Preschool Teacher II, III

Transcription

1 Preschool Teacher II, III Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Reports to: Program/Dept: Grade: Center Manager Head Start Non-Exempt O 28-II, O-29-III The mission of Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION The Preschool Teacher is responsible for classroom operation including planning, carrying out activities, maintaining the classroom environment, supervising children, establishing and holding parent/teacher conferences/home visits and supervision of classroom volunteers. This position is also responsible for supervising the Assistant Teacher within their classroom. The Preschool Teacher must also provide leadership and direction to other staff within the classroom and cooperate with other staff in providing services for the children and their parents. This position assumes overall classroom responsibilities in addition to supervisory responsibilities related to their specific classroom. This position is also responsible for data entry and record keeping responsibility for the children within their classroom as well as overall planning for all children served in their classroom. This position is responsible for creating and facilitating a safe, healthy environment that provides intentional developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for the young children served. Helps recruit potential parents by providing information to them about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Classroom Operations 1. Plans and arranges an environment and room arrangement for children which is supportive and appropriate to meet their needs according to NAEYC s Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Creative Curriculum guidelines. 2. Plans a daily schedule and weekly lesson plan creating a varied and wide-range of opportunities for children to explore and experience promoting their self-worth. 3. Assumes overall classroom responsibility and data entry for all children served in their classroom. 4. Completes required education screenings within the specified timelines. Safety and Sanitation 1. Posts and complies with safety, sanitation and other guidelines for serving enrolled children (i.e., Child Care Licensing Standards, Head Start Performance Standards, Tri-Valley policy.) 2. Assures that safety and sanitation policies and procedures are followed appropriately. 3. Assures overall Health and Safety of the classroom and learning environments throughout the day. 4. Assures that children are dressed appropriately for the weather and type of play in which they are engaged. 5. Models and encourages appropriate health and safety habits to encourage social competence. 6. Assures that children are supervised at all times. 7. Administers First Aid and/or CPR (if trained) when necessary. Physical Arrangement 1. Assures that a welcome and appropriate environment is set up and maintained. 2. Creates developmentally appropriate and well-defined activity areas in the classroom. 3. Assures sufficient and appropriate materials are displayed in orderly and accessible fashion. people helping people Preschool Teacher II, III 3/1/14 1

2 4. Assures indoor/outdoor areas are safe and secure, and provides a variety of opportunities for children to explore. 5. Assures physical environment is child-sized. 6. Maintains current inventory of classroom materials and equipment. Schedules, Plans and Transitions 1. Plans, posts, and complies with appropriate child lesson plans. 2. Assures required items are posted in Spanish and English. 3. Plans and implements transition activities to assist children with changes in the environment. 4. Provides predictable routines to help children gain a sense of security. 5. Creates intentional teaching opportunities in preparation for school readiness. Individualizing 1. Determines the needs of children and plans and expedites services accordingly. 2. Observes children, documents and refers those requiring additional services, i.e. mental health, nutrition, disabilities and other consultation as appropriate. 3. Assists in the planning and conducts activities with the child that creates a developmentally appropriate and varied range of opportunities to explore and experience which meet the individual needs of the child (i.e. developing social and communication skills, self-esteem, creativity, self-reliance, etc.). 4. Conducts behavior guidance techniques according to agency policy. Recordkeeping and Reporting/Data Entry 1. Maintains and documents communication with families. 2. Prepares and distributes home/school learning sheets (curriculum extension) in-kind opportunities for parents. 3. Responsible for documenting and inputting all children s data into Teaching Strategies GOLD. 4. Completes and returns required paperwork in a timely manner. 5. Collects and charts data and other assessment activities to determine the developmental level of individual Parent Contact and Involvement 1. Conducts parent conferences and home visits. 5. Prepares and distributes home/school learning sheets or letters to parents. 6. Invite parents to be involved in their child s curriculum by providing them access to Teaching Strategies GOLD. 7. Provide ongoing contact with families via telephone calls, notes or visits, documenting activity on contact sheets. 8. Attends Parent Meetings and share information regarding the children you serve as requested. 9. Helps arrange parent volunteers, welcome them and utilizes their skills in the classroom. Communication 1. Consults with center staff on a daily basis to ensure smooth program operation. 2. Provides an environment that encourages verbal interaction which encourages expression of feelings. 3. Promotes interactions with other children, encouraging use of words. 4. Engages in conversation in child s language of choice as much as possible. 5. Involves Teacher Assistant and Volunteers in all aspects of planning and operating the classroom. Guidance 1. Encourages problem solving. 2. Provides opportunities for children to become self-assertive. 3. Provides opportunities for children to develop self-help skills. 4. Sets reasonable and appropriate limits and rules for the classroom and explains why. 5. Informs, reminds, and assists children in learning appropriate behavior. people helping people Preschool Teacher II, III 3/1/14 2

