Wild Plum Center Hiring for Preschool Teacher Full Time

Are you an early childhood educator that has a passion for watching children grow and wanting to maintain a good work life balance? If so, the Wild Plum Center is looking for a highly qualified Preschool Teacher to provide a developmentally appropriate early childhood education program that will foster expressive language, cognitive, social emotional and physical skills in children. The teacher will assure a consistent, quality program through activities that encourage maximum growth in the student using knowledge of the student’s stage of development and learning style. The Wild Plum Center maintains a low staff to child ratio (1:6 for preschool and 1:4 for infants and toddlers) and staffing patterns that allow 3 teachers for each preschool classroom. In addition to generous sick and vacation time, Wild Plum Center follows the St. Vrain Valley school district schedule and pays employees for all holiday breaks and days school is not in session. Work hours for this position are 7:45 AM -4:15 PM, Monday-Friday.

The ideal candidate has previous experience in: Early Childhood Education, Head Start, Child Development, TSG, Preschool.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The Wild Plum Center retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential and additional functions of the job at any time.

· Ensure that educational materials, equipment, and children’s planned experiences are safe, developmentally appropriate and implemented in accordance with curricula

· Work effectively with all children, including special needs children, providing for individual interests, successes and challenges

· Know and utilize concepts, principles, theory, and practices of Early Childhood Education

· Use a variety of appropriate positive behavior management techniques in order to maintain a positive learning environment and relaxed atmosphere

· Plan daily program to meet requirements of the Performance Standards with a balance of small group, large group, individual and structured experiences

· Write and utilize complete weekly lesson plan to meet group and individual needs

· Identify, analyze and plan for individualization by assessing each child using observation, formal and informal testing, and information from parent conferences and home visits

· Make referrals of children or family members as needed

· Organize and maintain accurate, timely, and complete records and s

· Maintain outdoors, classroom, and centers in a clean, attractive, and organized manner and in conjunction with health and safety standards

· Serve breakfast, lunch, and/or snack to meet Head Start Performance Standards, and USDA and sanitation regulations

· Complete and turn in attendance, classroom sign-in, record of meals, in-kind, and volunteer record sheets in a timely manner

· Orient, train, supervise and provide direction to the Teacher Assistant, Volunteers, and Substitutes

· Conduct performance evaluations for Teacher Assistant

· Involve and inform Teacher Assistant in all aspects of planning and plan implementation

· Assist in the recruitment and involvement of parents in all aspects of the program

· Participate in Parent Committee meetings to obtain parents input about curriculum and other program elements

· Increase parents’ knowledge about child development and the individual child via a minimum of 2 home visits and 2 parent/teacher conferences; notes; phone calls; and other communications

· Support and be knowledgeable of the Education Plan and Wild Plum Center’s goals and objectives

· Commit to own professional development by attending meetings offered outside of the program and staying current on Head Start and early childhood practices

· Initiate and provide positive leadership among staff by displaying a positive attitude, using common sense, cooperating with coworkers, respecting opinions, and demonstrating interactions that are warm, sensitive, honest, natural, calm and adaptable

· Use the appropriate channels and staff to solve problems.

· Share all information with classroom staff, Directors, and specialist and other coworkers as appropriate and communicate openly and honestly to promote a quality program and positive morale. Use discretion and confidentiality in matters pertaining to children, families, staff and the program.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Participate in the development of organizational goals and systems
• Manage time efficiently and maintain strong organization of required program elements
• Adhere to program policies and procedures
• Understand ethnic and economic backgrounds of families served
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and committees
• Participate as a member of the education team
• Attend occasional evening meetings, as necessary
• Maintain confidentiality and standards of conduct according to policy
• Safeguard the assets of the organization
• Perform related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a minimum of 40 credit hours in Early Childhood Education combined with a Bachelor’s Degree in another topic area. Must have proven ability to work well with 3- and 4-year old children and their families, including children with special needs.

Special Qualifications: General knowledge of child social emotional development and family services required. Excellent computer and organizational skills required. Must have excellent interpersonal and coaching skills. Proof of physical exam, TB test and required background checks must be completed. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Current First Aid and CPR certification required. Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license, motor vehicle insurance, and use of a reliable vehicle.

The Wild Plum Center is a tobacco and drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities according to federal, state, and local laws. Except where required or permitted by law, employment practices shall not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.69 – $24.39 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
In compliance with Head Start regulations. Mandated Vaccination and use of Masks.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Longmont, CO 80504: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: One location