Teacher II at The Community Action Organization of Western New York Inc – Cheektowaga, New York

JOB SUMMARY

This position works collaboratively with other teachers, family members, and staff to create a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children. Directs classroom activities. Performs educational and non-educational functions which contribute to the development of children. Works directly with the children and parents and serves as a guide for other staff members.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Establish a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Greet children and parents upon arrival and escorts children to and from the bus.
• Assists in developing and implementing daily and overall instructional plan with teachers and parents.
• Responsible for maintaining records, evaluations, and related reports regarding children.
• Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and program events.
• Work closely and directly under the direction of Teacher III or IV with tasks and carrying out the educational program.
• Knowledgeable of any new educational research to improve the quality of care for children.
• Works closely with the other staff members to ensure classroom activities run smoothly.
• Perform related work as required by the agency in providing services to children and families.
• In Early Head Start, act as Substitute for education staff during breaks, lunches, planning sessions, and absences.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must have a child, relative to a child, or employee, currently or previously enrolled/employed in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program

OR

• One Year Experience working with pre-school age children and/or educational background in Education/Early Childhood.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must have access to transportation and ability to visit sites throughout Erie County.
• Passion for working with children to create a positive learning environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.
• Must be flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances.
• Use positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to manage classroom behavior.
• Provide emotional support and foster a positive, supportive environment.
• Ability to work well with others
• Communicate with parents, build partnerships and involve families in the child’s learning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Demands:

• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Perform moderate to vigorous activity with children.
• Must be able to tolerate loud to moderate noise.
• Prolonged standing
• Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, and sit on the floor
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds

Application Requirements:

• Completion of the following documents:
  • CAO Employment application
  • NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance
  • Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Fingerprinting required.
  • Release for Reference Checks
• Must pass a physical examination by a CAO physician at no cost to applicant

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.