Pre-K Teacher- AL# Pre-K Teacher- ALHigginbotham - Phenix City, AL 36869## OverviewSalary Range$19.75 - $20.49 HourlyPosition TypeFull TimeCategoryEducation## Description**Job Summary:**Incumbent provides for the establishment, maintenance, and management of classroom activities and providing those services necessary to meet the requirements of the Head Start Performance Standards.**Major Responsibilities/Activities:*** Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families of Enrichment Services Program.* Understand and demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.* Staff interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child.* Staff respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's play with language, toys, and activities.* Staff communicates directly with each child at the child's level.* Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions.* Assist and be responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests.* Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate.* Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions.* Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to NAEYC.* Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms.* Assist in implementing daily lesson plans and daily schedules.* Assist in organizing and maintaining learning centers within the classroom.* Recruit volunteers and solicits in-kind contributions.* Attend meetings, trainings and workshop as required.* Maintain cleanliness of classrooms and adjoining restrooms.* Serve as an advocate for the Head Start Program, families and children.* Perform other duties as assigned.* Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians.**Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition:*** Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.* Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while working with a small group or individuals.* Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times.* Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day.* Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies).* Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices.* Keep environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed.* Assist in arrangement of space into clearly defined, well organized activity areas.Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently## Qualifications**Minimum Requirements:*** Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education **OR** in a related field (Child Development, Elementary Education, etc.) **and** minimum one year DECAL experience working with children from birth to 5 years of age.( Masters preferred)**Essential Mental Functions:*** Ability to communicate effectively with parents, children and staff.# BenefitsWe value our team members and are pleased to offer a flexible benefits package for all eligible employees. Our package includes:* Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance* Life Insurance (50,000)* Voluntary Short-Term and Long-Term Disability* FSA – Flexible Spending Accounts* Employee Assistance Program* Generous Paid Time Off (Sick, Personal, and Holidays)* 401(k) Plan