Early Childhood Educator

Description

Early Childhood Educator Job Description 

Position Overview 

All Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) employees are required to uphold the mission and vision of ACCF, and to foster an environment that promotes the academic, social, emotional and physical development of each child enrolled. 

The Early Childhood Educator (Educator) is responsible for establishing and maintaining strong, positive, supportive relationships with children and families, and for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate educational opportunities consistent with ACCF’s vision and curriculum goals. Educators will establish a classroom environment which is safe, content and sensory rich, intentional, organized, appealing and responsive to the needs and interests of the specific children in the class.  Educators will be primarily responsible for observing the children and documenting their strengths, opportunities for growth and progress over time.  Educators will provide consistent and accurate information to families about their individual children. Delivery of childcare must model best practices as outlined by agency policies as well as licensing, monitoring, funding and contract agencies. 

Classification: Non-Exempt / Salaried 

Schedule: Full Time 

Reports To: Education Director 

Duties & Responsibilities 

Curriculum Implementation 

• Establish a classroom environment which is content and sensory rich, intentional, organized, appealing and responsive to the needs and interests of the children 
• Design and implement intentional and developmentally appropriate learning activities for children consistent with the curriculum of the Early Learning Program and the individual needs and interests of the specific children in the class 
• Ensure that all pre-planned experiences are appropriately set up before the arrival of the children each morning  
• Foster growth of children in nine areas of learning and development (cognitive, socio-emotional, language, literacy, math, physical, art, social studies and science) 
• Supervise, guide and model appropriate behavior and implement developmentally appropriate classroom management system to foster social-emotional learning 
• Utilize positive discipline and natural consequences when behavioral support is necessary 
• Encourage and model language development, extended learning and problem-solving strategies  
• Organize and label classroom materials 
• Display children’s work in a manner appropriate for their age and perceptual skills 

Health & Safety 

• Supervise children at all times in accordance with ACCF Supervision Policies and all state and grantor regulations 
• Maintain a clean environment by sterilizing communal toys, spaces and floors 
• Store classroom materials and supplies in a safe and orderly manner 

Establishing Relationships 

• Establish and maintain high quality relationships with children and families 
• At all times, speak to children with respect 
• Create a community of inclusion and respect among the children and adults in the classroom 
• Maintain a cooperative attitude while working with co-teacher, other program staff, families and volunteers 
• Build collaborative relationships with families through daily communication, family engagement opportunities, and Family-Educator conferences 
• Ensure that information shared with families is reflective, meaningful and show children’s growth 

Observation & Assessment 

• Maintain accurate and current assessment information across all developmental domains utilizing Teaching Strategies Gold, Ages and Stages, VPK assessment and Bracken assessment tools 
• Use assessment information in planning whole group, small group and individualized instruction 
• Monitor and refer children to the Developmental Specialist as needed 
• Implement recommendations of specialists for individual support, as approved by supervisors 

Other Employment Information

• Must pass fingerprinting and background check
• Initial drug screening; random checking
• 90-day initial evaluation period

Requirements

Education & Experience 

• A Child Development Associate (CDA) or AA/AS in early childhood from an accredited college or university required, Bachelor’s Degree or higher preferred; teachers without an AA must enroll in school until completed 
• Experience teaching children ages 1–5 
• 45-Hour DCF Childcare Training Credential 

Knowledge & Values 

• Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate standards for early childhood education 
• Strong knowledge of best practice in early childhood education 
• Strong commitment to ameliorating the social challenges faced by low-income children and families through high-quality programming and support 
• Commitment to respectful, positive behavior toward, and interactions with, children and families, colleagues, volunteers and visitors is a must 

Essential Skills & Abilities 

• Bilingual English/Creole or English/Spanish preferred 
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work with diverse groups 
• Ability to project a positive attitude 
• Be flexible regarding work assignments, changing demands and priorities 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Ability to manage time effectively 

Essential Physical Abilities 

• Be able to lift 25-30 lbs. 
• Be able to walk, run, squat/kneel, sit on floor, see, hear, speak with children to ensure children’s health and safety 

Additional Employment Information 

• Pre-employment training may be required 
• Pre-employment and ongoing background checks required  
• Pre-employment and random drug testing & alcohol screening  
• 90-day initial probation period  

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 

ACCF is an equal opportunity employer. A non-discrimination clause concerning employment opportunity is incorporated in the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual. ACCF will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as Amended (ADA). 

Salary : $37,000 - $50,000