A Preschool or Childcare Teacher works with young children, usually ages 3 - 5, to help them learn the social, motor and language skills needed to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. Organizes activities and uses play or games to help children learn; develops schedules and routines for children that include exercise and rest. Works in a school or in a childcare center or program.
Members of the LifeSpan organization, support the mission of LifeQuest as follows: Our mission is to provide our residents with the highest quality of healthcare and service within an Atmosphere of genuine caring. Such care recognizes the importance of quality service to residents and co-workers. In this context, each employee has the following responsibilities as an individual and as a team member:
Responsible:
Works independently, in a safe and appropriate manner in accordance with safety and organizational policies and procedures. Demonstrates both problem-solving/problem prevention skills equal to the expected level of responsibility for their job.
Sensitive:
Treats others with consideration, courtesy and respect.
Timely:
Completes assignments within allotted time, taking into consideration children's needs.
Accurate:
Works carefully and precisely, with attention to detail.
Coordinated:
Organizes and delivers service in the proper order. Displays good organizational skills and utilizes resources appropriately.
Thorough:
Meets all the requirements of his/her position. Performs duties willingly, shares necessary information with co-workers when appropriate or needed. Remains composed in stressful situation and takes action to restore calm if job appropriate. Cooperates with other departments and work groups. Performs duties with initiative when appropriate.
ORGANIZATION SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES
Attendance - is regularly in attendance. Punctuality - arrives to work on time and as scheduled. Follows safety policies, procedures and standards. Adheres to departmental policies and procedures. Maintaining confidentiality of all customer, employee, physician and organizational information.
Work Role Responsibilities:
Manage and oversee operations including: building, plant and grounds, curriculum, STARS, safety. Supervise and insure the safety and dwell-being of the children at all times, being alert for the needs and/or problems of the children, staff and parents as individuals and as a group. Portray a positive, nurturing and caring environment for the children. Implement policy to ensure that children's personal needs are care for in a positive manner, i.e. feeding, napping, and toileting, sick care, school age, and scheduling. Provide and educationally anti-bias oriented program to be followed on a regular basis. Adhere to day care policies, OCDEL state regulations, PA Department of Education and PA Keystone Stars. Must be flexible and able to adjust to center needs. Responsible for maintaining appropriate trainings and professional development as required by the Department of Human Services and Keystone Stars, including adequate use of formal and informal assessments. Adherence to school procedures and regulations related to attendance, punctuality and the like. Knowledge of the Professional Code of Conduct. Attend staff meetings and center/program events as required. Compliance with school requirements for maintaining accurate records, communicating with families. Compliance with participating in school events and school professional growth and development opportunities Commit to implementing PW-PBIS in your classroom routines. Utilize PBIS lesson plans to teach and review program-wide expectations daily. Utilize a child acknowledgement system that promotes positive behavior and avoids impending negative consequences or removal of earned acknowledgements. Acknowledge children's positive behavior at a ratio of at least 5:1 (5 positives to 1 negative/neutral). Promote the development of positive peer relationships. Provide a high-quality learning environment that fosters inclusion and equity for all children. Participate in classroom observations (TPOT [preschool/pre-k] and TPITOS [infant/toddler]). Collaborate with classroom coach to establish professional development goals and work to reach them. Complete child social-emotional screener for all children. Complete Behavior Incident Reports (BIRs) as indicated in program policy and procedure guidance. Encourage family engagement through a variety of mechanisms in your classroom. Collaborate professionally with program staff to develop support plans for individual children (if necessary).
Demonstrates:
Clear standards of conduct and effective management skills including: time management, team building, effective communication and problem solving. Adequate positive communication of policies and procedures, and clear explanations of content with staff, families and children. Reasonable flexibility and responsiveness in meeting the needs of families, children and staff.
NOTE:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this document is intended to exclude the opportunity for modifications or adjustment to the job or the manner of performing it consistent with the requirement to provide reasonable accommodations to the disabled. With or without accommodation, the essential functions must be performed. Employees unable to accomplish any functions may request reasonable accommodations pursuant to the American Disabilities Act.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education per
OCDEL 3270.37
Minimum of twenty-four (24) annual training hours, a Bachelor's or Associate's degree from an accredited college in Early Childhood Education / or Elementary Education , or related field of studies and 2 years experience in childcare environment.
License/Registration/Certification :
Appropriate degree with transcript, documented teaching experience, teaching certificate, CPR and First Aid Certification preferred. Physical per
OCDEL 3270.151
A completed health assessment conducted within 1 month prior to providing initial service in childcare and every two years thereafter must be submitted. A health assessment is valid for 24 months following the date of signature, if the person does not contact a communicable disease or develop a medical problem. This position is considered a Safety Sensitive Position. Criminal/ Child Abuse/FBI Clearance (new employee): As required by OCDEL, FBI, Pa State Police, Child Abuse Clearance and National Sex Offender Registry will be completed at time of hire and updated according to the current regulations. LifeSpan will retain a copy when the clearances return, clearances are the property of the employee.
