Teacher

Easter Seals Blake Foundation•Tucson, AZ

13d

About The Position

Easterseals Blake Foundation is hiring a Teacher to implement age-appropriate curriculum and activities in a nurturing, stimulating classroom environment that supports children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The Teacher creates culturally sensitive, home-like learning spaces; adapts instruction to each child’s strengths, needs, interests, and preferred learning style; and observes and documents developmental progress. The role also involves supporting children’s independence and cooperation, partnering with families, collaborating with colleagues and community organizations, and providing instruction and leadership to teaching assistants. The Teacher participates in professional development and meetings, maintains communication with agency members and external contacts, and models the organization’s professional standards and ethics. The position is based in a typical childcare and classroom environment with frequent interactions and interruptions. Additional hours or days may be required depending on circumstances. The minimum education requirement is an associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Child Development; alternatively, an unrelated associate degree or higher with 21 higher-education credits in a specified related field is accepted. The role requires the stated Arizona driving credentials and experience, background clearance, and other health, safety, and regulatory qualifications. Salary is $17.00–$19.00, depending on education and experience.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Child Development; or an unrelated associate degree or higher with 21 higher-education credits in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, or Child Development.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Current, unrestricted Arizona driver’s license, with no more than two minor moving violations or one accident in the past three years.
At least three years of driving experience.
Transportation to attend trainings and perform other work-related activities; organizational vehicles may not always be available.
Pass a criminal background check before employment and regular checks throughout employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain an Arizona DPS Level 1 fingerprint clearance card.
CPR and First Aid certification; employer provides certification.
Food Handler’s Card or ability to obtain it within one month of starting.
Initial and current negative TB test result dated within the past 12 months; employer provides testing.
Physical exam required for CAC/Palomita and, depending on additional requirements, before starting; employer provided.
Provide an immunization statement before starting.
Knowledge of typical and atypical child development.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate and research- and evaluation-supported educational practices.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Knowledge of methods for including children with developmental challenges.
Ability to work independently when necessary and remain flexible as children’s needs change.
Ability to use reflective-practice principles with children, families, and colleagues.
Ability to use technology for record-keeping, documentation, and investigation.
Ability to foster communication and collaboration among people reaching out to the Department.
Ability to provide excellent customer service in stressful situations.
Maintain professional appearance, communications, and actions.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and basic computer knowledge.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds to support children in care.
Visual acuity to read computer screens and forms and assess children’s wellbeing.
Ability to speak clearly and communicate verbally with children and emergency personnel.
Hearing ability for communication in person, by phone, and through other electronic methods.
Manual dexterity for typing, writing, and assisting children with daily functions.
Ability to stoop, squat, reach, pull, push, stretch, ascend and descend stairs, and stand and sit for long periods.
May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish.

Responsibilities

Design and maintain a home-like classroom environment that supports culturally sensitive learning based on children’s developmental needs.
Develop curriculum appropriate to children’s ages and experience, covering physical, emotional, social, language, and cognitive development.
Adapt curriculum and instruction to children’s individual strengths, needs, and interests.
Track developmental milestones and share observations about children’s progress and concerns.
Use varied teaching strategies and follow children’s lead and preferred learning modalities.
Facilitate interaction and cooperation among children.
Encourage children to lead small-group activities.
Foster children’s responsibility and self-regulation, intervening as needed to help settle disputes.
Partner with parents and families to achieve shared goals for children.
Collaborate with the Director, colleagues, and community organizations to serve children’s needs.
Provide instruction and leadership for teaching assistants.
Participate in ongoing professional development and meetings.
Maintain comprehensive communication with agency contacts, members, and external agencies.
Model professional standards and ethics consistent with the EBF Code of Conduct, Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision.
Perform other duties as assigned.