Early Childhood - Teacher

Summary
The Early Educator position will work within a co-teaching team model, and is responsible for the care and education of a diverse population of young children, ages 3-5. The Lead Co-Teacher is responsible for creating a warm and nurturing relationship with each child, designing an environment that stimulates curiosity and celebrates diversity, and utilizing a dynamic, child-centered curriculum that is grounded in hands-on exploration and play. Using observation and assessment tools, this position is responsible for documenting each child's growth and learning in relation to his or her developmental level and the Vermont Early Learning Standards. These components should fall in accordance with the goals and beliefs of TCC as a Strengthening Families, therapeutic Early Childhood education center.
Duties
Essential Daily Duties:
Total responsibility for overall classroom program for children and families in the classroom - making sure the classroom is run smoothly and that individual, daily needs of both children and families are met.
Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child and family to promote a strong home-school connection.
Open or close the classroom each day: responsible for greetings and departures for each child/family to ensure open communication and information exchanges.
Keeping a personal daily plan of action with children - writing and posting daily/weekly information to families on the parent information board.
Project/lesson planning and implementation daily using Creative Curriculum and Second Step frameworks.
Check attendance and lunch count sheets every morning after arrivals and every evening after departures to ensure accuracy.
Supervise early special education placement students, student teachers, and work study students and bring any questions or concerns to supervisor.
Maintain orderliness of classrooms, closets, supply and storage closets, hallway, staff room, kitchen, playground, and materials.
Inspect the school site and equipment for potential safety hazards; taking corrective action or informing the Director to prevent injuries.
Be aware all times of developmental needs and health and safety concerns for children in your care - initiate referrals with Director.
Comply with all Vermont Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs Licensing Regulations
Comply with NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
Comply with Trinity Children's Center Employee Handbook and Policies and Procedures (including, but not limited to Emergency Response Plan, Active Supervision Policy, Medication Administration Training, etc...)
Periodic Responsibilities:
Design and maintain a classroom environment that promotes curiosity, hands-on exploration, problem solving, creativity, and is a model for positive social relationships and a variety of learning styles.
Plan and implement developmentally-appropriate curriculum consistent with the Vermont Early Learning Standards, Second Step, and IEP's.
Conduct observations of each child on a weekly basis to document each child's developmental growth.
Conduct collaborative weekly planning time with co-workers.
Conduct parent/teacher conferences a minimum of twice per year.
Evaluate early special education placement students, student teachers, and work study students and bring any questions or concerns to supervisor.
Personal self-evaluation once a year should be conducted with the Director.
Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) should be completed one per year and reviewed for progress twice per year.
Attend weekly staff meetings.
Pursue professional development trainings with topics of interest to your IPDP and other professional goals.
Requirements
Required Experience and Credentials:

• Experience in Early Childhood Education and/or Early Childhood Special Education
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Education or Early Special Education

Physical Requirements:

• Safely lift small children up to 30 pounds.
• Bend, stoop, and kneel to children's level.
• Sit on the floor and small chairs.
• Stand for extended periods of time.
• Withstand periods of time in the sun and heat outside.
• Communicate clearly and intelligibly both orally and in writing with children, families, and staff.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Eager and open to celebrate diversity in the classroom.
• Supportive of an integrated early education learning environment, including a knowledge of the embedded learning matrix, collaborative consultation model, and differentiation.
• Display a genuine disposition for engaging children and promoting curiosity and learning.
• Knowledge of the Vermont Early Learning Standards and the Vermont Early Childhood State Licensing Regulations.
• Have the ability to collaborate and cooperate with other staff members.
• A sense of humor, flexibility, and innovation for growth and 'thinking outside of the box'.
• Be professional, punctual, and prepared.
• Be familiar with the legislature related to current early education movements.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience preferred
• Bachelor degree preferred
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Nice To Haves

• At least 2 years of relevant experience preferred
• Bachelor degree preferred
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Benefits
General Pay and Benefits:
Competitive compensation commensurate with education and experience.
40 hour work week
Combined Time off (CTO), which combines vacation, personal and sick time into one flexible time off bank. CTO begins to accrue upon your date of hire and continues to increase for your first 5 years of service.
Access to TIAA-CREF Retirement plan - with 5% employer contribution after one year of employment.
Entitled to the TCC Benefits Package, which includes an option to enroll in our Health Insurance at no cost to employee. Automatic enrollments are made in our Dental Insurance, Disability, and Life Insurance plans.
Access to Voluntary Benefits
Tuition reduction for children enrolled in the program.
General professional development workshops and training are provided to all full time staff at no cost.