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

Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development, Early Childhood Development, or equivalency; one year of experience; current CPR certification; a current Food Handler's Permit; and effective interpersonal skills. Twenty hours of continuing education each year in early childhood education, and a commitment to provide excellent customer service are also required.

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

1. Develops lesson plans to stimulate and develop mental progress, as well as provide a well rounded day of activity for pre-school children.
2. Extinguishes, or lessens inappropriate behavior and redirects children to appropriate actions by applying child guidance techniques to help children learn to manage their own behavior.
3. Provides art work and craft projects for children to develop appreciation and joy of creation.
4. Oversees teacher aides to interpret behaviors, and ensure they are working appropriately with children.
5. Teaches and leads children in singing and finger plays to help them develop memory, verbal skills and a love for music.
6. Assists children with physical necessities, i. e. daily nutritional needs, toileting of preschoolers, medical emergencies, etc. to give proper care and, where appropriate, facilitate development.
7. Cleans and decorates the classroom by dusting and vacuuming to provide a clean environment and display what the children are doing, as well as show their development.
8. Interacts with parents and/or guardians to discuss concerns, day-to-day problems, suggestions, etc. to alleviate concerns and maintain a harmonious relationship.

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.