Current jobs related to Early Childhood Educator - Presque Isle, Maine - Aroostook County Action Program

Compensation and Benefits:

Aroostook County Action Program provides competitive remuneration, comprehensive health benefits (fully covered premium on PPO 2500 plan), dental and vision insurance, long-term disability, retirement plans, paid holidays, accrued time off, tuition reimbursement, and pathways for professional growth. Salary is commensurate with experience.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Educator is responsible for designing, preparing, and executing all activities for a designated classroom. This role involves engaging parents through conferences and meetings, overseeing, scheduling, training, and assessing assigned staff and volunteers. The Educator also provides leadership within the classroom and the center, managing daily operations in the absence of the supervisor to ensure program excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Designs, prepares, and executes classroom activities and field excursions; integrates new modules as they are introduced; formulates teaching strategies based on classroom outcome reports; adheres to planned activities daily; documents daily plans and displays them in the classroom.
2. Conducts screenings and records observations of children, collaborating with parents to tailor programs to meet individual needs; supervises the planning and execution of classroom activities; ensures timely completion of programmatic and agency reports by classroom staff; conducts ongoing assessments as required.
3. Develops and implements a cultural awareness initiative within the center, featuring at least one activity each month.
4. Assists in the preparation and supervision of nutritious meals and snacks as necessary; procures food supplies; cultivates an environment where mealtime is both educational and enjoyable.
5. Onboards parents as classroom volunteers and aids staff and parents in organizing parent-related activities; participates in parent meetings.
6. Coordinates and participates in home visits.
7. Conducts interviews, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff; maintains compliance with performance review systems for direct reports; mediates staff conflicts; counsels employees on performance issues; recommends disciplinary actions as necessary; assesses program equipment and supplies, ordering and distributing as needed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Experience and Skills:

Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience in teaching young children within a center-based or home daycare program.
• A minimum of 2 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience in planning for individual needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain safe, healthy learning environments.
• Experience in conducting developmental screenings.

Skills:

• Exceptional customer service abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and relevant software.
• Effective communication and rapport-building with young children.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Strong multitasking capabilities.
• Ability to foster trust and security through nurturing relationships.

Education and Knowledge:

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with at least 36 credits in Early Childhood.
• Credential or certification in family services or a related field within 18 months of hire.
• Incumbents with CDA or Associate's Degree must actively pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Must possess Ed Tech Certification (II or III).
• Adopt an open classroom/hands-on learning philosophy.
• Working knowledge of Early Childhood Education principles.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Other Requirements:

• Flexibility in scheduling.
• Successful completion of required background checks.
• Current C.H.R.C. certification.
• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance are required.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Uphold the Agency's Mission, Vision, and Goals.
2. Maintain confidentiality regarding employee and agency information.
3. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures with a focus on safety in all job functions.
4. Demonstrate a positive, professional, and collaborative demeanor with colleagues and external stakeholders.
5. Foster teamwork through effective communication and relationships.
6. Punctuality and appropriate use of time are essential.
7. Complete work in a timely manner with minimal errors.
8. Engage in training, conferences, and meetings as required.
9. Exhibit professionalism and integrity at all times.
10. Represent the Agency positively within the community as appropriate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands outlined here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands for handling, reaching, talking, and hearing. The employee frequently stands, walks, sits, and may stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally, the employee may climb or balance and engage in tasting or smelling. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The ability to arrange classroom equipment, lift and move furniture, and sit in small chairs or on the floor for extended periods is essential. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Work is primarily conducted in a child-centered classroom setting and occasionally in residential homes. Employees may encounter risks associated with unsanitary or unsafe living conditions, such as poor indoor air quality or unruly pets. Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions is expected. Occasional local travel may be required, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. There may be limited exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other bodily fluids.