Co-Teacher

JOB SUMMARY

The Co-Teacher supports the Lead Teacher and the Directors by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children at Wildflower Nature School (WNS). The Co-Teacher must be able to communicate, listen, and work well with others in a team environment. Co-Teachers are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Lead Teacher, the Directors, and the WNS nature-based curriculum and philosophy. WNS has the expectation for each teacher to have a professional development plan that directs them to becoming Lead Teacher qualified.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by the children.
• In collaboration with the Lead Teacher, implement a quality educational program and develop positive relationships with the children and their parents.
• Observe and document children’s interest and progress and relay that information back to parents and staff.
• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
• Assist in planning individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage all areas of development.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, and progress reports.
• Assisting in collecting data through observation and documentation for screenings and assessments. Meeting with parents as needed with the Lead Teacher to discuss their child’s progress and developmental milestones.
• Administer organization programs according to the Colorado Department of Human Services Rules and Regulations, and local Health and Fire Department regulations.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling
• Maintain a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement
• Assume duties of Lead Teacher as needed during their absence.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and meet one of the educational requirements below
• Fluent in English
• Infant/Child CPR, First Aid and Standard Precautions certification (WNS can provide within the first 60 days of hire).
• Must be able to pass a full criminal background check including fingerprinting and out-of-state background checks for individuals who have lived outside of Colorado within the past 5 years.
• Excellent communication and instructional skills and basic computer skills.
• As a teacher serving in an Early Head Start or Head Start classroom, you will be required to meet the qualifications of a Lead Teacher within 2 years of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Committed to upholding WNS’ mission, vision, and values
• Work with NAEYC code of ethics in mind and integrity
• Shows sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity
• An understanding of child development
• Ability to be discreet with confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to arrive to work on time and according to schedule
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Positively contribute to the team on a regular basis
• Make decisions and complete work with integrity and ethics
• Assess one’s own strength, areas of improvement, and pursue applicable training and development opportunities
• Uses time efficiently and effectively to complete tasks, projects, or assignments
• Inspires respect and trust among families, co-workers, and community
• Demonstrates original thinking and approaches to work

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Education and Experience requirements are as follows: (Candidates must meet ONE of the following)A Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in one of the following areas: 1) Child Development; 2) Child Psychology; 3) Early Childhood education; 4) Early Childhood Special Education; 5) Educational Leadership and Administration; 6) Elementary Education; 7) Family and Human Development; 8) Family Studies; 9) Special Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in an unrelated field to include two (2) three (3)-semester hours in Early Childhood Education college courses with one course being either Intro to Early Childhood Professions or Early Childhood Guidance Strategies or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.
A current professional teaching license issued by the Colorado Department of Education with an Endorsement in the area of Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Early Childhood Special Education Specialist.
Current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher, Version 3.0 as determined by the Department.
A current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) in: Center-Based, Preschool; Center-Based, Infant-Toddler; or Family Child Care; or other Department-approved credential.
2-year college degree, sixty (60) semester hours, in early childhood education which must include at least (2) three-semester hour courses, one of which must be either introduction to early childhood education or guidance strategies. A minimum of six (6) months or (910 hours) of satisfactory on the job work experience is required.
Completion of a course of training approved by the Department and published on the Department’s approval list; and nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual;
Three (3) months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual; and the completion of eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, with one (1) course as: 1) Introduction to Early Childhood Professions; 2) Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

Twenty-one (21) months (3,185 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual. Satisfactory experience includes being a licensee of a Colorado Family Child Care Home, a Teacher’s Aide or Teacher in a childcare center, preschool, or elementary school. In addition, the individual must either:(1) Possess a current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher in Version 3.0 as determined by the Department; or,

(2) Complete two (2) three (3) semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education with one (1) course as either:(a) Introduction To Early Childhood Professions or has been issued the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential; Or,
(b) Early Childhood Guidance Strategies for Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion.

• Fifteen clock hours of training required per calendar year
• Participates in professional development plan and works towards a minimum of receiving CDA, Director’s Certificate or Associates within targeted time frame (preferably within 24 months)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. They may also be required to kneel, bend, squat, or crawl.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $30