Forest Preschool - Early Childhood Classified Teacher (two positions, full and part time)

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager and Lead Forest Preschool Teacher, the Teacher develops and implements individual educational and developmental plans for children, which helps them to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally, in a manner appropriate to their state of development. The teacher works collaboratively with the classroom Lead teacher, Outer Range staff, volunteers and other support staff to ensure that students are receiving the highest quality of care at all times. Facilitate outdoor classes with children and complete tasks include thoughtful curriculum design based on children’s emergent interests, on-going reflection about and assessment of children and the forest school program. 

Classes are almost entirely outdoors, so you must be experienced and eager to facilitate outdoor learning in all seasons!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and implement preschool programming that aligns with the Outer Range mission, vision and values.
• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of a safe, clean, healthy, and productive work environment, including both indoor and outdoor environments
• Ensure compliance of all regulatory standards of the MCSD RE-1J Early Childhood Centers.
• Actively supervise and manage children in the classroom and outdoors in order to ensure that all children are safe and accounted for at all times.
• Maintain record keeping and reporting systems to ensure accurate information, with timely completion and follow-up.
• Build relationships and effectively communicate with children, families, managers, regulatory agencies, community groups individually and in large group settings.
• Be prepared to facilitate “messy and risky” play.
• Assist lead teacher with individual and group age-appropriate activities that actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Must be observant.
• Able to record observations in journals provided while maintaining observation of students.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and verbal progress reports at drop off and pick up.
• Ensure all school policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy learning environment – including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Aid children in hygiene and bathroom activities in private and public restrooms.
• Help with daily activities such as arrival, welcome circle and songs, snacks, hike, lunch, storytelling, and dismissal etc.
• Help maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Attend occasional parent outreach events, community celebrations, and get-togethers
• Comfortable changing children with messy or soiled clothes (gloves provided)
• All other duties as assigned. 

Professional and Ethical Standards:

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with MCSD RE-1J Early Childhood Center policy and procedures.
• Be honest, reliable, dependable and flexible.
• Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
• Meet all MCSD RE-1J Early Childhood Centers deadlines as assigned by supervisor, the management team and Director by practicing proper time management.
• Practice proper time management skills by being prompt, Be honest, reliable, dependable and flexible.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge and Skills:
• Sound organizational skills
• Ability to write reports and correspondence
• Ability to perform basic math, and to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Knowledge and familiarity with various PC and Apple software programs (i.e., MS Work, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, etc.).
• Ability to effectively communicate with community members and groups, coordinators, regulatory agencies and families, both individually and in group settings. Effective communication skill includes, but is not limited to, written, verbal, active listening and non-judgmental gestures.
• Ability to supervise and manage staff members efficiently and effectively within the guidelines of MCSD RE-1J, MCSD RE-1J Early Childhood Centers, Colorado Preschool Program, Colorado Child Care licensing regulations and other federal, state and local laws and regulations.

Education: Minimum: Associate of Art degree supplemented by training and course work in early childhood development. See Early Childhood Qualifications Pathways. Desired - Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education or related field supplemented by training and course work in early childhood development

How to apply:

Visit job description posted through Montrose County School District by clicking here. See Alpine Start Forest Preschool.

There are two positions, full-time and part-time.