The primary purpose of this position is to utilize their skills, knowledge, and judgment to develop and create appropriate curriculum plans for children.  The Early Childhood teacher will work in collaboration with the Early Interventionist and a team of therapists when assigned, in a classroom and/or center-based setting.

Essential Job Functions

 Classroom

• Supervise day-to-day operations of an inclusive preschool classroom, supporting children through daily routine, activities, and basic care
• Set-up and maintain a developmentally appropriate environment for children including furnishings, materials, and wall displays
• Prepare and lead daily activities such as art, small group, sensory and circle time
• Manage daily health and safety standards in a class by rotating duties with the teaching team
• Be familiar and comply with all licensing requirements in the classroom

Staff Collaboration

• Communicate and work with the classroom team in a professional manner
• Meet weekly to discuss upcoming lesson plans and activities, working together to make modifications and prepare materials
•  Share responsibility for daily classroom management, such as cleaning, managing supplies, setting up activities and other duties as required
• Collaborate with parents, therapists and any other specialists as needed

Curriculum and Assessments

• Collaborate with the teaching team to create weekly lesson plans based on center schedule; plan and implement classroom activities
• Conduct bi-annual assessments for children, with the support of teaching staff, using DRDP, ASQ, and other appropriate tools
• Collect data and documentation for student assessments in an organized manner
• Administer ECERS bi-annually to ensure classroom environment standards

Parent Engagement

• Schedule meeting with parents twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring, to discuss individual child’s strengths, progress and needs
• Plan and implement family involvement events based on the whole center calendar
• Communicate verbally with parents, in a professional manner, to share insight and updates on child’s strengths/needs

Professional Development

• Participate in QRIS coaching as scheduled
• Complete annual Professional Development required hours per QRIS and licensing
• Attend required LSF staff meetings (3 per year)
• Maintain CPR and First Aid, Mandated Reporter certifications annually
• Any other duties as assigned

Essential Job Requirements

• Have a minimum of two years field related experience with young children
• Twelve units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development were completed at an accredited college. Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Possess a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation and current automobile insurance;
• Be able to attend monthly staff meetings, trainings and supervision
• Be willing to participate in the development of training video with clients
• Have field experience working with both typical (non-delayed) and atypical children and their families
• Experience and competence in multi-cultural service delivery is preferred.
• Occasionally work on weekends to promote agency and work in the community
• Effective speaking and writing skills
• Pediatric CPR Certified

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of ASQ
• Have theoretical knowledge of infant and child development and understand the importance of the parent-child relationship
• Work in collaboration with a therapist or other agencies involved in the child’s services
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively on a multidisciplinary interagency team
• Work with reflective supervisor, seek self-development and mentoring to maximize services for children on caseload and ensure health and safety standards mandated by Life Steps.

Physical Demands 

• Ability to physically manage children (up to 40 lbs)-carrying; positioning children.
• Ability to sit at a computer for 1-2 hours, if necessary  
• Ability to go up and down stairs and transition up from the floor with ease

We look forward to meeting you!

Job Types: Full-time