Early Childhood Educator - West Mesa in Phoenix, Arizona at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Join Our Mission:

If you're passionate about making a difference and have experience in Early Childhood Education for children from birth to age 5, we invite you to join us in preparing engaging activities and materials that support early learning. Help us carry out LSS-SW’s mission to support and empower our community's most vulnerable members, and our vision of “A future where all people thrive.”

Position Overview:

The Early Childhood Educator supports the Family Resource Center's mission by providing developmentally appropriate activities and a safe, nurturing environment for children while parents participate in education, workshops, and support services. Working under the supervision of the Early Childhood Coordinator, this position plans child-focused programming, promotes positive parent-child interactions, maintains program documentation, and supports the daily operations of the Family Resource Center in accordance with the Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support.

This position is based in West Mesa and includes working four to five hours per day Tuesday - Saturday, with one evening per week working until 7:15PM.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Children's Activities

• Provide developmentally appropriate activities and supervision for children while parents participate in education, workshops, and family support services.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment that encourages healthy child development and positive interactions.

Program Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain accurate attendance records and participant information for children and families participating in Family Resource Center activities.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry in accordance with program requirements.

Program Preparation & Coordination

• Assist with preparing, organizing, maintaining, and storing materials needed for parent-child activities and educational programming.
• Support set-up and clean-up of activities and maintain an organized learning environment.

Family Resource Center Support

• Provide general support for Family Resource Center operations, including assisting with special events, maintaining supplies, and supporting a welcoming and family-centered environment.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma with 12 hours of college level Early Childhood Education or 2 years of early childhood classroom experience.
• 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
• Ability to understand LSS-SW operations, programs, goals, and initiatives.

Other Requirements:

• Bilingual English/Spanish is strongly desired
• Maintain a valid AZ Driver License, acceptable motor vehicle record, and reliable transportation throughout duration of employment
• Maintain Valid Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Maintain a certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Provide negative TB Test
• Must clear all required background checks prior to hire and maintain compliance with any periodic checks throughout employment.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods
• 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 25 pounds

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.