Teacher – PIC

Pinal Gila Community Child Services•Maricopa, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher – PIC works directly in a classroom with children ages 3 to 5 and collaborates with an assistant teacher and other team members to operate a school-readiness classroom serving 15–20 children. The role involves planning, monitoring, and implementing curriculum and working with families to support outcomes for children of all abilities in the Head Start Program. The teacher creates a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom; supports children’s learning and social-emotional development; individualizes instruction through observation and planning; and builds responsive relationships with children, families, staff, and community members. The Person in Charge also helps ensure classroom operations meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Work is generally performed during regular business hours in a classroom/office setting, averaging at least 40 hours per week. Hours may vary because of special projects, deadlines, and other concerns. The position may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials when providing first aid, and seldom exposure to vibration, toxic conditions, odors, dust, mold, or poor ventilation.

Requirements

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education; or an associate degree in a related field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education and experience teaching preschool-age children; or a baccalaureate degree and admission to the Teach for America Program. Education must be from an accredited institution. PGCCS may seek a Teacher Education Waiver from the Office of Head Start as needed.
At least 18 years of age; the Person in Charge must be at least 21 years old under BCCL requirements.
Arizona driver’s license, proof of insurance, fingerprint card, Social Security card, CPR and First Aid credentials, and a vehicle for program business.
Food handler’s card or certificate within 30 calendar days of hire; food handler credentials are required if applicable.
Complete a health questionnaire at hire and update it every three years.
Meet agency, state, and federal immunization requirements or have an approved exemption on file.
Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including internet and email.
Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable BCCL licensing requirements.
Knowledge of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and its classroom implementation.
Knowledge of early childhood development theory and developmentally appropriate practice, including strategies for dual-language learners and children with disabilities or special needs.
Skill in implementing developmentally appropriate curricula and teaching strategies across content areas.
Skill in observing, documenting, and individualizing plans to support children’s development.
Strong oral and written communication skills and proficiency with virtual platforms.
Ability to use technology tools and classroom software effectively and accurately, with minimal errors.
Ability to safely supervise preschool-age children and apply early childhood development theory to individual needs.
Ability to make frequent, significant decisions and solve problems, including responding appropriately to emergencies or crises.
Ability to build warm, positive, responsive relationships with children and families while honoring each child’s individual and cultural identity.
Ability to interact respectfully with people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles, adapt positively to change, and pursue continuous learning.
Ability to demonstrate or understand the DCS reporting system and recognize signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation: vision and hearing abilities, clear speech and directions, walking, sitting, standing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, moving objects up to 40 pounds, running 50 feet, and demonstrating exercises such as jumping jacks and leg lifts.

Nice To Haves

Two years of preschool classroom teaching experience with children ages 3–5.
Two years of Head Start preschool teaching experience.
Two years of adult supervisory experience.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Provide a safe environment and teach children practices that prevent and reduce injuries.
Teach children about good nutrition and practices that promote health and wellness.
Arrange the classroom and establish routines that address children’s developmental and individual needs and reduce behavior issues.
Use positive interactions, classroom space, materials, schedules, and routines to create a secure, engaging environment that promotes learning, play, and exploration for all children, including children with disabilities and special needs.
Implement developmentally appropriate curricula, materials, learning experiences, and teaching strategies that promote curiosity, reasoning, problem-solving, physical development, and cognitive skills.
Promote learning in language, literacy, mathematics, science, technology, social studies, and the arts.
Help children communicate thoughts and feelings, regulate emotions, form positive relationships, and participate cooperatively with peers.
Support dual-language learners’ progress in understanding and speaking English and their home language.
Develop warm, positive, supportive, and responsive relationships with children and support their individual and cultural identities.
Build cooperative relationships with families, maintain two-way communication, encourage family involvement, and support children’s relationships with their families.
Communicate and collaborate with staff, parents, and community members from culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
Use observation, documentation, and planning to support children’s development and individualize classroom planning.
Make decisions informed by research-based early childhood practices and promote high-quality school-readiness services.
Assist children with differing abilities in daily routines, including diapering and feeding as needed.
Incorporate IEP/IFSP goals into classroom activities.
Recruit families for all PGCCS program options, including maintaining a waiting list.
Manage, monitor, and supervise the classroom to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Maintain the confidentiality of children, families, and staff.
Use virtual platforms to facilitate communication and collaboration.