Preschool Teacher

It takes a big heart to help unfold  little minds.

Position:  Preschool Teacher

Status: Full-time, Non-exempt

Compensation: $25.00- $29.00 an hour DOE plus comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, health reimbursement account, 401(k) plan, 14 paid holidays (including your birthday!),  generous vacation and sick time, and training opportunities upon successful completion of introductory (90) day period. 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Reports to: Preschool Director

Timeline: Desired start date as soon as possible, 2 weeks’ notice okay.

ABOUT US

St. Mary’s Center, www.stmaryscenter.org, is a community of hope, healing, and justice. We provide nutrition, transitional housing, counseling, leadership development, and advocacy to seniors and preschoolers in West Oakland. We are proud of an excellent multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality services to people with urgent needs. Charity Navigator has awarded us a 4- star rating for fiscal management and integrity for six consecutive years. We were named Nonprofit of the Year (California District 9) and celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2023. We are building 73 new homes for seniors at 3135 San Pablo Av. with a targeted opening early in 2025. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Preschool Director, the Preschool Teacher establishes and maintains a safe, healthy learning environment.  They promote physical and cognitive growth in children while supporting their social and emotional development.  They provide positive guidance for students and maintain a positive relationships with families.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Teacher is expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Prepare the classroom and yard before school begins.
• Clean up classroom and yard at the end of the school day as needed.
• Preparation/clean-up of food for snacks.
• Performs tasks listed under CACFP list of duties.
• Supervise the Teacher Aides.
• Supervise all children at all times with the help of the Assistant Director and/or Head Teacher and Teacher Aides. No child can ever be left unsupervised.  We must maintain a 1:8 teacher: child ratio.
• Count children and know where they are at all times.
• Keep the Preschool free of hazardous materials and dangerous substances.
• Be competent in the use of emergency procedures and equipment.
• Communicate safety standards to children and families.
• Maintain learning materials and equipment.
• Adhere to infection control guidelines and be familiar with Preschool procedures for care of sick children.
• Use space, materials, and routines as resources for constructing an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment that encourages explorations and learning.
• Encourage physical activities that will strengthen social, cognitive, and physical development.
• With the Director, plan and prepare the learning environment and the daily program.
• Plan activities which are developmentally appropriate for children’s ages.
• Model appropriate behavior and language throughout the day.
• Encourage children to use problem solving techniques.
• Help each child feel accepted in the group.
• Provide physical and emotional security for each child while helping him/her to develop positive self-esteem and independence.
• Maintain an open, friendly relationship with each child’s family.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality about children, families, and Preschool staff members.
• Meet with the Director and other Preschool staff members each week.
• Commit to participating in Preschool staff training.
• Participate in St. Mary’s Center activities, including fund-raising activities, as a staff member.

QUALIFICATIONS

Assistant Teacher

• Must be working on or willing obtain an A.A. degree within 2 years.
• Possesses current certificates or cards in pediatric CPR and pediatric First Aid.
• Have a health screening, with evidence of a negative TB test, performed by a physician within one year prior to employment or must obtain one within seven days of employment.
• Have or obtain a criminal record clearance from the Department of Justice.
• Be at least 18 years of age.

Teacher

• Must possess an Associate Teacher’s Permit, or higher from the State of California.
• Have completed 15 hours of training in Preventive Health Practices as required in the licensing regulations. This includes possessing current certificates or cards in pediatric CPR and pediatric First Aid.
• Have a health screening, with evidence of a negative TB test, performed by a physician within one year prior to employment or must obtain one within seven days of employment.
• Have or obtain a criminal record clearance from the Department of Justice.
• Be at least 18 years of age.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  In general, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Must be able to lift and carry a small child (up to 50 lbs.) as needed/in the event of an emergency. Other physical demands include; sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, twisting, grasping, fine manipulation, pushing/pulling, reaching, stooping, using smell and touch, working outside and vision and hearing.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
St. Mary’s Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active Equal Employment Opportunity Program (EEOP).  It is the stated policy of St. Mary's Center that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (over 40), sex, marital status, medical condition (cancer related) or physical handicap (includes all other medical condition).