Licensed Preschool Specialist (Substitute Lead Preschool Teacher)

CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE•Wheat Ridge, CO

23d•$19 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE: This position is responsible for implementing an early childhood education program to children ranging from 2 ½ to 5 years of age. Wheat Ridge was founded during the 1859 Gold Rush as a rest stop for miners and later named for its golden wheat fields. As unsuccessful miners turned to farming, the area thrived with orchards, vegetable fields, and later, greenhouses, earning the title “Carnation City.” Incorporated in 1969, Wheat Ridge now offers a central location with easy access to Denver and the Rocky Mountains. It operates as a home-rule city with a council-manager government, where the elected council sets policy, and the manager oversees daily operations and budgeting. CORE VALUES: The City of Wheat Ridge is committed to excellence and ACTION!: Accountability: Employees take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and recommendations and are accountable to each other and the community Change: Adapts to changing organizational needs, conditions, and work responsibilities. Teamwork: Employees value teamwork as a collaborative effort, with each person contributing unique skills, knowledge, and training to achieve common goals. Integrity: Employees uphold the highest ethical standards, recognize the importance of public and customer trust and adhere to the values of the organization. Opportunity: Employees are empowered to grow professionally, develop best practices, and seek challenges to advance the City. NOW!: Employees are proactive, timely, and efficient in responding to the needs of the organization and the community – NOW!

Requirements

Candidates must be a minimum of 21 years of age and have current and valid American Red Cross Infant/Child/Adult CPR/First Aid, Universal Precautions and Medication Administration certifications. A background check from the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and fingerprinting is required at your expense.
Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field, Bachelor's preferred.
One (1) year experience in the group care of children. If training includes Bachelor's degree no experience required or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Working knowledge of a preschool program, equipment, and facility.
Understanding of departmental rules and regulations, principles, practices, teaching methods and techniques of early childhood education.
Skills in understanding and responding to customer needs.
Skill in administering First Aid, Infant/Child/Adult CPR and prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medications.
Ability to handle confidential information, work from broad direction with limited supervision.
Experience in instructing and supervising children ages 2 ½ to 5years.
Sensitivity in how to interact with diverse groups and individuals of all backgrounds.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations, communicate effectively, organize activities, address multiple demands, and meet deadlines.
Can organize tasks and working environment to maximize efficiency, adapt to interruptions, equipment failures, unusual demands, or changing priorities.
Ability to read, understand, and apply technical manuals, complex analytical methods, and research reports, understand and follow instructions and procedures, and safely operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

Provides a creative learning environment, prepares program activities and creates age-appropriate lesson plans and assists children in socialization and learning skills.
Provides feedback to the parents, assists in maintaining children’s files and complies with State Licensing Child Care regulations including completing appropriate paperwork.
Maintains control of the classroom environment, provides a safe environment for young participants, and monitors the safety of activities and facilities.
Uses all required safety equipment, takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents.
Administers prescription and/or over-the-counter medications.
Prepares program materials, equipment and other necessary items.
Organizes related equipment, inspects the equipment to ensure safety and cleanliness and at times may be required to set-up and break-down materials used for instruction.
Maintains a variety of records, including registrations, reservations, permission slips, purchasing, accidents, vandalism, medical records, and evaluations.
Performs a variety of miscellaneous duties such as answering the telephone, running errands, picking up supplies as needed, conducting activities, and helping set-up tables and chairs.
Perform related work as required and assigned.