Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Education Teacher

Grace Place for Children and Families•Naples, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At Grace Place, the mission is to change families' stories that are defined by poverty through education, community, and a deep commitment to the families they serve. The Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Education Teacher plays a vital role in creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment where children and families can thrive. This role involves working alongside the Director of Family Literacy Expansion, the ECE Co-Teacher, Family Literacy staff, and volunteers to implement the Grace Place Family Literacy Model® across Early Childhood Education, Adult Education, Parent Time, and PACT Time. This is a collaborative role for someone who finds purpose in supporting young learners and their families, understanding that meaningful early childhood experiences lay the foundation for lifelong growth and success. With guidance from the Director of Family Literacy Expansion, the teacher is responsible for implementing a high-quality, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate preschool program that supports the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of every child.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, A.A. Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, and/or related field.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word required.
Willing to submit to fingerprinting and background checks.
Possession of a valid Florida driver's license.
Commitment to supporting the leadership culture of the organization.
Commitment to the mission and core values of Grace Place.
Current First Aid and CPR certificates (can be obtained within 90 days of employment).
Meet required DCF training courses (45 hours).
Maintain the required 10 hours of in-service training.
Compliance with Good Moral Character as defined by DCF.
Level 2 Background check, fingerprinting required.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Proof of valid automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years of experience in a teaching or supervising capacity in an early childhood setting.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse cultures and populations.
Additional technology and database skills.
Bilingual and bi-cultural skills.

Responsibilities

Utilize play-based curriculum, DCF Performance Standards, and Grace Place's established rules and procedures to develop schemes of work, lesson plans, and instructional activities that facilitate and promote early learning skills carried over into the home.
Create a developmentally appropriate classroom environment and identify and select differentiated instructional resources and methods to meet students' individual needs.
Maintain a well-organized, DCF-compliant, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.
Build positive relationships with students and families, providing effective ongoing coaching of parents in appropriate strategies modeled during Parent and Child Together (P.A.C.T.) Time.
Meet with parents and guardians during two home visits per year to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways they can promote learning and development.
Maintain regular communication with parents regarding their child's progress and needs and keep parents informed of program expectations and activities.
Conduct home visits and staff/parent conferences.
Welcome and effectively manage volunteer involvement in the ECE classroom.
Provide effective ongoing coaching in appropriate strategies and model these strategies in the classroom.
Maintain high visibility and a hands-on presence with students, staff, volunteers, and parents in all aspects of the program.
Observe and evaluate student performance and development, maintaining records of each child's progress to be utilized for planning and evaluation.
Comply with and complete all required Grace Place evaluations throughout the academic year.
Incorporate student performance and progress into lesson planning and implemented activities to achieve mastery of outcomes and goals.
Identify developmental and social-emotional needs of children and make appropriate interventions and referrals with the guidance of the Director of Family Literacy Expansion.
Ensure outcome reporting effectively demonstrates program impact and student progress.
Communicate regularly with direct team members for the seamless delivery of classroom lessons and achievement of objectives.
Operate a motor vehicle to travel between Grace Place locations, attend meetings, trainings, or off-site obligations, and transport materials as needed.
Perform all other related duties as required by direct supervisors or Grace Place leadership.