Pre-K Teacher (HS)

Young Womens Christian Association•Saint Louis, MO

About The Position

The Pre-K Teacher plans and implements learning opportunities that support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth and development, while serving as a support and resource for parents and helping ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. The teacher develops and carries out developmentally appropriate daily activities, creates classroom and outdoor environments that encourage exploration, supports positive relationships among children, and engages parents in their children's early learning. The role also includes conducting health checks, maintaining a safe and clean environment, assessing children's growth and development, making referrals when potential delays are identified, and keeping children's records current. The teacher has no formal policy-setting or supervisory responsibilities and is responsible for taking necessary steps to protect the health and safety of children in their care.

Requirements

Demonstrated working knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and education.
Knowledge of early childhood classroom management and organizational skills.
Knowledge of emergency procedures for young children.
Working knowledge of quality early care and education services for young children and families.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Missouri Licensing Regulations, and MOA.
Ability to develop and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children.
Ability to communicate effectively with parents and include them in their child's learning process.
Organizational skills that facilitate meeting designated timelines.
Communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to facilitate quality service for children and families.
Ability to lift 40 pounds.
An associate, bachelor's, or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education; or a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field and 10 or more classes in Early Childhood Education; or a Pre-K CDA.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement developmentally appropriate activities daily.
Conduct daily health checks and ensure the environment is clean, safe, and free of hazards.
Develop and implement individualized activities based on each child's developmental level.
Create classroom and outdoor learning environments that promote experimentation and exploration.
Facilitate children's development of positive relationships and a caring classroom community.
Communicate effectively with parents and promote their involvement in their child's early learning experience.
Conduct screenings and ongoing assessments of each child's growth and development, and refer children with potential delays.
Maintain and update records for all children enrolled in the classroom.
Take necessary steps to assure the health and safety of children in the teacher's care.