Early Childhood Education Teacher

Under general supervision from the ECE Leader and/or Assistant Program Manager, the Teacher works as a team player in facilitating the learning process and supervision of children (two weeks – 5 years old) in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Early Childhood Program.   Jointly supervises and participates in the training of children, parents, staff, and volunteers, as needed.  

Primary Job Functions

Primary functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities among other characteristics.   This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

• Supervises and coordinates with the Assistant Teacher(s) and Teacher Aide(s) in all phases of the ECE Center classroom to ensure a well-managed purposeful program responsive to all participants needs.  Maintains scheduled center activities, follows lesson plans, and documents accordingly. Completes and maintains all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and other regulations.
• Implements federal, state, and local health and safety policies and procedures.  Follows guidelines set in the SRPMIC and ECE Policies and Procedures Manual.  Implements the performance standards as reflected in the ECE Program Plan.
• Supervises children assigned to his or her classroom.  Plans, organizes and attends parent meetings, as needed or required.  Observes strict confidentiality guidelines regarding children and families.  Educates parents and volunteers about the ECE Confidentiality Policy.
• Supervises volunteers in the classroom.  Supervises Assistant Teacher(s) and Teacher Aide(s) in classroom instruction, under the direction of the ECE Pre-school Resource Educator.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the classroom by following the ECE Policy for classrooms, which includes, but is not limited to, putting materials away each day and cleaning tables before and after meals and activities.  Arranges the physical environment to make it safe, healthy, interesting, and developmentally appropriate.  Oversees maintenance and upkeep of classroom supplies, materials, and equipment.   Obtains needed supplies and materials for the classroom.
• Leads tooth brushing and/or mouth care activities with children on a daily basis.  Disinfects toothbrushes daily and replaces mangled toothbrushes as needed.  Cleans/disinfects surfaces, toys, and materials according to the required schedule.
• Reports suspected abuse/neglect/maltreatment and other social service related incidents to appropriate ECE staff.  Reports any repairs and maintenance needs concerning the center or classroom facility and playground to the ECE Program Manager. 
• Pursues basic Pima or Maricopa language skills diligently and continues to expand from words and numbers to practical phrases.  Presents a minimum of one (1) cooking activity for general nutrition and one (1) cultural food cooking activity each month.
• Attends and participates in all scheduled staff meetings and ongoing training designed for ECE Staff as well as supplemental education training.  Serves on at least (2) job related committees annually.
• Administers, reviews required screenings, and submits all screenings and referrals for special services to the appropriate ECE staff within forty-five (45) days of the child’s enrollment.
• Works cooperatively with ECE staff members that are identified as being involved with disabilities services in the development of goals for children with disabilities, the provision of direct services, and any required documentation. 
• Conducts a minimum of two (2) home visits and two (2) parent/teacher conferences per family, per school year.  
•  Develops and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children based on the individual interests, needs, and abilities of the children in the classroom and the group as a whole.  Considers goals and objectives for each child and for the group as a whole and develops realistic lesson plans responsive to the needs of all.   Creates an environment and implements the daily curriculum, which reflects a developmentally appropriate anti-bias, multicultural approach.  
•  Participates in the team assessment of each child developmentally.   Determines individual goals, involving families in the process.  Participates daily in team planning curriculum with the Assistant Teaches (s) and Teacher Aide(s) and other appropriate staff, encouraging and using suitable input from families.  
• Supervises and participates in developmentally appropriate outdoor play activities daily.  
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Other Characteristics

A willingness to learn and understand: 

Knowledge of: 

• Child growth and development as well as positive discipline techniques
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including training, counseling, and performance evaluations

Skilled in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public school systems, community agencies and departments, vendors, parents, volunteers, SRPMIC staff, and the general public.
• Providing leadership to and evaluating the work of subordinate staff
• Instructing others and working effectively on a team
• Using a computer and MS Office Suite application software 

Ability to:

• Interact comfortably and empathetically with people from diverse backgrounds
• Be adaptable, flexible, resourceful, energetic, creative, dependable, and punctual
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Follow oral and written instructions, policies and procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines
• Lift up to fifty (50) pounds such as, but not limited to: a child, materials and equipment, from one location to another
• Operate a variety of standard office equipment, including but not limited to:  a photocopier, fax machine,  calculator, and computer to fulfill job requirements
• Operate a variety of standard media equipment, including but not limited to:  TV, VCR, camcorder, two-way radio, tape recorder, CD/cassette player, record player, and overhead projector to fulfill job requirements
• Operate a variety of standard household equipment, including but not limited to: washer; dryer; and vacuum to fulfill job requirements
• Handle food products, various supplies, and cleaning products, including but not limited to: soap and bleach

Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) from accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, or a Bachelor’s degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education including a minimum of 24 credit hours in Early Childhood or Child Development from an accredited college or university and experience working with children ages two weeks to five years. (Please submit unofficial transcripts.)

Preference: Preference will be given for applicants with both the Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Early Childhood Education and experience working with children ages two weeks to five years either as a volunteer or an employee.

Special Requirements – Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of this position, successful completion of an extensive background investigation is required.  Incumbent is required to pass a basic physical examination and provide proof of immunizations at time of hire.  Follow-up physical examinations and current immunizations are required and must be completed to maintain good employment status.  Maintaining booster shots on immunizations and taking a TB skin test or x-ray annually is also required.  Documentation of the above medical actions is absolutely essential for the file and for the health of the children in the Early Childhood Education Program.  Incumbent must also obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first three (3) months of employment from the date of hire and maintain certification subsequently.

Driving Requirement:  This job description does not require the incumbent to drive; however, any employee who chooses or is asked to drive an SRPMIC vehicle for work related community business must receive authorization to do so.  For clarification, work related community business includes driving to and from SRPMIC government sites and buildings.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Terms of Employment:  This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week.  

Must be able to pass a Pre-Employment Drug Test and extensive Fingerprint and Background Check. Employee is Subject to Random Drug Testing and completion of a Background Check every five (5) years.

Employment preference is given in the following order:
 1) Qualified Community Member 2) Qualified Native American, and 3) Other Qualified Applicant. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Salary : $56,278 - $75,668