Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Special Beginnings Principal and/or Redwood Learners Preschool Director, provides classroom supervision and instruction of preschool aged children. Advances the emotional, cognitive and social development of children, providing developmentally appropriate activities in a relationship-based environment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The ECE 3 is trained to provide and deliver age-appropriate education to preschool children. The ECE programs are designed to be relationship-based with culturally and linguistically appropriate indoor and outdoor curricula and learning environments.  The ECE 3 position requires the appropriate permit, plus the demonstrated ability, through coursework and experience, to provide oversight to a classroom and deliver age-appropriate subject matter and learning style concepts that enhance the skill and development of children.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Department Manager.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides direct support and assistance in the development and implementation of child development activities in a classroom setting.
• Under guidance from the site supervisor or curriculum specialist, provides a developmentally appropriate & high-quality preschool experience, specifically designed to enhance the social, emotional, physical and cognitive capabilities of children.
• Ensures a safe, clean and healthy indoor and outdoor environment for children, with consistent inspection of grounds, materials, equipment and furniture.
• Oversees and gives each child individual and positive special attention each day.  Responds to each child’s particular needs and characteristics.  Ensures that all children receive equal attention.
• Uses knowledge of children’s cultural and linguistic backgrounds and experiences to facilitate interactions and learning.
• Supports inclusion of children with special needs. Implements developmentally appropriate and practical individual education (IEP) adaptations and interventions as needed.  Applies social and emotional development screens.
• Supports the implementation of monthly lesson plans by working a co-teaching model with a special education teacher.
• Ensures a positive social–emotional climate in the learning environment based on the individual strengths and interests of the children in the group.
• Receives information from specialists pertaining to the physical, cognitive and behavioral needs of children in the class. Identifies potential special needs of students and cooperates and participates with other professional staff to assess and adapt practices to meet the individual needs of all students.
• Ensures that parents complete attendance documents on a daily basis.  Prepares attendance reports by summarizing sign-in documents.  Initiates phone and/or personal contact with parents in connection with child’s attendance and performance.
• Observes and documents the developmental accomplishments of each student for the purpose of assessment and in preparation of periodic progress reports.
• Works in tandem with special education teacher to ensure that parents receive conferences.  Coordinates, prepares for and holds conferences with parents on the progress of children, including information on social–emotional development, language and literacy, mathematics, English-language development, physical development, health and science.  May make home visits.
• Encourages parent involvement in educational activities.  Designs learning exercises that encourage the parents to volunteer and become involved.
• Assists in the scheduling and organizing of events, field trips and other activities that require integration of other District services.
• Plans, coordinates and presents at school functions, such as back-to-school night, parent open houses, etc. May complete parent education activities as they relate to program requirements and needs.
• Serves as a resource to staff regarding early childhood development and program curriculum.
• Works and interacts with peers, as individuals and/or in team/group settings, in a professional manner that contributes to HCOE’s goals.
• Maintains current knowledge of new techniques and developments in pre-school education by engaging in professional development related to those areas.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Specialized knowledge of child development and best practices.
• Understanding of the goals and objectives of a preschool program.
• Special knowledge of the preschool developmental domains and content areas of social-emotional development, language and literacy, mathematics, English-language development, visual and performing arts, physical development, health, history-social science and science.
• Working knowledge of curriculum development and Title 22 licensing requirements.
• Arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading sufficient to directing students with learning exercises or projects.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and multimedia equipment operations, including common office productivity software, internet and computer aided tech programs.

Ability to:

• Creative writing skills to prepare and/or adapt age appropriate class materials and reports.
• Well-developed oral communication skills to convey concepts in classroom and community-based settings and work cooperatively with a diverse population of children and parents.
• Delivery of developmentally appropriate practice in the classroom and outdoor environments.
• Understand sequence of child development and apply strategies and techniques to meet the needs of children along the developmental continuum.
• Provide positive social, emotional and behavioral supports to meet the needs of all students.
• Observe, assess and evaluate the development of preschool children.
• Ability to learn, interpret and apply HCOE adopted curriculum.
• Must be able to prepare curriculum for indoor and outdoor environments.
• Develop and maintain a productive and safe classroom environment.
• Organize and prioritize work & manage time effectively.
• Communicate in a professional manner, in formal and informal settings, with students, fellow staff and parents.

Education, Experience, and Requirements

Minimum Required:

• Teacher Child Development Permit or the below:
• 175 days experience in the classroom in a preschool setting.
• Associate degree in ECE/CD or twenty-four units early childhood education or child development courses, including the three core areas.
• Alternatives to the above requirement can be found at Child Development and School-Age Emphasis Matrix (ca.gov).
• Current holding of a Child Development teacher permit issued by the California Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing or eligibility for one based on the CTC matrix.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

This position will be required to shift between indoor and outdoor work environments. Some county travel will be expected to attend staff trainings and meetings.

Environmental Elements

Workers in this position will predominantly work in an office and classroom setting; there will be time spent outside in play areas with students and colleagues. This position is public facing and will require interactions with the public, parents and staff.

Physical Demands   

• Function effectively in classroom and outside play activities, engaged in work of moderately active nature.
• Move to indoor and outdoor work locations and stand/move/sit for extended periods of time.
• Lift heavy objects (up to 40 lbs) on an intermittent basis.
• Frequently bend, kneel and/or sit at children’s level.
• Grasp, reach, push, pull and move light-weight teaching equipment & supplies.
• Sufficient arm, hand, finger dexterity to use a personal computer keyboard, multimedia, and other office equipment.
• Hearing and speaking skills to project voice and communicate with staff and students in classroom settings and in one-on-one conversations.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, computer screens and to observe students performing assignments, observe moving objects and events.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.
• May require fluency in a second language

Classified hourly, Range 6