Preschool Teacher

Base salary to increase by 3% in July 2026.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, oversees activities related to preschool programs, creates and implements daily lesson plans to provide a stimulating, safe and developmentally appropriate program where children have the opportunity to develop cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills, works directly with other City of Eureka Little Saplings Preschool staff; performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from Preschool Administrator and/or supervisory Recreation Division personnel. May exercise functional and lead direction over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full-time class in the Recreation Division responsible for providing supervision and instruction for the students at the City of Eureka Little Saplings Preschool. The nature of the work performed requires an employee in this class to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all others contacted in the course of work. The Preschool Teacher class is differentiated from the Preschool Aide in that it is directly responsible for the development and instruction of classroom curriculum and activities. The principal duties of this class are performed in a Community Services preschool facility.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

(Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Provides a stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment where children have the opportunity to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Plans, conducts and supervises activities for the children in the Little Saplings preschool program. Creates and implements lesson plans and activities. Performs simple daily housecleaning duties in the classroom, facility and yard. Maintains confidentiality of all personal information concerning children, families and staff. Checks yard, playgrounds and facilities for possible safety hazards; secure yards, facilities, equipment and lights, following completion of activities. Maintains supplies for activities at preschool facility. Responsible for the completion of timely, neat, and accurate documentation. Acts as an information source to the public concerning preschool programs and activities. Maintains safe, clean environment, teaching and modeling good skills. Keeps attendance records. Attends required training seminars to keep abreast of the latest developments in Early Childhood Education. Reports any problems or concerns to the Preschool Administrator. Displays a positive, cooperative attitude when working with each child, parent, and staff member. Performs related duties in support of preschool programs as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Early Childhood Development and working with children in structured settings. Prep and planning of lesson plans and activities as they relate to assigned programs. Basic safety policies, procedures and techniques. Significant developments and trends in education. Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment. Record keeping principles and procedures. Computer applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

Meet the physical demands of prolonged physical activity. Plan, implement and evaluate preschool programs and activities that are age-appropriate while bearing educational merit. Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the interests and learning styles of children. Adhere to department policies and procedures concerning safety, accident reporting, inappropriate behavior, etc. Teach and lead groups of various ability levels in the area of assignment. Promote interest and enthusiasm in preschool activities. Work and communicate effectively and collaboratively with children, parents, and other staff. Work cooperatively with other staff members, accept supervision and help promote a positive learning environment. Effectively use verbal communication, including clear speech enunciation, and accurate grammar that can serve as a good model for children who are developing their language skills. Keep accurate records.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and A minimum completion of 12 ECE (Early Childhood Education) units or enrollment in the 12th unit at time of hire. Experience working with children

License:

Valid California class C driver's license preferred. Must obtain a CPR and First Aid certification and maintain such certifications. No other information will be accepted and resumes, cover letters or additional materials

WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, and walk on uneven surfaces to participate in recreational activities and basic facility maintenance; and push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work primarily in classrooms and/or recreational facilities environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids while rendering First Aid and CPR and are required to wear appropriate attire for the recreation activity to which they are assigned. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Is required to work various shifts, as assigned.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

All applications received are screened to determine which applicants most closely match the desired education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the position. Applicants will receive email notification of the results of the screening process. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not necessarily guaranteed advancement to the examination process, as only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate. The most qualified applicants will be invited to an examination tentatively to be held in late April. The Department Head [and/or designee(s)] will interview the top six (6) candidates from the examination process. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, and grant positions. The City reserves the right to extend the final filing date as necessary.