Lead Early Childhood Specialist

Description:

Title: Lead Early Childhood Specialist

Department: TVPRE

Reports to: Preschool Director

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

Tanque Verde Unified School District is seeking a Lead Early Childhood Specialist.

This will be a seven (7) hour work day for the Lead Early Childhood Specialist. This position is

eligible for District benefits, 35 hour per week position.

The Lead EC Specialists will plan, create, and implement developmentally appropriate

educational lessons and activities and provide quality care in an environment that allows

children to develop to their potential. Children will be engaged in activities designed to promote

social, physical and intellectual growth.

Examples of Duties:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of CPR and first aid techniques.

• Skill in developing activities to enhance child development.

• Skill in working with children.

• Ability to read and interpret important documents such as reference manuals, etc.

• Ability to write correspondence that is grammatically correct.

• Ability to maintain composure and to manage stressful situations.

• Ability to calculate figures and perform mathematical applications such as discounts, proportions, percentages, etc.

• Ability to work effectively on a computer in word processing and database management environments.

• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Ability to communicate effectively.

Provides a clean and organized environment where children are safe, nurtured and

valued.

Plans, posts and implements activity/lesson plans that are in accordance with the Arizona

State Early Learning Standards.

Encourages the development of social and emotional learning by utilizing positive

behavior supports, classroom management and role-modeling techniques.

Participates in the children's activities by interacting, observing, extending language

experiences, modeling desired behavior and facilitating conflict resolution as stated in the

Arizona State Early Learning Standards using only positive guidance techniques.

Supervises children, maintains ratios and keeps a daily attendance roster.

Maintains an anecdotal portfolio for each child that includes written goals, observations,

and work samples that follow the Arizona State Early Learning Standards.

Posts current lunch menu and all required notices and information on a Parent Board.

Maintains and updates emergency information for each child.

Prepares monthly sign-in sheets that include parents' signature, date, and time and daily

review of sign-in sheets.

Arranges the environment so that the activities/centers are engaging and

developmentally appropriate.

Responsible for daily and/or weekly email communication with families, and monthly

updated documentation boards.

Participates in daily cleaning and safety checklist.

Reports supply needs and maintenance needs to the Site Director.

Follows the Tanque Verde School District Governing Board policies and procedures along

with the Tanque Verde Elementary staff handbook and the preschool staff handbook.

Follows rules and regulations of the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Attends and actively participates in all required staff meetings and obtains a minimum of

18 hours of professional development each year with verification of attendance to be

placed in personnel file, and meeting DHS requirements.

Reads the staff notebook and signs in and out daily.

Communicates with other teachers on the scope and sequence of the program and

articulates this to the parents using various communication tools, i.e., "What We Did

Today" boards, newsletters, etc.

Provides indirect supervision of the Preschool Paraprofessionals, as assigned by the Site

Director.

Builds relationships by communicating positively and effectively with parents on a regular

basis.

Conduct a minimum of two (2) parent-teacher conferences per school year.

Maintains a work environment that generates trust, collaboration, and caring.

Assumes tasks assigned by the Site Director and possibly acts as the director's designee

(meeting all requirements of such a designation, as described by DHS).

Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with preschool

staff, representatives of local and state agencies, families and the public.

Must be able to work with a diverse population, including those with various special

needs.

Ensures that all safety practices are followed.

Maintains confidentiality regarding school / workplace matters.

Demonstrates support of the school system and its goals and priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Can demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in working with computers and other types

of technology

Ability to listen and obtain clarification.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to read and interpret documents.

Can communicate effectively, both written and oral.

Can write activity/lesson plans, routine reports and correspondence.

Can effectively present information to upper management, public groups and/or the

Governing Board.

Can manage difficult or emotional student or customer situations. Reacts well under

pressure. Accepts responsibility.

Can prioritize work and organize effectively. Responds quickly to requests. Demonstrates

willingness to make decisions.

Treats others with respect and dignity.

Skill in creative and critical thinking.

Ability to troubleshoot problems and implement corrective actions.

Ability to be flexible, and adjust work priorities and schedule when required doing so.

Skills in exercising good judgment, problem solving, and decision making.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to stand for long periods of time, can lift 50 pounds or more, and stoop low.

This description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not intended to determine specific

duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Essential functions and overtime eligibility

may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. To perform this job successfully,

an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a

reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Associate's Degree or CDA certificate and minimum of one year experience in childcare

or related field OR minimum of 6 college credits in Childhood Development or Early

Childhood Education and a commitment to obtain/complete AA degree in Early Childhood

Education and one year experience in childcare related field.

OR

Any equivalent combination of training, education and/or experience that meets minimum

qualifications as approved by the District.

Preferred Qualifications:

AA or Bachelor's degree in related field.

At least 6 months experience working with children with special needs.

The job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the K-12 Paraprofessional's position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties or responsibilities associated with the position.