Early Childhood Educator

Your Role:

The duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and conduct on-site operation of an educational program for approximately 10 to 90 preschool aged children/youth.
• Complete understanding and implementation of Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) licensing standards. Functions as the back-up Program Director in their absence.
• Understanding and implementation of The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Observation Guidelines.
• Understanding and implementation of Mixed Delivery Program (MDP) Guidelines.
• Knowledgeable of curriculum and able to lead class and subordinate staff in its implementation.
• Produce effective lesson materials and activities in accordance with curriculum guidelines.
• Skillfully conduct daily lessons utilizing varied teaching styles and strategies
• Develop systems to safeguard the health and safety of the children.
• Adeptly incorporate universal programming and behavior support practices as part of a successful classroom management strategy.
• Adapt activities to account for the varying learning styles of students.
• Create an environment which is inclusive for all children/youth.
• Sound understanding of early childhood and preschool developmental milestones in children. 
• Conduct student assessments to measure against educational benchmarks.
• Complete required paperwork and prepare a weekly drop – including, but not limited to, parent sign in/out sheets, participant attendance sheets, and medication forms.
• Prepare and submit required reports.
• Set-up classrooms according to CLASS Observation Guidelines.
• Inventory, purchase, retrieve and set up snacks.
• Lead and supervise groups of children/youth through lesson plans that are educational, fun, safe, and organized; adapt activities to include children/youth with special learning styles.
• Implement group management and classroom management principles within the program/classroom.
• Ensure the area is cleaned throughout the daily and upon completion of the program.
• Develop systems to safeguard the health and safety of the children/youth.
• Oversee the arrival and release of all program participants, and ensure all participants are released to identified, ID, authorized pick-ups.
• Establish protocols that ensure all program areas are secured and only approved, authorized individuals are able to enter.
• Ensure main program entrance is secured and monitored by staff at all time.
• Follow established protocol in reporting any suspected child abuse and neglect concerns. Respond to and follow through in emergency situations.
• Post signs, posters and bulletin boards to promote and publicize program and events. Proactively promote a positive work environment.
• Supervise, coach and evaluate staff and volunteers. Handle discipline issues and develop/enforce rules and regulations.
• Provide staff/volunteers with on-the-job training.
• Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with recreation operations, parents, and participants.
• Create an environment which is inclusive for all children/youth.
• Request and maintain program supplies, equipment and other necessary materials. Maintain confidentiality of participant/family and staff information.
• Support positive youth development and empower youth.
• Provide basic first aid to staff and children/youth.
• Assist as needed in planning and conducting special events.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled in-service trainings, staff meetings, and mandatory trainings. Ensure all mandatory trainings/certifications are current and maintained throughout employment.
• May be required to operate motor vehicle in carrying out assigned duties.
• Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs.

MINIMUMS: Must be at least 21 years old: possess a high school diploma or GED and three years programmatic experience in group care of children/youth that was obtained after the age of 16; or advance studies such as 48 semester hours of college credit and 6 months programmatic experience in group care of children/youth in areas such as: teacher substitute, coach, recreation program leader, scout leader, child care center provider, either in a paid or volunteer capacity or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. For Therapeutic Recreation Programs Leader must be at least 18 years old. At programs providing direct child care, convictions of any barrier crime set forth in Virginia Code 63.2- 1719 shall be an automatic disqualification for employment in this position. Some positions may require a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, all new employees must have a criminal history record investigation, take a TB Screening, and attend mandatory trainings. Some positions may require additional advanced studies, experience and/or education if located in a Licensed Child Day Center Must be able to work rotating shifts days, evenings, including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs; occasionally works evenings or weekends for special events and trainings All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

This pool of applicants may fill positions for multiple locations.
The individual selected for this position will be housed at a primary site but may be scheduled between other park sites/facilities. Schedules will be adjusted seasonally and will vary weekly based on events, facility coverage, and weather.
This position is anticipated to work an average of 30-35 hours per week, making the selected candidate potentially eligible for the City’s health benefit plan. Final determination will be made upon employment.
Some assignments may require overtime or split shifts to cover operational needs.
Programs operates Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM with occasional weekend work for training and special events. However, this position’s work shifts require the possibility of beginning work at 7:00 AM or ending after the last child is picked up at the end of programs and the possibility of working split shifts. Additionally, supervisors are expected to be available as needed to meet the needs of staff and customers.
All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours or maybe be relocated to another location or job assignment in response to short- term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies including weekends, evenings and holidays.
This position may provide direct childcare in programs licensed by the State
Department of Social Services. Convictions of any barrier crime set forth in
Virginia Code §63.2-1719 shall be an automatic disqualification for employment
in this position.
As a condition of employment, all employees must attend P&R Connection (Department Orientation). If selected for the position, you will be provided your training date at the time of hire. Training is held from 8:30am-5:00pm, every other Friday, at the Parks & Recreation Administration Building. When an exemption is permittable, a hybrid version of the training is available, but will require training attendance on a weekend.