Temporary - Teacher (Pre-K)

Description

Job Title: Teacher (Pre-K)

Department: Early Childhood and Family Services  

FLSA Status: Exempt  

Hours/Weeks: Temporary, Full Time 

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): Yes

Hiring Range: $18.62 - $21.70 

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Teachers create and maintain a respectful classroom culture that fosters safe and productive learning. In partnership with families, teaching staff, and program supports, Teachers develop and implement developmentally appropriate, child-initiated, culturally integrated curriculum for children ages 3 – 5 in a classroom environment. They foster an environment that is centered around social emotional learning and school readiness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, and NEKCA Standard of conduct.
• Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized

Professional Development Plan

• Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol                                                                                                              
• Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice
• Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Create and maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment by implementing appropriate effective behavior management strategies                                                       
• Teachers join children in all settings, observing and engaging them in conversations at eye level to extend and deepen children’s learning
• Attend to the personal care needs of all children in the center
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date files on assigned children
• Participate in completion of HS/EHS Application as requested
• Participate in planning and implementation of registration activities
• Participate in obtaining heights and weights and sensory screenings for children enrolled 
• Complete developmental screening within 45 days of child entering the program and incorporate information into weekly planning, classroom setup, and home visits
• Complete Family Mealtime Patterns within 45 days of child entering the program. Update in the spring during 2nd home visit
• Develop and implement classroom curriculum through age-appropriate activities that include organized learning areas allowing a variety of choices each day based on child and family’s needs, interests, culture, home language, and assessment information
• Solicit and incorporate parent/guardian input into the curriculum
• Provide individualized activities for a minimum of three focus children a week
• Complete observations to support each objective and dimension of Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment Systems 3 times per year
• Complete Family Conference form in fall and spring and update at second Parent/Guardian Teacher Conference
• Offer two Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences and two home visits per year
• Review and discuss behavioral and play-based screenings with parent/guardian
• Review Child Health Summaries with parents/guardians by the end of the Program Year
• Staff will document all child development, health, and disability delivery of services and follow-up
• Encourage and document parent/guardian partnership in their child’s learning experience and their family’s Head Start experience
• Offer and document ongoing communication efforts with parents/guardians
• Participate in the development and implementation of Individual Health Plans as requested
• In partnership with parents/guardians, Center Manager, and CAMs, initiate and document referral process to appropriate agencies/providers based on developmental concerns
• In partnership with families and appropriate community agencies/providers, participate in and ensure documentation of team meetings, evaluation processes, and development of individualized plans
• Assist in implementing Individual Education Plans for children with special needs
• Promote regular attendance and document reasons for absences in child’s file
• Actively participate in program and family/child staffings
• Per program staffing protocol, consult with appropriate Content Area Managers and Consultants, document, and complete follow-up
• Ensure that Creative Curriculum’s “Letters to Parents” are included in the newsletter
• Analyze and discuss child outcomes data at center level and develop an action plan two (part-day/part year) or three (full-day/full-year) times per year
• Participate in the planning, implementation, and recording of child observations of EHS playgroups (if applicable)
• Participate in the development and implementation of Center Recruitment Plan
• In partnership with center team, participate in collecting and documenting non-federal share
• Participate in a minimum of one early childhood community event a year as requested by supervisor
• Ensure that equipment, toys, and furniture are stored in a safe and orderly fashion and sanitized per child care licensing regulations
• Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

Core Competencies:

•   Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community. 
•   Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications. 
•   Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
•   This position is considered a mandated reporter. 
•   Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent) 
•   Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations. 
•   Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
•   Demonstrate familiarity with and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.
•   Maintain confidentiality.
•   Complete all required training and professional development.

Core Values:

•  Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values.
•  Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change.
•  Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community.
•  Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes.
•  Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community.
•  Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout.
•  Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct.
•  Maintain participant confidentiality and ensuring participant safety.
•  Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers.
•  Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users. 
•  In-person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor.
•  Be respectful and sensitive to participants’ unique situations and challenges.
•  Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in a classroom environment controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with coursework in Early Childhood Education required
• 2 years relevant experience
• Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within six months of employment

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records.

Transportation Requirements:

This position necessitates that employees possess a valid driver's license and have access to dependable transportation.