Preschool Instructor

Organization: Volunteers of America

Mission: Empowering Individuals to Transform Their Lives

Volunteers of America is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on providing essential services to those in need, enhancing family dynamics, and fostering community growth. Our organization offers a wide range of social support services throughout the Los Angeles area, including educational programs, veteran assistance, housing solutions, and rehabilitation services.

Head Start Program:

Our Head Start and Early Head Start initiatives cater to children aged 2 to 5 years and their families, equipping them with the necessary skills and stable environments for a successful transition into kindergarten and beyond. Positions within this program typically operate Monday through Friday.

Role Summary:

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing environment that promotes the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of children, tailored to their individual growth stages. The primary objective is to foster social competence among the children.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute the educational curriculum for children enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions. Design individual and group activities that encourage learning and enhance parental engagement in their child's education. Collaborate effectively with the Co-Teacher and Family Advocate to provide resources and support to families;
• Foster a diverse learning environment that caters to the varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the children and the communities they represent;
• Conduct daily lesson planning, maintain accurate records of children's progress in conjunction with the Family Advocate, and ensure timely submission of monthly reports;
• Observe and assess child development levels, setting individualized goals that cater to each child's needs;
• Develop a structured program of activities that reinforces the vital role of parents as primary educators;
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Essential Requirements:

• Successful completion of a fingerprint clearance and background check, including criminal history and reference verification;
• Proof of health clearances, including TB test, annual influenza vaccination, and immunizations for pertussis and measles;
• Health screening upon employment;
• Ability to engage with children in a dynamic environment, including physical requirements such as lifting up to 50 lbs, frequent kneeling, squatting, and quick movement.

Educational Background:

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field;
• A minimum of 24 units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.

Experience:

• At least 2 years of teaching experience;
• A minimum of 1 year in a supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework in management;
• Child Development Permit;
• 4 years of teaching experience;
• Familiarity with Head Start performance standards and creative curriculum;
• Knowledge of licensing regulations;
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (both written and verbal).

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government.