Preschool Teacher (Hiring Immediately)

Multiple Positions Available:

College Terrace Children's Center – 4-6hrs/day

Ellen Thacher Children's Center – 8hrs/day AND 4-6hrs/day positions available

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly qualified Preschool Teacher, with experience working with children 2 years old to kindergarten entry, to join our team at our PACCC preschool programs in Palo Alto. The Preschool Teacher will be responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young children to learn and grow. As a childcare educator, you will be responsible for developing and implementing age-appropriate curriculum, assessing children's progress, and communicating with parents and caregivers. The Preschool Teacher will also be responsible for maintaining a clean and organized center, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in your care. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE), including Core units (Child Development; Child, Family, Community; Curriculum)
• Experience working with young children in a classroom setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other teachers and staff

Preferred Qualifications:

• Child Development Permit
• Bilingual 
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Experience with Reggio Emilia and/or Play-Based philosophy
• Experience with technology integration in the classroom

 Essential Functions

• Fosters cooperative behavior through various activities by group and individual projects to assist children in forming satisfying relationships with other children and adults.
• Supervises activities such as, exploration, group discussions and dramatic play, and broadens the understanding of their physical and social environment.
• Encourages students in singing, dancing, participating in rhythmic activities and using art materials to promote self-expression, relationships and appreciation of aesthetic experience. In addition, to promote gross motor, fine motor development in accordance to each child's needs.
• Instructs children in practices of cleanliness and self-care.
• Alternates periods of strenuous activity with periods of rest or light activity to avoid over-stimulation and fatigue.
• Observes children to detect signs of ill health or emotional disturbance and evaluates their progress.
• Communicates with parents the significant behaviors of the children by observing and recording actions.
• Observes, records and communicates the significant behaviors of the children in care. Charts matters concerning the children with consistency and accuracy. 
• Documents each incident of injury as well as health and behavior issues.
• Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs in all areas of Center grounds and during off-site excursions.
• Able to safely lift 30 pounds from floor to waist level 10 to 15 times per day.
• Able to respond to a child's needs 30 feet away within 30 seconds without danger to the staff person's health.

Skills:

Under general direction, the Preschool Teacher supervises children to promote their physical, cognitive and social development. Responsible for on-floor program participation with children, the Preschool Teacher assures on-going, age-appropriate activities and development of children. Also implements the curriculum and, with active participation of other members of the teaching team, works with parents and assesses the development of each child. The Preschool Teacher provides a safe environment for all children at all times.

Additional Requirements*:

• Must be vaccinated for measles and pertussis; must obtain annual flu vaccine or provide a signed declination form; must be tested for TB upon hire.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical.
• Must complete and pass a fingerprint background clearance check.

 *Some may be subject to reasonable accommodation requests

Palo Alto Community Child Care is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.