PreSchool Teacher

St Mary's Center • Oakland, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

St. Mary’s Center has served seniors and young children in West Oakland since 1973. Started as an outreach effort of St. Mary’s Church, the Center was separately incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1992. Our mission is to be a community of hope, justice, and healing that serves at-risk seniors and preschoolers in the heart of Oakland. We strive to improve quality of life through counseling, shelter, nutrition, advocacy and social support. Under the supervision of the Preschool Director, the Preschool Teacher establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment. They promote physical and cognitive growth in children while supporting their social and emotional development. They offer positive guidance to students and foster positive relationships with their families.

Requirements

• 24 units ECE/CD including core courses (1)+16 GE units
• AA or higher in ECE or related field with 3 semester units of supervised field experience.
• Must complete 21 hours of professional growth training annually.
• Possession of current certificates or cards in pediatric CPR and pediatric First Aid upon hire.
• Have a health screening, with evidence of a negative TB test, performed by a physician within one year prior to employment, or must obtain one within seven days of employment.
• Have or obtain a criminal record clearance from the Department of Justice.
• Be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the classroom and yard before school begins.
• Clean up classroom and yard as needed at the end of the school day.
• Preparation/clean-up of food for snacks.
• Performs tasks listed under CACFP list of duties.
• Supervise all children at all times with the help of the Assistant Director and/or Head Teacher and Teacher Aides.
• No child can ever be left unsupervised.
• We must maintain a 1:8 teacher: child ratio.
• Count children and know where they are at all times.
• Keep the Preschool free of hazardous materials and dangerous substances.
• Be competent in the use of emergency procedures and equipment.
• Communicate safety standards to children and families.
• Maintain learning materials and equipment.
• Adhere to infection control guidelines and be familiar with Preschool procedures for care of sick children.
• Use space, materials, and routines as resources for constructing an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Encourage physical activities that will strengthen social, cognitive, and physical development.
• With the Director, plan and prepare the learning environment and the daily program.
• Plan activities that are developmentally appropriate for children’s ages.
• Model appropriate behavior and language throughout the day.
• Encourage children to use problem-solving techniques.
• Help each child feel accepted in the group.
• Provide physical and emotional security for each child while helping him/her to develop positive self-esteem and independence.
• Maintain an open, friendly relationship with each child’s family.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality about children, families, and Preschool staff members.
• Meet with the Director and other Preschool staff members each week.
• Commit to participating in Preschool staff training.
• Participate in St. Mary’s Center activities, including fundraising activities, as a staff member.

Benefits

• medical coverage
• dental coverage
• vision coverage
• a health reimbursement account
• a 401(k) retirement plan
• 14 paid holidays
• generous vacation and sick time
• ongoing training opportunities
• Employees are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following their hire date, with 401(k) eligibility beginning after six months of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees