Preschool Teacher

Overview

Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities. Easterseals Southern California provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 15,000 people each year – from early childhood programs to autism services, daily and independent living services for adults, employment programs, veterans’ services and more. Our public education, policy and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society.

Hiring Ranges

Associate Teachers Permit + BA degree: $24.52 - $29.09/hr DOE

Associate Teachers Permit + AA degree: $22.12 - $26.68/hr DOE

Associate Teachers Permit + HS diploma: $20.50 - $24.28/hr DOE

Overview of Position

Under limited supervision, plans, implements, and evaluates a developmentally appropriate and inclusive educational curriculum for children in the Early Head Start/Head Start program. Acts as Site Supervisor as designated. Performs as an educator for assigned children. Supervises the activities of the center’s educational program.

Responsibilities

• Performs as an educator for assigned children in the classroom throughout the child’s enrollment in the program. Supports primary caregiving in meeting the personal care of children, including safety and visual supervision.
• Plans, implements and supervises a developmentally appropriate and inclusive educational curriculum for young children, in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, policies and procedures and Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) standards of conduct. Conducts home visits and parent conferences within required timelines.
• Ensures individual child goals are created and implemented with parent input. Maintains weekly lesson plans, progress and anecdotal notes, and current paperwork. Completes child screenings and assessments within required timeframe.
• Coordinates and conducts bi-monthly classroom unit meetings. Provides input to evaluate volunteers and college interns. Actively participates in staff meetings, parent meetings, and in-service training. Participates in planning associate and parent training activities, parent meetings and workshops.
• Coordinates parent education, training and support for pregnant women including prenatal education, breast-feeding information, and other health resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

• B.A. Degree in early childhood education, child development and/or related field. Must possess and maintain a Child Development Teacher Permit. Must meet ongoing educational requirements to qualify for child development permit/CDA requirements.

Experience

• Experience teaching in a preschool or infant/toddler classroom setting, which includes 350 days of 3+ hours per day within a 4 year period.
• Must possess and maintain current pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate as well as a food handler’s certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Excel, Skype).
• Able to develop knowledge of infant and toddler development, safety issues in infant and toddler child care settings (i.e., reducing the risk of SIDS).
• Must complete California-mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training as well as Pesticide Safety Training (per Healthy Schools Act) prior to beginning work.
• Ability to properly interpret and implement regulations of the California Department of Education, Funding Terms and Conditions (Title 5), Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (Title 22), Head Start Performance Standards, and Easterseals policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to children and their families and maintain a positive affect.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, plan, establish and meet timelines.
• Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test.
• Ability to provide any/all current immunizations as required by the State of California for child development centers and staff.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements. Must have sex offender index clearance.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Carrying/Lifting: Occasional/ 0-30 lbs.
• Standing: Occasional/ Up to 3 hours per day
• Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day
• Walking: Occasional/ Up to 3 hours per day
• Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing
• Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint
• Travel: None
• Environmental Exposure: Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues