Pre-K Teacher

Title: Teacher

Ages: 4-5 yrs

Supervises: may supervise Teacher Assistant or Aide

Supervised by: Program Director

Job Summary: The teacher is responsible for providing a developmental preschool program based on the Unity School developmental curriculum, which includes the High/Scope model and the Unity mission statement.

Unity is a certified preschool with a k-4 after-school program open since 1974. We are in the SPARK rating system for high-quality schools with a 5-star rating. We use the HighScope curriculum emphasizing the collaborative problem-solving approach with children. Unity is nature-driven, with a large playground and a woodsy environment. Our school sits on almost an acre of land, including an organic garden, and has bunnies, cats, and guinea pigs. Our school is licensed for 70 children, with five classrooms and six classes offered. Our school is unique, inclusive, and family-supported, and we take pride in our long-standing program.

Being an inclusive school means we work with children with different needs and developmental stages. Including children who are on the spectrum, children with behavioral challenges, medical needs, speech delay, non-verbal, and others. Every classroom experiences children with challenges or different needs; it is part of our program and mission statement that we provide education and care for all children. Before applying for this position, please consider that we are looking for individuals who understand inclusivity and that your classroom could have varying needs each year, depending on the children coming into your class.

Teachers with SPED or trauma-informed backgrounds are preferred but not required. Other qualifications are below

Unity Website: unityschooleugene.org (please type in the search bar as our website is currently being redirected and under maintenance in Google)

Unity School Mission Statement: It is our dream that the children who pass through Unity School will, through play and discovery, be encouraged to live a healthful life, always opt for a peaceful way to solve their problems, and weave who they are and what they have learned here into positive solutions for our community and our planet.

Responsibilities and duties:

• Work with the other teachers and the Program Director to plan and implement a developmental curriculum that incorporates all integral components of the Unity School program, including cultural and environmental studies, animal care, and gardening, as well as all components of a quality developmental program to meet the physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs of the enrolled children.
• Plan and implement circle activities for an assigned group of children with an aide or co-teacher.
• Supervise meals and snacks to facilitate a relaxed, social mealtime.
• Design programs and activities that meet the needs of individual children and create a warm, caring environment in which children feel comfortable and secure.
• Observe, record, and report significant group and individual behavior to the Program Director and parents as necessary.
• Arrange materials available to children in an orderly and easily accessible way.
• Keep classroom, materials and supplies neat, clean and orderly.
• Ensure the safety of children through constant supervision, effective management of space, proper maintenance of equipment and regular practice of emergency procedures in cooperation with all staff.
• Assist children to develop independence and problem solving skills through conflict resolution and other appropriate child management techniques.
• Develop rapport with parents, and keep them informed of children’s progress and current issues through direct contact, phone calls, notes and conferences.
• Communicate with parents about program plans and activities through monthly newsletter articles.
• Plan, supervise and transport children for field trips and special activities.
• Contribute to regular evaluation of supervised staff.
• Participate in staff meetings, parent activities, and training activities and conferences as needed.
• Participate in the evaluation process as defined by the Unity School personnel policies.
• Support the philosophy of Unity School and work as a team to further its goals and maintain a high standard of quality throughout the program.

Qualifications: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education or equivalent program, or over 1 year of verified experience teaching in a certified childcare facility with 1500 hours. (Preference given to those with experience.)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The Teacher will demonstrate a practical knowledge of early childhood education and the ability to apply it in the classroom.
• The Teacher shall also demonstrate warmth, respect, and a caring attitude in working with children and adults.

*Free childcare for employees (up to 2 children when space is available--third is half off).

*Must be in the CBR (central background registry) to be considered for this position https://secure.emp.state.or.us/ccd/

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $16.80 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• CBR (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17