Early Childhood Education Teacher

Summary:The Early Childhood Education Teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate early learning practices with a strong emphasis on emergent literacy and language skills in a multi-age family literacy classroom. This role creates engaging, language-rich learning experiences that promote child development and supports parents in becoming their children's first and most important teachers through interactive literacy activities and family engagement.

Essential Duties: Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Classroom Instruction and Child Development

• Facilitate early learning and interactive literacy activities that promote emergent literacy and language development.
• Implement language- and literacy-rich instruction in multi-age family literacy classrooms.
• Develop, model, and guide best practices for staff, parents, and children during interactive literacy activities.
• Teach children through play-based learning, reading, writing, and music.
• Conduct early childhood assessments accurately and on schedule.
• Enter daily anecdotal observations and maintain accurate records of each child's developmental progress.
• Supervise daily classroom routines, including lunch, snack, and play activities.
• Maintain classroom safety, cleanliness, and the overall well-being of children and staff.

Compliance, Operations & Professional Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Keystone STARS, and CACFP regulations.
• Perform light housekeeping and maintain classroom equipment and supplies.
• Complete professional development to enhance child outcomes and program quality.
• Attend all assigned program staff meetings and collaborate cooperatively with program staff.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• CDA Certification or associate's degree in early childhood education preferred.
• Experience working with young children in a classroom setting is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development and emergent literacy principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and staff of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Deep commitment to high-quality, trauma-informed, and developmentally supportive early education.
• Commitment to confidentiality, with a clear understanding of the importance of protecting sensitive information and restricting its dissemination.
• Proficient computer skills, including data entry into databases, spreadsheet manipulation, and word processing functions (e.g., creating, formatting, editing, printing, saving, and retrieving documents).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

This is an active, hands-on role in a classroom setting that requires frequent movement, regular direct interaction with young children, and occasional engagement with families. The position involves standing, walking, and participating in children's activities in a dynamic, child-centered environment.