Preschool Teacher

Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI)

Job Description

POSITION TITLE :                Preschool Teacher

DIVISION :                             Early Childhood Services

SUPERVISOR :                     Center Coordinator – Early Head Start

CLASSIFICATION :              Non-Exempt

PURPOSE :

In partnership with families and peers, provide a safe and inclusive educational setting for all children. Support families in their role as primary caretakers and educators of their children. Respect each family’s culture while assisting and encouraging family engagement in all aspects of the program. Areas include but are not limited to health, nutrition, family services, mental health, family education, and school readiness. Provide educational services to children of all abilities from ages of three to five years

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY :

Ensure the safety of all children in an assigned group and maintain sight and sound at all times.

Create a warm, clean, and accepting environment that is inclusive of all children’s needs. Provide a welcoming atmosphere for all families, volunteers, community representatives, and staff. Mentor and encourage assistants, substitutes, and volunteers by providing guidance and instruction on daily routines and procedures.

Create and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Ensure that activities are child led, play based, goal-oriented, and meet fidelity requirements. Observe and document evidence of child growth and development in order to contribute to assessments. Complete assessments as required and utilize data to influence daily lesson plans. Share assessments results with families during parent conferences as required. Collaborate with families to create child goals to influence lesson plans.

Abide by program philosophies on parent engagement and parent participation. Actively participate in parent engagement opportunities. Encourage families to engage in activities offered by the program that promote family well-being.

Appropriately communicate with families both verbally and in writing. Provide families with resources and referrals to community agencies as needed.

Model appropriate language and behavior for children, staff, volunteers, and families

Report any health, social, or crisis needs of the child or family to management as needed. Document accordingly.

Attend all meetings and trainings as required to meet state and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL JOB SKILLS :

Must be able to hold and move small children weighing 5-50 pounds.

Must be able to move and play with small children indoors and outdoors, including routine tasks such as diaper changing and feeding.

Must be willing to travel with personal or agency vehicles in all conditions to complete home visits for enrolled families.

Comply with regulatory health requirements, including : providing documentation of an annual physical within 30 days of hire and every five (5) years thereafter; and an annual TB test.

Display an overall commitment to the agency and program’s mission, values, and vision while maintain a positive, professional image.

Adhere to all plans, policies, and procedures of Bona Vista Programs and the early childhood department.

Perform all required documentation and reports and submit in a timely manner.

Assist with additional duties when directed by management

REQUIREMENTS :

Infant and Toddler CDA or an equivalent of a CDA (12 credit hours in ECE) is required, Associates or Bachelors in ECE or a related field is preferred

Experience working professionally with children under the age of 3 years is preferred

Must have or be able to obtain CPR certification annually and First Aid certification every two years

General knowledge of child development, nutrition, health, and safety

Must possess good oral and written communication skills

The above statements reflect general functions of this job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent to the job.  The immediate supervisor may elaborate on the above list if the duties come within the employee's realm of responsibility.