Early Childhood Education Associate at College of the Redwoods (CA) – Eureka, California

Plans and implements innovative child-centered curriculum and efficient functioning, for a State-funded preschool or infant-toddler child development program. Serves as a mentor to students enrolled in ECE courses that include instructional labs. Permit Level: Master Teacher

• Participates with other staff members to provide instructional presentations and educational programs to children. Monitors large and small groups of children during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Plans and implements child-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum for children based on goals for the children as a group and the individual needs and interests of each child.
• Model appropriate educational techniques for students from the ECE department and other disciplines. Assist the ECE Specialist in directing student aides, work study students, and other classroom personnel.
• Participate in the development and on-going maintenance of children's portfolios through anecdotal and running record observations and other authentic assessment methods. Participate in the development and implementation of individual education plans for each child. Develop weekly plans to provide developmental and educational outcomes for children.
• Participate in parent-child orientation at the beginning of each semester; communicate regularly with parents informally, at parent meetings, and at Parent Advisory Committee meetings when necessary.
• Maintain the classroom and outside areas in a clean, safe and child-centered manner. Walk through the area scanning for potential hazards or conditions. Enforce health and safety policies for children, staff, and students. Assist in the implementation and documentation of regular fire and other emergency preparedness drills.
• Assist in the planning and preparation of nutritious snacks which will provide a maximum level of child participation.
• Contributes to the ongoing efficient functioning of classroom operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Knowledge and Skills
Requires in-depth knowledge of child development principles and practices and an understanding of the goals and objectives of a preschool program. Special knowledge is required in the emotional, physical, and mental development, variations, and needs of preschool and elementary school aged children. Knowledge of arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading sufficient to direct students with learning exercises or projects is required. Requires knowledge of licensing requirements, funding, and contract terms governing child development centers. Requires well-developed communication skills to interact with students, staff, children, and parents, to conduct formal instruction of a small group, to resolve confrontation, and hold conferences. Requires sufficient writing skills to document student and childrens' files.

Abilities
Ability to perform the essential responsibilities and work tasks of the position. Demonstrated ability to deliver instruction to children. Ability to understand the needs and differences of children and to reach and motivate them. Requires the ability to balance emotional support and discipline to deal with behavior problems. Ability to observe, categorize, evaluate, and critique childrens’ performance. Ability to comply with State guidelines.

Physical Abilities
Requires normal hearing and speaking skills to communicate with staff and students. Requires visual acuity to read numbers and words. Requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (greater than 2 hours), to lift light to heavy objects on an occasional basis (10-50 lbs), and to push or pull lightweight objects.

Education and Experience
Requires an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education that includes required curriculum, 6 credits of program administration, and 2 credits of adult supervision. Requires 1-2 years of early childhood teaching experience.

Licenses and Certificates
Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher or Site Supervisor level.
This is a full-time position.

• 10 Months/Year
• 40 Hours/Week
• 1640 Hours/Year

Classified Salary Schedule

• Range 114