Part Time Teacher - Preschool - Buford Center

Provide care for a group of children as part of a teaching team, working with any age group from infant to Pre-K classrooms.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and healthy environment:
  • Promote healthy eating practices by eating with children.
  • Share routine duties with other staff (supervision on playground, toileting, cleanup, classroom maintenance, etc.).
  • Assist in keeping room and other areas neat and clean.
  • Interact with children in activities they are supervising.
  • Perform appropriate hand washing and sanitizing procedures.
  • Participate in child/teacher-initiated activities.
  • Use equipment/materials to promote physical development.
  • Implement planned activities.
  • Engage children in learning activities outdoors.
  • Ensure materials are prepared in advance of implementing activities.
  • Follow Active Supervision policies at all times to ensure safety of children.
• Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance:
  • Facilitate hands-on activities that develop self-esteem and social skills as identified on the lesson plan.
  • Demonstrate awareness of cultural diversity while interacting with children.
  • Use positive guidance techniques and strategies.
  • Provide access to a wide variety of creative/expressive activities.
  • Follow classroom routines and provide smooth transitions.
  • Encourage children to be independent in decision making and self-care (dressing, toileting, etc.).
  • Greet children upon arrival and departure.
  • Show each child affection and attention daily.
  • Encourage children to problem solve and discover.
  • Help children work out problems by encouraging them to talk about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear, etc.) and express them appropriately.
  • Work with children who have special needs and their families.
• Establish positive and productive relationships with families:
  • Greet parents and other visitors with a smile and friendly manner.
  • Encourage parents to participate in the program.
• Maintain a commitment to professionalism:
  • Attend staff meetings, conferences, and in-service training.
  • Apply knowledge gained from training in daily work.
  • Share new ideas and skills with other staff members.
  • Promote the Agency's philosophy and educational objectives.
  • Report to the Center Director before the workday begins when planning to be absent.
  • Maintain a good attendance record and report to classroom according to schedule.
  • Follow center rules regarding breaks, telephones, clocking in and out, etc.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in required job skills and knowledge.
  • Exhibit ability to learn and apply new skills.
  • Maintain current knowledge of trends and best practices in early childhood education (ECE).
  • Work independently with minimal guidance and use resources effectively.
  • Display understanding of State Licensing Regulations, NAEYC standards, Quality Rated standards, and Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Display a positive outlook and pleasant demeanor.
• Assist the Lead Teacher and Teacher in the assessment of children’s progress.
• Teamwork:
  • Work as a team member.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with center staff.
  • Actively work to resolve conflict.
  • Maintain flexibility with center changes as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• One of the following:
  • 2 or more years of Early Childhood Education experience (preferred), or
  • Enrollment in a Child Development Associate (CDA) program within 12 months of hire, or
  • Course credits in early childhood education, or
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC), or
  • Technical College Diploma (TCD) in early childhood education, or
  • 60 or more total hours toward a Bachelor’s degree, or
  • Completed BA/BS degree.

Skills

• Proficient knowledge in:
  • Child development and early education theories and practices.
  • Safe and appropriate activities for children.
  • Relevant policies and procedures to ensure children are supervised and safe.
  • Early education and family center cultural environment.
• Demonstrated skills in:
  • Team building, supervision, analysis, and problem-solving.
  • Decision making, verbal and listening communication.
  • Stress management, time management, and teaching.
  • Maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Ability to:
  • Be respectful, culturally aware, and sensitive.
  • Be flexible, demonstrate sound work ethics, and be consistent and fair.
  • Be compassionate and understanding while ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry children and equipment: 30 lbs unassisted, 50 lbs with assistance.
• Capability to sit on the floor and stand up independently to interact with children.
• Clean and maintain equipment and the center.
• Take precautions to ensure health and safety due to potential exposure to illness/contagions.
• Work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment with multiple activities happening simultaneously.
• Use arms, legs, and whole body for climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Learn and use technology.
• Pass a hearing test.
• Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 20 feet.

Special Requirements

• Background check, fingerprinting, and drug test required prior to hire.
• Ability to handle stress and ensure children are supervised at all times.
• Preparedness to handle accidents and emergencies at any time.