Preschool Teacher

JOIN THE ECS TEAMAt ECS, we help underserved children in Northeast and Central Florida build a solid foundation for educational success. Give a child a better start, and you dramatically increase the childs odds of being a better person of having a better life. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential.ECS has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with Episcopal Childrens Services.ECS offers a competitive benefit package which includes:Medical, dental and vision insurance403(b) plan with 5% employer matchEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Long-term & short-term disability insuranceEmployer-paid life insurancePaid holidaysGenerous paid time offCollege tuition assistanceCareer developmentGENERAL DESCRIPTION:The classroom Teacher provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child has the opportunity to develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately.MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:Education and DevelopmentPlan and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each childs age and language.Plan and implement appropriate daily lesson plans, based on the approved curriculum, that promote the cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development of children in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one based on ECS School Readiness Goals and the needs of children.Lead large group learning times in a manner consistent with CLASS philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice.Use teaching strategies that illustrates the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.Conduct ongoing assessment and individualization documentation in a timely manner.Collect, enter and analyze child assessment data and use plan individualization.Plan a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment by adding new and interesting materials each weekProvide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline Policy.Develop nurturing relationships with each child by encouraging his or her social and emotional developmentMaintain accurate and complete VPK attendance and submit to Center Manager the last day of each month (if applicable).Assure parents sign the VPK Parental Choice Certificate at the end of each month (if applicable).Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards. (These may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start.)Participate in research initiatives pertaining to early child hood education, development, and related topics.Childrens Health and Developmental ServicesConduct daily health checks on each child.Plan weekly activities promoting a healthy lifestyle.Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.Participate in monthly case management meetings regarding childrens health and development.Family PartnershipsProvide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.Attend parent meetings as assigned.Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.Inform parents concerning their childrens progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, portfolios, parent conferences and home visits.Engage parents in the development of school readiness goals for their children and guide parents in the use of curriculum activities related to their childrens school readiness goals.Maintain transition procedures for children moving to another classroom or program and coordinate transition with other appropriate program staff.NutritionEat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.Serve food in a way that encourages the development and socialization of the children.Assist in kitchen duties (if applicable).Plan weekly activities that promote good nutrition.Training and CommunicationProvide leadership in following best practices in the field of early childhood education.Assist the center manager in training, mentoring, and developing the Teacher Aide to create an appropriate classroom environment.Work collaboratively and attentively with an in-class coach.Participate in the CLASS evaluation and training of peers.Communicate regularly with other staff in order to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.Have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program.Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor.Maintain appropriate record keeping.Maintain confidentiality at all times.(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:This position reports to the Center Manager.RequirementsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:DCF 45-hour training and one of the following:Teacher II - An associate degree in child development or early childhood education; or an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education with 30 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age childrenTeacher III A baccalaureate degree in child development or early childhood education; or a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or a baccalaureate degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age childrenTeacher IV - An advanced degree in child development or early childhood education; or an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or an advanced degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age childrenCERTIFICATIONS:Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.Complete a minimum of 40 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30.