Early Childhood Teacher-BioKids

BioKids is a NAEYC-accredited early childhood program and parent cooperative, open year-round with full-time programming for children birth through five years across three classrooms: Infant/Toddler (6 weeks–24 months), Discovery Preschool (24–36 months or until potty-trained), and Preschool (36 months–5 years).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement lesson plans that stimulate mental progress and provide a well-rounded daily activity schedule for preschool children using Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) techniques and Creative Curriculum Developmental Objectives.
• Provide intentional daily experiences aligned with Creative Curriculum Developmental Objectives based on children’s developmental needs and interests.
• Use the Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment tool to evaluate and document children’s progress.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, and professionals, addressing concerns and maintaining harmonious relationships.
• Apply Positive Child Guidance techniques to redirect inappropriate behavior and help children manage their own behavior; model these techniques for teaching assistants.
• Lead music and movement activities to support memory, verbal skills, and a love for music.
• Lift children up to 30 pounds safely and perform daily routine care, including feeding, diapering, cuddling, playing, singing, and maintaining a gentle, nurturing environment.
• Maintain a healthy and safe classroom environment by sanitizing materials daily and adhering to State Licensing Guidelines.
• Oversee classroom assistants, interpret behaviors, and ensure they work appropriately with children.
• Demonstrate leadership within the classroom team and collaborate with BioKids staff in activities such as:
  • Playing on the floor with children at their eye level.
  • Supervising and maintaining required child-to-staff ratios at all times.
  • Assisting with toileting, including lifting children for diaper changes and guiding them through potty training (as directed by the lead teacher).
  • Washing hands, cleaning the classroom, and ensuring safe transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces (including year-round outdoor supervision).
  • Implementing assigned lesson plans.
• Keep accurate records of program usage and children’s progress, including written assessments shared with parents/guardians.
• Demonstrate consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Help maintain NAEYC standards and classroom portfolios.
• Support BioKids staff in additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of related experience working with children in a child care, Head Start, or preschool setting.
• Demonstrated interest in child development and guidance.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Current Food Handler’s Permit or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to lift and carry small children (10–50 lbs.) for short distances.
• Physical ability to:
  • Use fine and gross motor skills.
  • Read printed materials (sufficient vision).
  • Hear normal and telephone conversations (sufficient hearing).
  • Speak clearly and audibly in normal conversation.
  • Sit on the floor and move about on hands and knees for extended periods.
  • Walk and stand for long periods.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with children, parents/guardians, and colleagues.
• Proficiency in general office duties, computer systems, and technology.
• Availability for in-person meetings with parents/guardians when requested.
• Ability to communicate effectively in emergencies with management or dispatch.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, evaluate progress, and adjust activities to complete projects within deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and problem-solving.
• Commitment to excellent customer service.
• Completion of 20 hours of continuing education annually in early childhood education, per Utah Licensing rules and NAEYC best practices.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a related field (e.g., Child and Family Development, Early Childhood Development) or equivalent.
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate or willingness to pursue one.
• Experience working in a NAEYC-accredited program.
• Previous child care experience and/or education in Early Childhood.

Pay

$16–18 per hour, commensurate with experience.