Description

Early Childhood Educators plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in a classroom setting for toddlers or preschool-aged children. Develops partnership relationships with family members to better meet the needs of the child. Maintains current and timely documentation of work in compliance with Center and other regulatory agencies’ standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (with or without accommodation):

• Complete Easterseals Blake Foundation (EBF) & Early Learning Center’s new employee requirements for employment: orientation and training requirements, reporting suspected child abuse, and health requirements as specified by the Office of Child Care Licensure.
• Design and maintain a home-like classroom environment to enhance culturally sensitive learning based on the developmental needs of the children.
• Develop curriculum considering the age and experience of the children, reflecting all areas of development including physical, emotional, social, language and cognitive skills.
• Adapt the curriculum and instruction to meet the needs of the individual child’s strengths, needs and interests.
• Implement the Individual Family Service Plan or Individual Educational Plan for children with special needs.
• Use a variety of teaching strategies to encourage learning, following the individual child’s lead and preferred modality for learning.
• Facilitate each child’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning by engaging in collaborative inquiry with them.
• Foster interaction and cooperation among the children. Encourage children to lead their own small group activities.
• Facilitate a sense of responsibility and self-regulation in children, intervening only when necessary in settling disputes or differences.
• Establish partnerships with parents and families in order to achieve shared goals for children.
• Work collaboratively with the Director, colleagues and community organizations in best serving the child’s needs.
• Provide instruction and supervision for teaching assistants.
• Share information with colleagues which facilitates continuity of care throughout the child’s day.
• Work with teaching team to implement program curriculum, following policies, procedures and practices that result in positive outcomes for children and families.
• Participate in professional development opportunities by enrolling in higher education programs, conferences and trainings.
• Attend planning, informational and quality assurance meetings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning children and families.
• Maintain required documentation and reporting on each child.
• Complete annual continuing educational requirements as specified by Office of Child Care Licensure.

Requirements

Education:

• A higher education degree in early childhood education, early childhood special education, elementary education, or child development (AA, AS meet this requirement)
• A non-early childhood education, early childhood special education, elementary education, or child development higher education degree with 36 higher education credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, and/or early childhood special education
• State certification to practice as a teacher in a public school, and the certification is reflective of the age of the children served

Experience:

• 2-3 years experience working in education preferred, not required.

Regulatory:

• Must pass a Criminal History Background Check prior to beginning employment.
• Clean criminal background check and the ability to obtain and maintain a level one clearance card.
• Valid, unrestricted Arizona driver’s license and the willingness to use personal vehicle in the course of employment. Must meet minimum requirements of agency insurance carrier.
• Must provide a negative TB skin test prior to beginning employment
• Maintain current CPR, First, Aid, Article IX, Prevention & Supports certification, training

Physical requirements:

• Must be able to utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as face mask, gown, goggles and gloves, for any amount of time necessary to provide a physical barrier to protect the employee and others.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position.
• Must be able to operate a computer, phone and other office equipment.
• Must be able to stoop, squat, reach, stretch, ascend and descend stairs.
• May work in an office setting.

Easterseals Blake Foundation is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disabled Employer