Child Development Teacher

Early Childhood Educator /

Child Development Teacher Reports To:

Program Director Position Type:

Full-Time Location:

Sacramento, CA About Women's Empowerment Women's Empowerment is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering women experiencing homelessness with the skills, confidence, and support needed to secure employment, create healthy lifestyles, and regain stable housing for themselves and their children. Through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, Women's Empowerment is committed to ending homelessness — one woman, one family at a time. Position Overview Women's Empowerment is seeking a compassionate, credentialed Early Childhood Educator with experience working with children ages 0- 3 (at times 0-5)most of whom have been impacted by homelessness, trauma, domestic violence exposure, and family instability. This position plays a critical role in developing and leading a nurturing, trauma-informed childcare and early learning environment that supports both children and their mothers participating in Women's Empowerment programming. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, classroom management, trauma-informed care, ACEs and individualized developmental support strategies for young children. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Classroom Leadership & Child Development  Lead classroom instruction and daily childcare programming for children ages 0-3.  Create and maintain a safe, structured, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment.  Implement age-appropriate curriculum and play-based learning activities that support cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development.  Establish predictable classroom routines including circle time, transitions, group activities, and calming strategies.  Organize children into developmentally appropriate learning groups by age whenever feasible.  Support children exhibiting challenging or aggressive behaviors using trauma-informed and co-regulation techniques.  Integrate trauma-informed care, ACEs-informed practices, and social-emotional learning throughout all classroom activities.  Provide individualized support plans in collaboration with staff, families, and community partners. Curriculum Development & Program Enhancement  Review and evaluate the current curriculum to identify developmental, physical, behavioral, and social-emotional gaps.  Strengthen curriculum implementation through trauma-informed and play-based learning strategies.  Incorporate activities that support emotional regulation, resilience, communication, movement, creativity, and positive peer interaction.  Create daily outdoor activities by age groups, when weather permits in our large back yard area.  Develop individualized play plans and developmental supports for children needing additional interventions. Collaboration & Family Support  Coordinate with Help Me Grow (HMG), social workers, and program staff to support individualized developmental planning.  Participate in case planning discussions to provide child development insight and support for participating mothers.  Support mothers in understanding child development milestones and healthy attachment practices.  Utilize orientation childcare as an early engagement opportunity for children and caregivers entering the program. Training & Staff Development  Provide training to staff and volunteers on: o Trauma-informed care o ACEs awareness o Classroom behavior regulation strategies o Child development fundamentals o Ages & Stages developmental screening tools o Individualized play plan implementation  Conduct quarterly trainings for staff and volunteers focused on supporting children impacted by trauma and instability.  Provide or coordinate infant CPR, CPR, and mandated reporter training for appropriate staff and volunteers.  Support onboarding and orientation of childcare staff, volunteers, and classroom assistants. Orientation & Childcare Support  Provide 2-3 hours of childcare support during participant orientation events and program activities.  Supervise and coordinate volunteers and childcare personnel assisting during orientations.  Track attendance and engagement data related to childcare participation to support program planning and improvement. Community Partnerships & Recruitment Support  Support recruitment and outreach efforts through Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), Head Start programs, early childhood education networks, and community referral sources.  Assist with onboarding and orienting new childcare staff to Women's Empowerment programming and organizational values. Qualifications  Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred.  Valid Child Development Teacher Permit or applicable California teaching credential preferred.  Minimum 2 years of experience working with children ages 0-5 in early childhood settings.  Experience supporting children impacted by trauma, homelessness, domestic violence, or family instability strongly preferred.  Knowledge of trauma-informed care, ACEs, social-emotional development, and behavior support strategies.  Experience implementing developmental screenings such as Ages & Stages preferred.  Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.  Mandated Reporter certification required or willingness to obtain.  Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.  Ability to work effectively with diverse families, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Physical Requirements  Ability to actively supervise young children in classroom and outdoor environments.  Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as needed.  Ability to sit on the floor, bend, kneel, and engage in active play with children throughout the day. Why Join Women's Empowerment? Women's Empowerment offers a supportive, mission-driven environment where employees work collaboratively to empower women and children toward long-term stability and success. Staff are committed to excellence, compassion, and creating meaningful change in the lives of families experiencing homelessness.

Pay:

$28.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

License/Certification:

CPR Certification (Preferred) Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person