Early Childhood Center Teacher

Family Forward•Overland, MO

About The Position

Early Childhood Center Teacher The Therapeutic Preschool at FamilyForward provides a highly structured environment utilizing trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive interventions for children ages three to six years experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties resulting from histories of developmental trauma. This role is highly collaborative, partnering with other teachers and supported by a team of therapists to create a custom therapeutic plan for each child. An ideal candidate will be ready to nurture, play, build relationships, teach, and co-regulate with the children in the program. Classroom sizes are small to enable staff to provide the individualized support needed to help children thrive. This is a full-time, year-round position. FamilyForward is committed to upholding the Organizational Health Anchors that we have set for the agency, including: safety; mindfulness and self-regulation; relational health; cultural diversity, inclusivity, equity, and anti-racism; clinical lens; vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. What puts FamilyForward Out Front: Small adult-child ratios and high levels of support for staff in the classroom 4-days of programming, Fridays without students for flexible use 40-hour work week – No work on weekends Brand new facility built intentionally to support the needs of staff and clients Paid time off December 25th to January 1st Therapeutic service provision based in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics No on call hours Emphasis on professional learning, growth, and development How we wholeheartedly take care of our people: Competitive pay & benefits package includes: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family Optional short-term disability Virtual medical and mental health care coverage Employee Assistance Program counseling services Pre-tax medical Flexible Spending Accounts Health Reimbursement Account for deductible expenses over $1000 individual; $2000 for families 3% dollar for dollar company-matched 403(b) retirement savings account Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance 10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays for religious/cultural celebrations Wellness Week paid time off December 25th – 31st annually Paid vacation time and health and wellness leave Education assistance program Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Eligible Site Member and active participant in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Diversity Awareness Partnership Non-Profit Partner

Requirements

You hold a bachelors’ degree in early childhood education or child development required.
You bring at least three years’ experience; with experience in early childhood education preferred.
You meet the personal qualifications as required in Part 407: Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers.
Have experience in serving high needs populations; preferably working with children with challenging behaviors.
You have excellent written and oral communication skills.
You are committed to trauma-informed interventions with children
You have strong self-care and stress management skills.
You have the physical ability to sit on floor and lift children without restriction
You have the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, highly collaborative, and mutually respectful environment
You have the personal characteristics and temperament suitable for working with children with challenging behaviors and unique needs

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in related field (social work, counseling) and credits hours in early childhood education considered.

Responsibilities

You will build relationships with young children and your classroom team to develop rapport and trust
You will create an environment in your classroom that supports play, felt safety, and co-regulation
You will actively engage students throughout the school day in developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed therapeutic activities
You will utilize individualized therapeutic interventions to support children through challenging behaviors and big emotions
You will implement all classroom practices including lessons plans, room arrangement, daily schedules, routines, and transitions
You will prepare and maintain the classroom environment for the daily activities, ensuring cleanliness and safety of the physical environment
You will support the Educational Therapist and Occupational Therapist during group therapy throughout the week
You will communicate directly and effectively with clients, staff, supervisor, teammates and other professionals, demonstrating an embracement and responsiveness to cultural, familial, socioeconomic and other diverse experiences
You will be supported by a co-teacher and assigned educational therapist in your classroom, and build a cohesive classroom team
You will practice regular self-reflective practice and maintain continual curiosity to continue evolving skills and meeting the unique needs of children in your care
You will help track each child’s progress, and regularly communicate updates to caregivers and each child’s treatment team
You will ensure the safety of students at all times, including utilizing the safe room and/or appropriate restraints (as a last resort) when absolutely necessary
You will actively participate in classroom meetings, all-staff meetings, staff development activities, and regular case staffing
You will participate in caregiver-teacher conferences twice yearly

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
Optional short-term disability
Virtual medical and mental health care coverage
Employee Assistance Program counseling services
Pre-tax medical Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Reimbursement Account for deductible expenses over $1000 individual; $2000 for families
3% dollar for dollar company-matched 403(b) retirement savings account
Company-paid long-term disability and life insurance
10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays for religious/cultural celebrations
Wellness Week paid time off December 25th – 31st annually
Paid vacation time and health and wellness leave
Education assistance program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Eligible Site
Member and active participant in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Diversity Awareness Partnership Non-Profit Partner