Description

The Children’s Achievement Center is now hiring!

Come see why our young students don’t want to miss a day of school. Come see why our team is so passionate about what they do. Come see how you can find your passion by joining the Easterseals Blake Foundation team at the Children’s Achievement Center.

We are currently offering a $500 signing bonus to the right applicant (received after 6 months of service). Could that be you?

The Early Childhood Educator responsibilities includes:

• Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum in a classroom setting for toddlers or preschool-aged children
• Developing partnership relationships with family members to better meet the needs of the child
• Maintaining current and timely documentation of work in compliance with Center and other regulatory agencies’ standards

Educational support through the Professional Career Pathways Project (PCPP) which includes:

• Tuition for 24 credits per school year for approved courses and $20 per credit textbook stipend

Responsibilities:

• Complete the Blake Foundation & Signal Peak 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 & Experience:

• Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood or related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in unrelated field plus 18 credit hours in early childhood education (may be completed within 18 months of hire); 6 months prior experience.
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood with an expectation of finishing BA within 2 years; 1 year classroom experience
• 45 College credit hours toward a degree in early childhood education with an expectation of finishing AA within 1 year and BA within 3 years; 2 years classroom experience.

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.
• Be at least 21 years of age as required by corporate fleet policy
• 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.

Psychological Requirements:

• Must be able to remain calm, non-defensive with a supportive attitude during stressful, potential crisis, and crisis situations.
• Must be able to work in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. Must be able to manage high volumes and unpredictability of work.
• Must be able to remain flexible and reprioritize according to the changing demands of the day.
• Must be able to manage stress in a fast-paced, unpredictable, intense setting.
• Must be able to adapt to diverse cultural environments and communicate in a culturally inclusive manner.
• Must be able to represent Easterseals Blake Foundation in a professional manner in all situations.

Skills:

• Knowledge of typical and atypical child development.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate care and best educational practices supported by research and evaluation.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Knowledge of methods to include children with differing levels of developmental abilities.
• Ability to be self-directed when necessary, yet flexible when needs of the children change.
• Ability to use principles of reflective practice with children, families and colleagues.
• Ability to develop reciprocal, mutually respectful relationships with children, family members and colleagues.
• Ability to work as a collaborative member of a team.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to use technology as a tool for record-keeping, documentation and investigation.

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