Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Provides new and challenging experiences for children to stimulate physical, intellectual, social and emotional needs of preschool children.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience working with children, in a child care, Head Start, or preschool.
• Demonstrated interest in learning about child development and guidance.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or must obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Current Food Handler’s Permit or must obtain upon hire.
• Understanding and commitment to issues of inclusivity, cultural diversity, and anti-racism.
• Must be able to lift and carry small children in arms for short distances (10-50 lbs.).
• Must meet physical characteristics (with or without the use of aids) including:
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Sufficient vision to read printed material
  • Sufficient hearing to hear normal and telephone conversations
  • Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation
  • Ability to sit on the floor and move about on hands and knees for long periods of time
  • Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to communicate effectively with children and their parents/guardians, both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to complete ongoing written assessments about each child that will be shared with parents/guardians.
• Demonstrated skills in general office duties, computer systems, and technology.
• Must be available for in-person meetings with parents/guardians when requested.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with management and/or dispatch in case of emergency.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, evaluate progress, and adjust activities to complete projects within established timeframe.
• Skilled in establishing effective and collaborative working relationships.
• Able to demonstrate skills in effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrated skills in general office duties, computer systems, and technology.
• A commitment to providing excellent customer service skills.
• Twenty hours of continuing education each year in early childhood education, per Utah Licensing rules and regulations and NAEYC best practices.
• Must be able to pass criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in a related field (such as Child and Family Development, Early Childhood Development) or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Child and Family Development, Early Childhood Development) or equivalency.
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate or willingness to pursue a CDA.
• Some experience working in a NAEYC Accredited program.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

Curriculum, Classroom Management Expectations and Guidance

1. Complies with State of Utah Child Care Licensing Regulations (https://childcarelicensing.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/R381-100.pdf) at all times.
2. Aligns with NAEYC Standards (https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/accreditation/early-learning/standards_assessment_2019.pdf).
3. Promotes leadership skills within a classroom team and oversees classroom assistants to interpret behaviors and ensure that they are working appropriately with children.
4. Models appropriate behavior and teaching techniques for teaching assistants.
5. Develop and implement lesson plans to stimulate developmental progress as well as provide intentional daily experience, and hands-on activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool children in accordance with Creative Curriculum Developmental Objectives, DAP guidance techniques, and play-based learning.
6. Use positive guidance techniques to minimize inappropriate behavior and redirect children to learn how to appropriately manage their own behavior in a positive manner.
7. Supports staff in activities such as: playing on the floor with children at their eye level; actively supervising and maintaining ratios at all times; helping children toilet including lifting children to change their diapers, guiding them through the potty training process (as directed by the lead teacher), and washing hands; cleaning the classroom; maintaining safe transitions between indoors and playground (including actively supervising children outdoors year-round)
8. Assists children with physical necessities, feeding, toileting/diapering, medical emergencies, and other life skills, to give proper care and, where appropriate, facilitate development.
9. Daily routine care of children such as: feeding, diapering, cuddling, playing, singing, talking, picking children up, holding them, and otherwise providing a gentle and nurturing environment. You will need to be available and responsive to the individual needs of children.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Professionalism

1. Establishes and maintains friendly, professional, and effective working relationships with other employees, parents, and children.
2. Works in conjunction with parents and guardians to build and maintain relationships, discuss concerns, provide suggestions and solutions to day-to-day problems, and alleviate concerns.
3. Works in a supportive and cooperative manner with all staff
4. Work as a team to maintain a cheerful, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing childcare environment that reflects the cultural diversity and interests of the children.
5. Follows directives given by Administration, including Director or Director Designee. This may include last-minute changes to ensure the safety and well-being of children are maintained.
6. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, but show a willingness to take direction from the supervisor.
7. Demonstrates consistent attendance and punctuality.
8. Responsible for accurate record keeping and data collection of client’s program usage to maintain compliance with child care licensing and NAEYC.
9. Behaves in a manner that is aligned with University of Utah and NAEYC’s Ethical Code of Conduct https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics Position Statement2011_09202013update.pdf

Problem Solving

The Early Childhood Teacher has the authority to develop all lesson plans and curriculum taught in the class, assess problem behaviors, and emotional functioning of children, and discuss these matters with the parents/guardians. He/she also assesses the degree of illness, or injury and decides the proper course of action, i.e. a child with asthma who might have an unusually strong attack, etc. The incumbent also has the authority to operate the center in the absence of the Supervisor, oversee teacher aides and intervene to ensure they interact with appropriate child guidance techniques. Any suspect of child abuse, or neglect are reported to the Supervisor.

Some challenges faced by the Early Childhood Teacher are teaching non-English speaking preschoolers while trying to overcome language and culture differences; and dealing with hyper-activity disorders. Other problems are parents who bring in sick children, those who are unable to leave work to pick up sick children, and those who cannot be reached when their child is sick.

Comments

The incumbent must also distribute medication brought in by parents to children appropriately, and collect money for field trips.