General Programs

CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE•Wheat Ridge, CO

1d•$24 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The role includes instructing preschoolers enrolled in our state-licensed preschool program and leading our children’s pavilion team as the Head Childcare Attendant. In addition, this position is responsible for leading and instructing a wide range of classes and programs in general programs. These could include, but are not limited to, Sun Camp, and leisure and enrichment programs catering to various age groups such as parent/tot, preschool, and youth. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field such as Child Development, Child Psychology, Family Studies, etc.
Bachelor’s degree in another field plus early childhood coursework.
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood/Child Development.
Colorado teaching license with Early Childhood or Elementary endorsement.
Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credential (Level II or higher).
Current CDA (Child Development Associate) or Department-approved credential.
Combination of approved training and/or experience caring for children under age 8 with required early childhood coursework.
Two (2) years' experience in related field.
Supervisory experience of part-time team members.
American Red Cross Infant/Child/Adult CPR, AED, First Aid, Standard Precautions and Medication Administration, or equivalent certifications are required within 45 days of hire.
A valid driver’s license and safe driving record throughout employment.
For licensing purposes; State background check, Federal fingerprinting, medication certification, universal precautions, and bloodborne pathogens certifications are required within 45 days of hire.
Must have knowledge of general principles and methods of program planning for a diverse demographics including individuals with disabilities and individuals of all ages.
Knowledge and experience of the operations of a state licensed program.
Previous experience or ability to quickly learn city software’s including the registration software (Rec Trac), Paycom , Microsoft SharePoint, and other city/online systems.
Must have ability to coordinate, organize, prioritize, and record many tasks demonstrating excellent organizational skills.
Must be able to assign, instruct, supervise and direct the work of direct reports.
Must be able to enforce policies and rules firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
Must take initiative and be able to manage multiple projects at a time and adjust to shifts in priorities.
Must be able to prioritize tasks in a timely manner.
Must be able to present ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, to multiple audiences.
Must have good diplomacy, communication, and conflict management skills.
Have ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with composure along with emergency situations.
Listens to others and facilitates an open exchange of ideas.
Must possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish working relationships and deal tactfully with staff, outside organizations, customers, and other department and agency employees team members.
Must be able to use sound judgement and discretion in decision making.
Must be able to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
Must be able handle confidential information with discretion.
Must assume responsibility for task initiative and completion.
Basic swimming skills and be comfortable supervising and participating in water-related activities.

Nice To Haves

Passion for the impact Parks and Recreation has on the community.

Responsibilities

Implement an early childhood education program to children ages 3 to 5 years of age.
Thorough understanding of state-licensing guidelines and ability to adhere and abide by all licensing rules and policies.
Administers prescription and/or over the counter medications based on authorized documentation from physician.
Prepares curriculum plans, program materials, equipment and other necessary items.
Maintains a variety of records, including registrations, reservations, permission slips, purchasing, accidents, vandalism, medical records, and other sensitive documents.
Communicate with parents, co-workers, and supervisor in a timely and professional manner.
Act as a Mandatory Reporter and report suspected abuse or neglect.
Responsible for providing a safe and fun environment for children utilizing the Children’s Pavilion, primarily supervising the activities of young children, assisting the supervisor, and giving oversight to assigned staff.
Develop positive relations with customers; communicate recreation programs information to participants and parents.
Responsible for the enforcement of all childcare policies, as well as general building policies.
Responsible for overseeing the activities of assigned personnel to include instructions and daily direction; scheduling and assigning work to employees; providing direction to improve performance as required; providing input to the supervisor regarding employee actions; assist in the recruitment of subordinates; assist in training staff.
Plan and implement classes, activities, specialty classes, events as assigned for participants; develop lesson plans for activities and purchase supplies/equipment needed.
Provide a safe and fun environment in which patrons, as well as parents, feel comfortable; provide corrective action as needed; actively participate in activities attached to program/class.
Ability to lead and/or assist in a variety of general interest programs including but no limited to parent/tot classes, cooking classes, arts/crafts classes, youth events, and summer camp programs.
Implement new general interest programs that align with your passions and experience.
Ability to work in the licensed camp program the department offers during winter and summer camp seasons as a licensed specialist.
Attends scheduled staff meetings, supervisory sessions, trainings and conferences.
Maintain a strong working knowledge of the department's RecTrac registration software, for the purpose of managing program registrations, printing rosters, and accessing household information for communications.
Monitor and purchase supplies as needed.
Ensure all possible safety measures are observed; taking proper care of equipment, conducting regular inspections of program sites, providing adequate training for staff in safety procedures.
Maintain a strong working knowledge of state licensing policies and ensure complete compliance with our licensed program operations.
Exercise supervision of various levels of part-time team members.
Other duties assigned as appropriate by the position.