Position: Associate Preschool Teacher
Department: Child Development
Reports to: Center Manager
Supervises: None (Mentors Resource and Substitute Teachers)
Status: Exempt Non-Exempt x
Summary of Position
In collaboration with the Center Manager and the Lead Teacher, the Associate Teacher assists in developing an engaging environment that reflects the cultural values and diversity of the children and families served. S/he provides consistent, responsive and respectful care to the children as a primary caregiver (teacher), and is also responsible for the safety, care, and supervision of all children in the classroom. The Associate Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in the development and implementation of lesson plans and classroom activities. S/he shares information about child development and serves as a partner to involve all families in the classroom and center.
Primary responsibilities include
- Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, assist in the planning and implementation of age and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children, including daily open-ended activities to expand their competencies across developmental domains
- Maintain appropriate teacher – child ratios, ensuring visual supervision of children at all times
- Contribute to a safe, healthy, nurturing, and culturally relevant classroom environment for all children and families
- Understand and follow Wu Yee policies and procedures to ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with licensing requirements, Head Start performance standards, and California Department of Education regulations
- Maintain regular and timely communication with program staff, including, but not limited to the Center Manager, Lead Teacher, and Family Advocates to facilitate effective program performance
- Ensure documentation of all significant contacts with families and maintain up-to-date file records including attendance, emergency contact information, family contact, education data, and file log
- Accurately and promptly complete formal observations, ongoing screening, and assessments of children in your primary care according to the service area timeline
- Develop and maintain portfolios that document the unique strengths, skills, and areas of growth for the children in your primary care on a regular basis
- Maintain appropriate active supervision of children in your care at all times
- Maintain ongoing, open communication with families and conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits for children in your primary care
- Encourage and promote families’ participation in center activities, field trips, special events, and the Parent Committee and Policy Council
- Participate in the referral process for children with suspected disabilities, as needed
- Collaborate with program staff, the Family Advocate and Mental Health Consultant about concerns or issues related to a child’s development
- Perform Daily Health Checks for children entering the center
- Ensure children are signed in and out of the center daily
- Conduct safety check in the park/playground to ensure the equipment and area is safe for children, prior to the commencement of outdoor activity
- Model and teach children appropriate health and hygiene practices, including tooth brushing, potty training, hand washing, etc.
- Assist with the preparing the classroom for meals and nap time
- Participate in food preparation for the center in accordance with program policies and procedures and state food safety requirements
- Participate in family style eating with the children
- Record meal counts accurately at the time of service
- Follow established teaching staff health and safety procedures; including sanitizing classroom materials
- Clean and sanitize dishes, pots, pans and utensils daily according to Wu Yee policies and procedures
- Assume Lead Teacher responsibilities in the absence of the Lead Teacher
- Adhere to an adjusted work schedule in order to meet needs of program
- Engage in ongoing professional development activities, as required by the program
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge/Experience/Skills required
- A minimum of 1 year teaching experience with young children and diverse populations
- Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and other staff
- Good communication, as well as maintaining an overall positive and professional attitude
- Demonstrated competence in supporting families
- Models good judgment, effective problem solving and priority setting skills
- Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds
Education required
• A valid California Child Development Associate Teacher permit
