Preschool Associate Teacher

TUNE, Inc.; Elk Grove (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established education provider is seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Educator to implement a high-quality instructional program in a nurturing lab school environment. This role emphasizes the Reggio Emilia approach, focusing on creating engaging and supportive educational experiences for preschool children. The ideal candidate will build meaningful relationships with students and families, uphold the organization's mission, and work collaboratively with a team of educators. If you are passionate about early childhood education and committed to fostering a positive learning atmosphere, this opportunity could be perfect for you.

Qualifications

• At least 12 units in Early Childhood Education or related fields required.
• 1+ year experience in childcare with 2-5 year olds preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain student health and safety while providing Reggio inspired educational experiences.
• Collaborate with lead teachers to improve instructional practices.

Skills

Child Development Understanding

Reggio Emilia Approach

Small Group Instruction

Positive Discipline Techniques

Education

12 Units in Early Childhood Education

AA Degree in Early Childhood

Tools

Computer Proficiency

Job description

About the Employer

Rex and Margaret Fortune School of Education is a comprehensive education system including non-profit preschools, a network of tuition-free public charter schools (TK-12th), and a school of education with master's programs and educator preparation programs accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in Sacramento/San Bernardino County. We prepare students for college starting in preschool Transitional Kindergarten and are focused on closing the African American achievement gap.

Our Mission:

To graduate high achieving students of good character prepared for college and citizenship in a democratic society.

Our Vision:

To prepare teachers for service in public schools with competence and sensitivity that will enable them to develop students to their fullest potential.

Our Approach:

At Fortune School, our education philosophy is The Five Pillars--1) High Expectations, 2) Choice and Commitment, 3) More Time, 4) Focus on Results, 5) Citizenship. We follow this philosophy in all our academic programs in service to the wide range of people we serve from preschool to masters.

Job Summary: Provide a high-quality instructional program within a lab school environment that follows the Reggio Emilia approach. Curate an open-ended environment (valued as the third teacher). Plan and implement an emergent curriculum through the hundred languages of children. Research and observe along with the children. Invest in a personal relationship with each student and family, ensuring that each child feels valued as an individual. Establish a culture of high expectations that includes the shared belief that every student will attend college. Create nurturing supportive educational environments for preschool children at various stages of development. Provide guidance, mentoring, and leadership to student teachers. Uphold the mission, vision, and values of Fortune School.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 06:00pm with a 60-minute meal period.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain student health, safety, ratio, and supervision at all times according to Title 22 regulations.
• Assist in caregiving routines such as hand washing, serving meals, diapering, toileting, and naptime.
• Provide stimulating Reggio inspired educational experiences which promote socio/emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Help to scaffold lessons and environments to meet the developmental needs of each child.
• Help to plan, implement, and evaluate daily instructional activities.
• Prepare instructional materials, set up activities.
• Actively participate with children.
• Collaborate with the lead teachers to improve instructional practices throughout the school; share best practices.
• Nurture meaningful relationships with families in the classroom.
• Assist the lead teacher in writing formal and informal ongoing observations throughout the year.
• Assist the lead teacher in creating and displaying a variety of documentation boards.
• Utilize age appropriate, positive discipline techniques.
• Work with the teaching team to help identify unique student needs.
• Respectfully work with lab students and volunteers.
• Ensure the safety, security, cleanliness, and orderliness of the classroom and playground environments.
• Actively participate in professional development activities, staff meetings, and school events.
• Assist lead teacher with supporting and encouraging emergent plurilingual learners and family biliteracy.
• Maintain confidentiality of students and families.
• Support lead teacher in preparation for parent/guardian conferences.
• Complete center paperwork (accident reports, potty logs, observations of children) in a timely manner.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and research in the field of early childhood education.
• Assist lead teacher with selecting classroom supplies by request to administration.
• Address concerns with the lead teacher.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Support the mission, vision, and core values of Fortune Schools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY TO:

• Work with students in small groups, 1:1, and large groups.
• Understand child development and early learning techniques.
• Willingness to follow the Reggio Emilia approach.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/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.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors or outdoors.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to assume postures in low levels, get up and down from the floor, and engage in physical activity with children.
• Ability to use a computer with basic proficiency.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Successfully completed with passing grades, at least 12 units from an accredited or approved college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development covering areas of child growth and development, or human growth or development, or child, family, and community, or program/curriculum.
• AA degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field (Preferred).
• 1+ year experience working in a childcare setting with 2-5 year olds.
• Valid First Aid/CPR training, or willingness to obtain.
• Mandated reporting training (or ability to comply within 30 days).

$22 - $22 an hour

Fortune School of Education provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.