3 Self-Esteem 1. Provides opportunities for children to solve problems on their own. 2. Uses daily routines to help children master skills and feel competent. 3. Provides children with culturally relevant and meaningful activities. 4. Supports and encourages children s natural curiosity about people and objects in their world. 5. Provides secure relationships and opportunities for children to actively explore the world. 6. Spends individual time with each child every day. 7. Ensures that every child in the program is represented visually. Interest Areas 1. Provides materials and opportunities that reflect diversity. 2. Uses real and meaningful pictures to decorate interest areas. 3. Organizes and displays materials on low shelves so children have access to them. 4. Provides materials that engage all of the child s senses. 5. Provides a variety of materials and rotates to peak children s interest. STANDARD PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS 1. Maintains confidentiality of all client and employee information encountered. 2. Displays a positive attitude and presence; is motivated to do their best. 3. Builds professional work relationships; fosters a teamwork approach regardless of role or level of interaction. 4. Professionally interacts with co-workers and supervisor, treating everyone with respect; supports the decisions of management and contributions of others. 5. Regularly attends work as position requires; provides notice as expected when time off is requested or necessary. Is punctual for work, meetings, and appointments. 6. Produces quality work, taking the initiative to complete duties with minimal supervision. Meets expectations and deadlines, asking for clarification and guidance as needed. 7. Complies with Corporate Policy Manual, Corporate Safety Policies and Procedures and applicable program or department specific policies, procedures, regulations and standards; seeking clarification as needed; reports unsafe or illegal actions; and understands they will be held accountable for their actions. 8. Adapts to and supports changes made to improve systems and services. Pursues different approaches, is flexible, offers suggestions and maintains an open mind to the ideas of others. 9. Displays fluid time management skills; simultaneously works on multiple projects and duties within strict time constraints. 10. Supports the mission of Tri-Valley; is knowledgeable of, supports and promotes Tri-Valley programs and services. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 1. Meet or exceed educational and experience requirements for the appropriate level: Teacher III Advanced or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education OR Any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool-age children OR Any field and has been admitted into and is supported by the Teach for America program and passed a rigorous early childhood content exam. people helping people Preschool Teacher II, III 3/1/14 3

4 Teacher II Associate degree in Early Childhood Education OR A field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool-age children. 2. Two years of experience working with Microsoft Word and Excel, and the internet. 3. Proof of valid driver s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS 1. Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish, verbally and in writing. 2. Familiar with Mexican/American, Migrant families cultures and lifestyles. 3. Knowledgeable of State and Federal Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Best Practices and goals. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS - HAZARD AND EXPOSURE LEVEL To ensure the safety and well-being of Tri-Valley employees, physical and mental demands have been identified, as well as the likelihood of hazards and exposure levels relative to this position. Precautionary measures are in place to reduce or eliminate injury and illness; employees are expected to follow to ensure their personal safety and safety of others. Reasonable accommodations may be available. This position requires: 1. Minimal driving of personal or program vehicle, requiring acute awareness of surroundings, continuous use and unrestricted mobility of both hands, feet, arms and legs, head, neck, shoulders, and back. Stress associated with concern for personal safety in poor weather and road conditions, working in unfamiliar or unsafe neighborhoods, at times nights and weekends, and in the homes of others. 2. Normal range of hearing and vision, with or without corrective aides. 3. Continuous, unrestricted movement of arms, wrist and hands, requiring manual dexterity sufficient to grip, grasp, hold and manipulate objects. Continuous twisting, turning, bending, reaching and stretching of head, neck, shoulders and torso at body level; frequent reaching above or below. Continuous walking bending, kneeling, squatting, crawling and interacting with children on floor; climbing stairs as facility and client homes require. 4. Frequent lifting and carrying and occasional pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds. 5. Mental demands include stress associated with planning and carrying out lesson plans within educational, safety and time guidelines, ensuring the safety of children, some with special needs, behavior and home life challenges. May encounter individuals who are upset, on the phone and in person. Must maintain calm, professional and respectful of others in stressful situations. 6. Environmental hazards associated with client homes; maintenance of buildings, tobacco smoke, animals, and unexpected verbal aggression. 7. Frequent contact with contagious diseases, bloodborne pathogens; blood and bodily fluids. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 1. This position description details an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the position. It should not be considered an exhaustive list of all expectations of the position; additional duties and responsibilities may be added or changed as appropriate to meet the needs of the corporation, program, or department. 2. This position description is not a contract for employment; Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is an Employer at Will and as such either party may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, or no reason at all. people helping people Preschool Teacher II, III 3/1/14 4

5 3. I have read and understand the essential functions and expectations of the position. I have had the opportunity to ask questions and attest that I can perform the essential functions of the position with or without a reasonable accommodation. Employee Name (Print) Date Employee Signature Date people helping people Preschool Teacher II, III 3/1/14 5