Early Childhood Teacher I

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Early Childhood Teacher I assists with classroom activities and instruction to provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. The role supports children’s social-emotional development, responsive caregiving, observation and documentation of child progress, and mentoring and supervision of others through a positive team approach. It supports play-based education and emergent curriculum design in collaboration with the university and community, and helps provide a positive laboratory experience for college students.

The position works in the Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center, which provides childcare and early education for children ages 12 months to 5 years. The center is part of Texas A&M University’s School of Education and Human Development and supports research collaborations while prioritizing participating children’s psychological and physical needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• No prior experience required.
• Pediatric CPR or Pediatric First Aid certification, or ability to become certified within 60 days of employment.
• Ability to develop knowledge of child growth and development, learning theories, effective learning environments, and appropriate teaching strategies.
• Ability to develop knowledge of assessing instructional strategies and learning environments.
• Ability to give, receive, and reflect on constructive feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to assist in mentoring and supervising early childhood preservice teachers and student employees.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Team-building, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.

Nice To Haves

• Previous administrative and clerical work in a childcare center.

Responsibilities

• Assume classroom oversight when a teacher is absent.
• Assist with planning and implementing daily curriculum according to developmentally appropriate practices and responsive caregiving principles.
• Develop and apply a philosophy regarding child learning, social-emotional development, and positive guidance.
• Assist in developing and implementing emergent and project-based curriculum with integrated interest and learning areas.
• Observe children and document development through anecdotal notes, photographs, and videos, coordinating with assessment tools for intentional planning and reporting.
• Support the inclusion of children with varied developmental needs and help build a strong classroom community.
• Follow classroom routines based on curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist in establishing individual and group goals in coordination with families.
• Observe family conferences and assist with sharing progress reports twice per year.
• Mentor university students by guiding and supporting them, describing appropriate behaviors and effective practices, and connecting theory to practice.
• Supervise indoor and outdoor activities and direct student employees in supporting safe supervision.
• Follow research policies and assist faculty and students with data collection.
• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based, culturally responsive early learning experiences, including project-based activities that promote children’s interests and developmental growth.
• Learn to resolve conflicts appropriately and efficiently with children or parents.
• Assist in providing accommodations for children as needed.
• Help establish and maintain meaningful partnerships with children, families, colleagues, university faculty and staff, and the community.
• Communicate with families verbally and in writing through daily and weekly communication.
• Follow policies and procedures of the Children’s Center, Texas A&M University, the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, SACS/Cognia, and Texas Rising Star.
• Assist with ensuring federal, local, state, and program documentation is complete and accurate.
• Collaborate with university researchers and coordinate studies in ways that support children’s psychological and physical needs.
• Advocate for children participating in research and follow center and university policies for research implementation.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance; Texas A&M contributes to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Free exercise programs and release time for health and wellness.
• Free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and other professional development.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while employed by Texas A&M.
• Access to the Living Well employee program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED