Early Learning Teacher I

Amarillo College; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Amarillo College is seeking an Early Learning Teacher I to nurture a supportive classroom aligned with national standards and the Texas Rising Star program. The role involves planning, teaching, and guiding preschool activities, while building meaningful relationships with children and families under supervision.

Qualified candidates will have a High School Diploma or GED, and experience in licensed childcare is preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Course completion in child development or related field.
• Proficient communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping abilities.
• Background checks and health/safety certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with children and families.
• Create lesson plans and provide positive guidance.
• Develop and teach curriculum aligned with department goals.
• Supervise playground activities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ensure health/safety compliance and sanitize classroom.
• Engage with staff and families professionally.

Skills

Communication

Active listening

Critical thinking

Customer service

Dependability

Organization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child development course (preferred)

Job description

At Amarillo College, our mission is: Transforming lives through learning, creating opportunities for student success, and nurturing prosperity for the Texas Panhandle. Every team member, regardless of job title or duties, is responsible first and foremost, for assisting students in every way.

This is an exciting time to work for Amarillo College! We are seeking our next Early Learning Teacher I who will be all-in on our mission and who will be responsible and accountable for providing a nurturing environment that supports national standards for the education of young children. Both the Hagy Center for Young Children and the Child Development Lab School are part of Texas Rising Star; a rating system for child care and early learning programs that exceed Child Care Regulation minimum standards.

We are searching for a qualified candidate who can help us stay in the rating of the Texas Rising Star and will instruct preschool children in learning basic skills, and build positive relationships between children, and with families and children. These responsibilities require teaching and instruction of learning activities and providing positive guidance with assigned children.

EDUCATION

Required: High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred: Course completion in child development field or similar professional field.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

Required:

• Must have a valid Class C Texas Driver's License with a 3-year safe driving record.
• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certificate or the ability to obtain certification or recertify in the first thirty days of employment.

Preferred: Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA)

EXPERIENCE

Required: One (1) year experience in a licensed childcare facility.

Preferred:

• Three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare facility.
• Experience working in Early Head Start or Head Start Programs in Texas

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Clear Background History.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• In accordance with Texas state law and licensing rules of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, persons employed in this position will be subject to a Child Care Criminal History Check (TDPRS Form 2971), FBI Fingerprinting, and Tuberculosis test.

• Build positive relationships with children and their families.
• Create lesson plans and providing positive guidance.
• Develop and teach curriculum aligned with department goals.
• Supervise playground activities.
• Provide a safe environment for performance of work and play.
• Promote and protect children’s health by keeping classroom sanitized and following proper health codes.
• Maintain effective office organization and accurate record management.
• Ensure all records and supporting documentation are maintained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
• Interact with all levels of departmental personnel, students, parents, community members, and management in a professional manner.
• Participate in and complete performance assessments/evaluations.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.
• As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring striving to serve students, peers and the community by embracing the AC Core Values:Integrity, Curiosity, Accountability, Relevance, and Engagement!

• Proficient communication skills.
• Critical thinking and active listening skills.
• Customer service mindset.
• Dependability and integrity.
• Effective organizational and task prioritization skills.

Salary: Amarillo College follows a lag pay strategy, with starting offers typically between the minimum and midpoint of the pay grade, rarely reaching the maximum to support long-term growth within each position.

Pay grade 7 Amarillo College Pay Grades (salary is determined by Human Resources based on education, work experience and internal comparisons).

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to travel between offices and buildings, and requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and/or maneuver office supplies as needed. Performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Employee may be required to lift children.

Working Conditions: Occasional overtime hours may be required. Overtime hours must be approved by supervisor and/or cabinet member prior to work. Employee is required to maintain required certifications of the position and attend professional development trainings. Employee will experience daily exposure to household cleaning supplies, frequent distracting noise levels and interruptions. Self-sufficiency is critical.