Early Childhood Education Teacher

MISSION STATEMENT

Are you ready to give back to the community while pursuing your passion?  For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond.  We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Education Director, the Head Teacher develops and implements individual educational plans for children, which help them to develop socially, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their stage of development.  The Teacher works collaboratively with the Teacher Assistant and aid/or volunteers.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in all pre-service trainings and workshops throughout the year.
• Implement creative curricula in the classroom.
• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and the Core Curriculum and thorough knowledge and application of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing in all domains.
• Guide and facilitate activities of the children, including daily activities, choice time, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child’s work, and developmental assessment completed as per ACS, and DOE.
• Experience with or knowledge of Teaching Strategies Gold for the implementation of #7.
• Conduct two home visits (for Head Start only) and two/three parent conferences to discuss the child’s individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
• Eat and assist children in the development of social and self- help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
• Meet periodically with directors and family assistants to exchange information pertinent to the identification and services of children with disabilities.
• Meet with the mental health consultant as needed to discuss the mental health needs of children.
• Work with assistant and aide to use and develop staff’s individual skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.   Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored.
• Use the park as an extension of the classroom and assure that the park is safe.
• Assist in conducting the daily health and environment check list.
• Assist in implementing children’s I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed.
• Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g. lesson plans, assessments, attendance, meal counts and progress reports.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Teacher Professional Development Plan
• Experience successfully working with a cultural diverse staff and client
• Perform other duties as may be required.

REQUIREMENTS

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field, at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education
•  Two years experience teaching children in the age range for which she/he is applying for- Unlicensed professionals For licensed professionals a minimum of Three years Or be in the process of completing an advanced degree and a NYS teaching Certification” birth to grade 2”.
• Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practices.
• Proof of a physical examination within the last 6 months, which includes a tuberculosis test, and comply with other background checks as required by the Agency and/or DOHMH licensing, DOE and ACS.
• Personal qualifications as required: Licensing Standards for Early Childhood Center based programs, emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities.
• Have education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their children.

WHY JOIN US?

Acacia Network provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance. We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.