Preschool Teacher

COOPERATIVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Personnel Department Job Description

Title: Regional Center for Early Learning Head Teacher (C.E.S. RCEL Program)

Qualifications: Candidates must have as a minimum an associate’s degree from a program conforming to NAEYC’s Guidelines for Early Childhood Education Programs. Successful completion of an associate’s degree in a related field plus 30 semester hours of professional studies in child development or early childhood education including 300 hours of supervised teaching experience in an early childhood program. Candidates with previous preschool experience and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education are preferred.

Reports to: Director of Regional Center for Early Learning

General Purpose: Under the supervision of the Director, the teacher performs all tasks required by the program/assignment. Essential Job Responsibilities: To establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment

1. Designs appropriate room arrangement to support the goals of the classroom

2. Plans and implements a nutritious snack program

3. Promotes healthy eating practices

4. Maintains a safe environment

5. Posts necessary information to ensure the safety and well-being of the children

6. Maintains an orderly learning environment

To advance physical and intellectual competence

1. Provides a balance between child-initiated and teacher-initiated activities

2. Provides a balance between quiet and active learning activities

3. Uses equipment and materials for indoor and outdoor play that promote children’s physical development

4. Involves children in planning and implementing learning activities

5. Provides an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children

6. Plans and implements experiences that promote language and literacy development

7. Plans and implements activities that promote the acquisition of number concepts

To support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance

1. Plans and implements hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem

2. Plans and implements hands-on activities that develop social skills

3. Plans and implements culturally diverse experiences

4. Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques

5. Provides a wide variety of creative and expressive activities

6. Establishes routines with smooth transition periods

7. communicates with children at their developmental level

8. Encourages children to be independent

To establish positive and productive relationships with families

1. Relates assessment information to parents and offers support for dealing with children at different developmental stages

2. Plans and conducts home visits

3. Promotes communication with parents through weekly progress notes, a monthly newsletter, and semi-annual parent conferences

4. Provides a variety of ways that families can participate in the program

5. Encourages parents to participate in the program

To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs

1. Assesses program supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities

2. Coordinates and helps supervise aides, assistants, and volunteers working in the classroom

3. Maintains written plans on a weekly basis

4. Assesses children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis

5. Uses the results of assessment to plan activities

To maintain a commitment to professionalism

1. Promotes the center’s philosophy and educational objectives

2. Supports the center’s code of ethical conduct

3. Engages in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills

4. Supports the professional growth and development of colleagues by sharing materials and information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement

5. Attends staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training provided by the center

Specialized Functions: Light work: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, reaching kneeling, talking, hearing, and seeing. Physical Demands: Pulling, carrying, lifting (may be required to lift 50lbs.). Job responsibilities may include diaper changing, toileting, self-help skills. Occasionally may have to implement approved physical