People Serving People's Center of Excellence is seeking a Preschool Teacher. The Preschool Teacher works with the Lead Teacher to provide a warm, loving atmosphere and classroom based on a philosophy of trauma informed principles and goals. The Preschool Teacher works with the Lead Teacher to support the academic and social development of children ages 3-5 years and their parents at People Serving People. Must be able to work and plan in a team setting, with patience, enthusiasm and respect for children, as well as parents and fellow staff. Must have working knowledge of early childhood development.

Essential Functions of the job:

Understands the social-emotional needs of children in a shelter setting.

Understands the impact of toxic stress and trauma on children in a shelter setting.

Understands and can implement and build on the trauma-informed framework of our classrooms.

Participates in planning and facilitation of curriculum for young children in a developmentally appropriate setting based heavily in social-emotional development.

Encourages oral communication with other children and adults.

Assists with encouraging children's social, academic, developmental, and personal skills.

Welcomes, talks with and/or meets with parents as needed.

Observes and reports on physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children.

Maintains clean classroom appearance by organizing, cleaning, and sanitizing daily.

Performs related administrative duties.

Works with children experiencing difficulty as assigned.

Attends meetings and workshops as needed.

Collaborates with People Serving People’s Center of Excellence teaching staff as needed.

Assists in other Early Childhood Development Program classrooms as necessary for ratio, including classrooms at the Center of Excellence.

Completes 24 hours of in-service training per year.

Performs other duties assigned by the Lead Preschool Teacher and/or Educational Services Assistant Manager.

Competencies:

Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care principles and models.

Knowledge of the developmental and emotional needs of young children.

Knowledge of the methods and procedures used in a child development center.

Knowledge of basic health and first aid techniques.

Skill in coping with a variety of behaviors.

Skill in dealing with children, their families and the public.

Skill in evaluating situations.

Ability to determine the needs of children.

Ability to teach developmental, social, and emotional skills.

Ability to establish a warm and supportive relationship with the children and their parents or guardians.

Ability to articulate program goals and philosophy and apply it to working in the Early Childhood Development Program.

Computer Skills: Ability to check an email account.

Education Required: Must have BA or BS in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Child Development or related field OR CDA credential, Child Care Specialist Certificate or Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate, OR 4,160 hours of early childhood experience along with 24 quarter credits related to Child Development. Other Qualifications:

Experience as an assistant teacher, aide, or student intern in an early childhood center.

Experience working with early childhood children in a child care center preferred.

Experience serving multi-cultural, socially diverse population desired.

First Aid and CPR certified or willing to be certified within the first 90 days of work.

People Serving People is an equal opportunity employer. Opportunities for employment are available to all persons, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. People Serving People’s facilities are accessible. Individuals who have experienced homelessness are encouraged to apply.