Preschool Teacher

Full-time - Entry Level

Macclenny, FL

About the position

At ECS, we help underserved children in Northeast and Central Florida build a solid foundation for educational success. Give a child a better start, and you dramatically increase the child’s odds of being a better person – of having a better life. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. ECS has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with Episcopal Children’s Services. The classroom Teacher provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe and loving environment where each child has the opportunity to develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language.
• Use Teaching Strategies Cloud to plan and create weekly digital lesson plans that promote the cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development of children and that support ECS School Readiness Goals.
• Follow the approved daily schedule to implement to fidelity the daily lesson plans from the approved curricula.
• Lead all learning times in a manner consistent with CLASS philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Use teaching strategies that illustrates the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
• Input daily child observation data in TS Gold.
• Individualize for children throughout the day based on the observed needs of children, the goals set forth in support plans, and the ongoing analysis of child data.
• Plan a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.
• Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment by adding new and interesting materials each week.
• Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline Policy.
• Develop nurturing relationships with each child by encouraging his or her social and emotional development.
• Maintain accurate and complete VPK attendance and submit to Center Manager the last day of each month (if applicable).
• Assure parents sign the VPK Parental Choice Certificate at the end of each month (if applicable).
• Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards.
• Participate in research initiatives pertaining to early childhood education, development, and related topics.
• Conduct daily health checks on each child.
• Plan weekly activities promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.
• Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
• Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
• Participate in case management meetings regarding children’s health and development.
• Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
• Attend parent meetings as assigned.
• Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
• Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally.
• Engage parents in the development of school readiness goals for their children and guide parents in the use of curriculum activities related to their children’s school readiness goals.
• Maintain transition procedures for children moving to another classroom or program and coordinate transition with other appropriate program staff.
• Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
• Serve food in a way that encourages the development and socialization of the children.
• Assist in kitchen duties (if applicable).
• Plan weekly activities that promote good nutrition.
• Provide leadership in following best practices in the field of early childhood education.
• Assist the center manager in training, mentoring, and developing the Teacher Aide to create an appropriate classroom environment.
• Work collaboratively and attentively with an in-class coach.
• Participate in the CLASS evaluation and training of peers.
• Communicate regularly with other staff in order to better serve children and families.
• Have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program.
• Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate record keeping.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED, DCF 45-hour training.
• Teacher Aide - $16.59: CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential or enrolled in a program leading to CDA or an associate or baccalaureate degree in ECE or related field and complete w/in 2 years of hire.
• Teacher I - $18.44: National CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential.
• Teacher II - $23.95: An associate degree in child development or early childhood education; or an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education with 30 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Teacher III - $29.61: A baccalaureate degree in child development or early childhood education; or a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or a baccalaureate degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Teacher IV - $30.12: An advanced degree in child development or early childhood education; or an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or an advanced degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children.

Nice-to-haves

• Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
• Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
• Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records.
• A willingness to learn and continue personal education.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• College tuition assistance
• Career development