers or preschool children.

Under the direction of the facility Directors, the Teacher develops and implements individual educational plans for children, which help them to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. The Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Volunteers, and Administrative Staff.

Qualifications and Requirements

1. Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development (bachelor’s preferred); or
2. A baccalaureate of advanced degree in any field, at least 21 credit hours in early childhood education, and experience teaching young children in the age range for which she/he is applying for
3. A baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field, at least 21 credit hours in early childhood education, and experience teaching in a related field, such as Family and Child Studies, elementary education, with at least 21 credit hours in early childhood education.

All Teachers

1. Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Cee Cee’z Imagination Station Preschool & Child Care Center, LLC (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice,
2. Proof of physical examination within the last six months, which includes a TB test (Mantoux 3 step version), and comply with other background checks as required by the Agency and/or DCFS licensing;
3. Personal qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities; and
4. Have education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children.

Essential Functions

1. Participate in grantee pre-service and in-service training;
2. Implement Creative Curriculum in the classroom;
3. Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of Cee Cee’z Imagination Station Preschool & Child Care Center Performance Standards and component plans; and through knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices;
4. Coordinate with Lead Teacher, plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy and phonemic awareness, print, numeric awareness, and language-including English as a second language in applicable;
5. Facilitate activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom;
6. Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of children;
7. Conduct parent conferences, to discuss the child’s individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing age appropriate goals for children;
8. Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices
9. Must be able to supervise. Supervision of staff will include Teacher Aide, Bus Driver, Student Aides, and Volunteers;
10. Works with the facility staff and volunteers to use and develop their skills and abilities in lesson planning and carry out classroom activities;
11. Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assures classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are ready and available daily for children, and are properly maintained.
12. Use the playground as an extension of the classroom. Assures the playground is safe;
13. Assist in conducting creative movement activities, gross and fine motor activities, large and small motor activities, and health and environment checklists for the center;
14. Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely manner in accurate fashion, e.g. lesson plans, assessments, timesheets, meal reports etc.;
15. Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher Professional Development Plan;
16. Assure the files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained;
17. Perform other duties as may be required.
18. Successful experience working in a team setting;
19. Ability to present a positive image of the facility to members of the community;
20. Ability to plan, organize and implement position responsibilities;
21. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including but not limited to, the telephone, fax, copier, and iPad.
22. Must be able to lift 55 lbs.
23. Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance, and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions; and
24. Experience successful working with a culturally diverse staff, families and children.

Working Conditions

1. Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues; cleanup and aroma.
2. Exposure to communicable diseases; administration recommends all staff get a flu shot!
3. Job requires standing for extended periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running, and sitting on small chairs/floor; lifting 30-50 lbs, repeating directions multiple times and providing hugs and snuggles to non-related little people.
4. Modeling appropriate behavior regarding language and body language. Screaming if a spider is seen is discouraged, quiet handling of the situation without witnesses is preferred.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.