Early Childhood Educator

JOB LOCATION

1300 S Chambers Cir Aurora, Colorado 80012-4729

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of:Integrity,Respect, Professionalism, andCustomer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.

Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Every interaction reflects a deep commitment to integrity, respect, and professionalism within our community. Young hearts and minds thrive in an integrated, inclusive preschool environment catering to children ages two through six. Educators utilize positive guidance techniques and effective working relationships to build a supportive foundation for every child. Discovery happens daily across indoor and outdoor settings that inspire joy and exploration. Leadership champions a positive work culture where staff feel motivated to develop their professional skills. Purpose-driven professionals live our core values daily to provide excellent service to local families and citizens.

Position overview:

The Early Childhood Educator plans and implements developmentally appropriate preschool programs for licensed year-round programming that ensures quality programming and customer service. This role is responsible for facilitating learning and teaching in integrated, inclusive preschool classrooms (ages 2½ to 6).

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, prepare, and implement lesson plans and supply lists utilizing all assigned curriculum standards
• Lead class activities
• Maintain confidential records of children’s personal information and progress reports
• Record and monitor daily attendance
• Provide a safe classroom environment, including inspecting all equipment/materials for safety 
• Maintain classroom management/discipline according to policies and safety codes 
• Provide regular communication with parents, utilizing all approved communication tools as assigned by the Preschool Supervisor 
• Recruit parent helpers and guest speakers
• Create Individual Learning Plans, twice a year, for all children, including all assessments assigned.
• Conduct 2 annual parent/teacher conferences, as well as any other conferences as needed 
• Set up/clean up classroom as designated by Preschool Supervisor
• Routine cleaning/sanitizing/disinfecting of classroom and materials
• Fulfill all assigned training hours/required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, city of Aurora
• Occasional virtual teaching
• Maintain Colorado Shines rating standards
• Maintain PDIS credential
• Market and recruit new students to fill classroom(s)
• Follow all rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices developed by governing bodies. IE Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), Aurora Fire Department, Nurse, city of Aurora, Colorado Shines (QRIS), etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED

Experience: 

• Must meet the experience guidelines for an Assistant Early Childhood Teacher as outlined in the Colorado Department of Early Childhood rules and regulations 2.216 E

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience working directly with children in a licensed child development program, including at least one year of supervisory experience.
• Early Childhood Teacher or Large Center Director qualifications as outlined in the Colorado Department of Early Childhood rules and regulations 2.216 A or 2.214

Knowledge:

• Child development and administration of appropriate practices
• Preschool curriculum and implementation
• Business administration
• Effective classroom management and positive guidance techniques
• Computer operation with related word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, virtual meeting and registration software applications
• FERPA & HIPPA guidelines
• Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines
• Governing rules and regulations (Office of Early Childhood, local health department, Colorado Shines, etc)

Skills: 

• Strong organization, management, and communication skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong crisis management & communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for all age groups
• Strong planning skills
• Proficient windows-based computer skills

Abilities: 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, city of Aurora employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
• Handle sensitive and/or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Effectively manage classroom environments
• Demonstrate positive guidance techniques in a preschool environment
• Creatively solve problems, negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner
• Assist with motivating staff, creating a positive work environment, and holding staff accountable for achieving measurable goals and developing their skills
• Ensure accuracy in information and correct errors as needed
• Complete tasks and respond to inquiries in a timely manner

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• Must meet appropriate requirements/qualifications and provide all documentation as required by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood upon hire which includes:
  • CBI & FBI Criminal Background checks
  • Child Abuse and Neglect (TRAILS) check
  • Current PDIS credential and Director Qualifications letter if appropriate (Level II & III)
  • Multi-hazard Planning for Childcare Disaster Preparedness Training through FEMA
  • Pre-Service Building and Physical Premises Safety training (within 30 days)
  • Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs (within 90 days)
  • Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals (within 90 days)
  • Working with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (within 90 days)
  • Introduction to Child Care Health Consultation (within 90 days)
• Maintain all necessary requirements/trainings which include:
  • Current First Aid/CPR/AED certificate or 1 hr First A