Preschool Teacher

Description

Mission & Vision

Parc Center for Disabilities has a mission to provide opportunities for children & adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence and experience life to the fullest. Our vision is a community where all individuals live with dignity and are treated with respect. Our shared purpose is to provide exceptional experiences to our participants each and every day. 

What We Value

Parc Center for Disabilities – Together we RISE:

• Respect – we treat everyone as a person first. Dignity guides all interactions ad we proudly work together as a team to advance the vision and mission of our organization.
• Integrity – we exercise honesty, transparency, and the highest level of ethical practice. We believe firmly in always doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.
• Service – we believe in making a difference to the person in front of you. We serve every individual and family in our care with compassion, empowerment, kindness, and purpose.
• Empathy – we step into the world of those we serve and those who serve our organization. All actions are guided by first asking ourselves what another may be thinking, feeling, experiencing, or enduring.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Discovery Learning Center, the Preschool Teacher is responsible for a nurturing and guiding preschoolers aged 2 months to 5 years old. Dive into a dynamic role centered on fostering social, cognitive, language, and physical growth through engaging activities.  

The Preschool Teacher should have relevant teaching experience, patience and empathy to work with children who may have diverse needs and abilities, and skills in managing challenging behaviors and implementing positive behavior support strategies.  

Working on site at Parc Center for Disabilities’ campus, you’ll find a dedicated team, unified in building an engaged, people-centered work environment. 

Essential Responsibilities

• Navigate the classroom with finesse, adhering to Pinellas County Childcare Licensing Standards while prioritizing the needs of children with disabilities.
• Craft captivating lesson plans using the renowned Creative Curriculum, meticulously tailored to cater to every child's unique journey.
• Dive deep into daily observations, leveraging the Teaching Strategies Gold assessment tool to chart progress, especially for children with disabilities.
• Cultivate a warm and inclusive atmosphere, where families and children alike feel valued and supported, championing diversity.
• Embrace each child's individuality, weaving opportunities for self-expression seamlessly into daily interactions.
• Champion language development through engaging activities, ensuring every child's voice is heard and celebrated.
• Foster strong partnerships with parents through transparent communication and insightful conferences, offering tailored strategies for children with disabilities.
• Keep meticulous records, empowering us to adapt and excel in meeting each child's evolving needs.
• Cultivate meaningful connections between parents and children, offering guidance and resources along the way.
• Set the tone for each day with a radiant welcome, fostering a sense of belonging from the get-go.
• Lead immersive classroom experiences, blending music, art, and sensory play, with thoughtful accommodations for children with disabilities.
• Showcase the brilliance of our budding artists, adorning bulletin boards with their masterpieces to inspire pride and community.
• Vigilantly monitor children's well-being, promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
• Contribute your expertise to our collaborative team, enriching our collective knowledge and ensuring excellence across classrooms.

Requirements

Education, Training and Experience Requirements:

• Associate degree in related field or CDA (Child Development Associate) Degree required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with preschool children in a childcare setting. 
• Experience working with children with disabilities in an educational or childcare setting.
• Valid Florida Drivers’ License with acceptable driving record.
• Be physically, visually, and auditorily aware of the cognitive, social, and physical needs of children.
• Communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A heartfelt passion for championing children and families, particularly those navigating disabilities, in an inclusive environment.
• Understanding of various disabilities and their effects on learning and development (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorder).
• Familiarity with educational strategies and interventions tailored to children with disabilities.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with parents, other educators, therapists, and team members.
• Patience and empathy to work with children who may have diverse needs and abilities.
• Strong observational skills to identify individual learning styles and challenges.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
• Skill in managing challenging behaviors and implementing positive behavior support strategies.
• Creativity in designing engaging and inclusive learning activities.
• A team player at heart, driven by a shared mission to create a space where every child thrives.
• Ability to read and follow instructions and safety precautions.
• Physical demands such as repetitive motion, standing, bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to reach a child 20 to 30 feet away within 30 seconds without endangering own health.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other electronic tools.

Schedule:

• Discovery Learning Center hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm. Your schedule will vary depending on business needs, classroom placement, and other factors. 
• This is an on-site role.

Salary Range: $21.00/hour.  

Benefits Package

Parc Center for Disabilities offers a comprehensive and generous compensation and benefits package including the following:

• 10 Paid Holidays
• 2 Personal Days
• 18 PTO Days
• Health, Dental, & Vision coverage as well as voluntary supplemental benefits like Short-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Life & AD&D.
• Health Savings Accounts

Salary : $20 - $21