Looking to teach and care for young children in your local community? Then join our Children & Family Services program! Easterseals Blake Foundation offers a variety of services including childcare centers, early head start, and home visitation.

The Assistant Educator assists the Lead Teacher/Early Childhood Educator in implementing appropriate curriculum in a classroom setting for toddlers and preschool-aged children. Assists in developing partnership relationships with families to meet the needs of the child. Maintains current and timely documentation of work in compliance with Center and other regulatory agencies’ standards.

Responsibilities:

• Complete Easterseals Blake Foundation (EBF) & Center's new employee requirements for employment, including orientation and training requirements, reporting suspected child abuse and health requirements as specified by the Office of Child Care Licensure.
• Assist teacher(s) in maintaining a home-like classroom environment that enhances learning based on the developmental needs of the group and individual needs of the children.
• Carry out curriculum developed by teachers which is reflective of the age and experience of the children. This includes awareness of all areas of development including physical, social, language and cognitive skills.
• Adapt curriculum and interactions to meet the needs, strengths and interests of the individual children in the classroom.
• Implement the Individual Family Service Plan or Individual Educational Plan for children with special needs.
• Use a variety of teaching strategies to encourage learning, following the individual child’s lead and preferred modality for learning.
• Foster interaction and cooperation among children. Encourage children to lead their own small group activities.
• Facilitate a sense of responsibility of self-regulation in children, intervening only as needed in settling disputes or differences.
• Establish partnerships with parents and families in order to achieve shared goals for children.
• Work collaboratively with the Director, colleagues and community organizations in best serving the children’s needs.
• Adapt themselves to working collaboratively as a team with other teaching staff in the room.
• Share information with colleagues which will allow for continuity of care throughout the child’s day.
• Work with teaching team to implement program curriculum, following policies, procedures and practices that result in positive outcomes for children and families.
• Participate in professional development opportunities by enrolling in higher education programs, conferences and trainings.
• Attend planning, informational and quality assurance meetings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning children and families.
• Maintain required documentation and reporting on each individual child.
• Complete annual continuing education requirements.
• Be enrolled in ongoing education to better one’s skills, obtain certification or obtain higher degrees in early childhood education.

Education:

• A Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), OR
• 12 higher education credits in early childhood education, early childhood special education, elementary education, and/or child development.

Experience:

• 1 year classroom experience preferred.
• Bilingual ability a plus

Regulatory:

• Must obtain and pass a funder required physical exam and have a TB skin test prior to beginning employment
• Clean criminal background check and the ability to obtain and maintain an AZ DPS Level 1 fingerprint clearance card
• Must have a valid, unrestricted Arizona Driver’s License, good driving record, and be at least 21 years of age as required by corporate fleet policy

Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of typical and atypical child development.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate and best educational practices supported by research and evaluation.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Knowledge of methods to include children with developmental challenges.
• Ability to be self-directed at times and at other times to take direction from the Lead teacher in the room.
• Ability to use principles of reflective practice with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to use technology as a tool for record-keeping, documentation and investigation.

Easterseals Blake Foundation is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disabled Employer