Early Childhood Educator

General Description

The Early Childhood Educator is an integral part of the team working to increase the quality of Early Childhood Experience for children birth to Kindergarten entry, assistance in day-to-day operations of the Family, Friend and Neighbor Training, and ensuring the implementation of quality Early Childhood Experiences. Under the direct supervision of the Early Childhood Coordinator, the Early Childhood Educator will supervise children while caregivers attend FFN Caregiver training sessions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

WEIGHT

Description

50

Preschool Educator: Co-facilitate Early Childhood Experiences for multiage groups. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities for children. Presenting and role modeling a professional attitude, greeting children and adults upon arrival at the session, respecting cultural and ethnic differences and always wearing professional attire.

20

Data Management/Entry: Enter parent attendance information

15

Program Coordination and Community Engagement: Support other FFN Caregiver Training outreach plan to recruit and enroll Caregivers and site locations

Participate in Community Networking Meetings to raise community awareness of FFN Caregiver Training Programs.

10

Preschool Activity Coordination: Support Early Childhood Coordinator and FFN Coaches with implementation of Family Fun Days and Play Dates

Support Early Childhood Educator with the preparation and storage of materials for Preschool Play Sessions.

2.5

Follow internal protocol immediately with regard to safety, health, and environment of the client and employee workspace and workplace equipment

2.5

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Example of a Daily Schedule: Early Childhood Educators will work eight hours per day Tuesday - Saturday until 8:00 pm one - two nights per week. Daily activities may include setting up, co-facilitation, and cleaning up for daily Early Childhood Experiences, entering attendance data, going to storage, and/or preparing materials for future Early Childhood Experiences. Conduct Outreach Activities to recruit FFN Caregivers, host locations for training. Driving to locations throughout the First Things First Northwest Maricopa Region including rural areas.

Qualifications Requirements

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education And/or Experience, Ability
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience with at least 3 years of early childhood education experience and college level Early Childhood Education Courses
• Minimum: High School Diploma with 12 hours of college level Early Childhood Education or 2 years of early childhood classroom experience.
• Ability to participate as a member of a team, including collaboration, cross-training, and mutual assistance.
• Experience and comfort working with young children birth to 5 and their parents/ caregivers
• Experience and ability to use computer hardware and Microsoft Office software
• Current CPR, First Aid certification, Current Level 1Fingerprint Card.
• Clear a criminal background and motor vehicle screening; must have a clear driving record for at least 3+ months.
• Reliable transportation
• Clear the Department of Economic Security, Central Registry Background Check.
• Good time management ability and ability to work independently.
• Obtain training as required by funder within 180 days of hire.

Ongoing Professional Development
• Create and implement an annual Professional Development Plan related to professional growth in this position.
• Complete and Maintain Certification in Standards of Quality for Family Support and Strengthening
• Participate in ongoing Professional Development Training per fiscal year related to this position.

Obtain and maintain Service Coordination Curriculum Certification/ Accreditation relevant to position.

Language Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish is strongly preferred. Ability to communicate clearly. Ability to listen and perceive need, working with people from diverse backgrounds non-judgmentally. Ability to effectively present and represent LSS-SW and the program's needs to religious and community groups as well as others in the social services community.

Mathematical Skills

Good ability to calculate figures.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, evaluate information, draw conclusions, and take appropriate action based on this information. Ability and confidence to make decisions when appropriate and when to solicit guidance from Regional Director.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to work within mission of LSS-SW.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit on the floor or stand for long periods of time.
• The employee frequently is required to use hands to hold objects and operate office equipment.
• The employee is required to be able to listen and communicate effectively.
• The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment varies with the activity level of the facility.
• The employee must be willing to drive to community locations and client's home and able to orientate and navigate well within Program's boundary.
• Maintain valid AZ Driver License, vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.

All positions at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest require a background check.

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