Teacher - Pre-K - Model Center

About the Role

The Teacher is responsible for ensuring the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team. They assist with the planning and implementation of the curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a safe and healthy environment:
  • Maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.
  • Promote healthy eating practices by eating with children.
  • Help children maintain proper dental hygiene according to regulations.
  • Post necessary health and safety information.
  • Share routine duties with other staff (supervision on playground, toileting, cleanup, classroom maintenance).
  • Assist in keeping room and other areas neat and clean.
  • Interact with children in activities they are supervising.
  • Perform health checks on children daily.
  • Perform daily classroom and playground safety checks and report deficiencies to Lead Teacher.
  • Perform appropriate hand washing and sanitizing procedures.
• Demonstrates physical and cognitive competence:
  • Provide balance between child/teacher-initiated activities.
  • Use equipment/materials to promote physical development.
  • Provide balance between quiet/active learning activities.
  • Involve children in planning and implementing activities.
  • Provide an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children.
  • Plan and implement activities that promote the acquisition of number concepts.
  • Plan and implement experiences that promote language and literacy development.
  • Consider outdoors as a part of the learning environment.
  • Assess program supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities.
  • Assist Lead Teacher with lesson plans following Work Sampling Online (WSO) to meet individual needs.
  • Assess children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis.
  • Use the results of assessments to plan activities for children based on their developmental level.
  • Prepare activities ahead of time so materials are in order when needed and follow through with planned activities.
  • Use knowledge of children’s developmental stages to plan age-appropriate activities.
• Supports social and emotional development and provides positive guidance:
  • Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem.
  • Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop social skills.
  • Plan and implement culturally appropriate experiences.
  • Use positive guidance techniques/strategies.
  • Establish routines with smooth transition periods.
  • 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, explore, and discover.
  • Help children work out problems by encouraging them to talk about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear, etc.) and express them appropriately.
  • Be willing to work with children with special needs and their families.
• Establishes positive and productive relationships with families:
  • Greet parents and other visitors with a smile and friendly manner.
  • Take time to explain classroom activities and projects to parents.
  • Provide verbal and/or written communication to parents daily regarding child’s activities.
  • Relate assessment information to parents and offer support for dealing with children at different developmental stages.
  • Plan and conduct home and/or personal visits.
  • Promote communication with parents through Procare, progress notes, monthly newsletters, and parent conferences.
  • Provide a variety of ways that families can participate in the program and encourage family engagement.
• Maintains a commitment to professionalism:
  • Attend staff and parent leadership meetings.
  • Attend conferences and in-service training.
  • Make observable use of knowledge gained from conferences and courses.
  • Share new ideas and skills with other staff members.
  • Promote the Agency’s philosophy and educational objectives.
  • Report to the Center Director before workday begins when planning to be absent.
  • Maintain a good attendance record.
  • 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).
  • Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
  • Use resources effectively.
  • Display understanding of State Licensing Regulations.
  • Display understanding of NAEYC Standards.
  • Display understanding of Quality Rated standards.
  • Display knowledge and understanding of Head Start Performance Standards.
  • Display positive outlook and pleasant manner.
  • Assume leadership role in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
  • Help supervise substitutes and volunteers working in the classroom.
• Teamwork:
  • Display the ability to 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

• Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field (preferred).
• Proficient knowledge in:
  • Child development and early education theories and practices.
  • Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) and Georgia Pre-K program requirements.
  • Safe and appropriate activities for children.
  • Relevant policies and procedures to ensure children are supervised and safe at all times.
  • Early education and family center cultural environment.
• Skills:
  • Team building, supervisory, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Decision-making, effective verbal and listening communication skills.
  • Stress management, time management, and teaching skills.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Respect, cultural awareness, sensitivity, flexibility, sound work ethics.
  • Consistency, fairness, compassion, and understanding.
  • Ability to build esteem 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.
  • Work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment with multiple activities happening simultaneously.
  • Use arms, legs, and whole body (climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, handling materials).
  • Ability to 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.