Lead Preschool Teacher - Limited Duration
Part-time
Mid
Description
Open until filled, apply immediately for consideration. Application review will commence immediately. This position will close without notice when a sufficient amount of qualified applications have been received.
This is a 3/4 time (approximately 37 hours per week) limited duration benefitted position anticipated to last up to two years. The schedule is from Monday through Friday, requiring some evening and weekend hours as needed. Salary will be dependent on candidates qualifications.
At the Community Arts Preschool program, we believe that a child’s work is play. Our highly experienced and caring teachers provide child-centered, play-based, and arts integrated experiences inspired by Reggio Emilia practices. Community Arts Preschool is a part-time, recreational enrichment program of the Center for Community Arts program in the City of Walnut Creek's Arts and Recreation Department. There are three preschool locations: Civic Park, Heather Farm, and Shadelands. Each program site has its own unique approach and provides a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of each child. The Center is seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher for our Heather Farm location. The Preschool Lead Teacher is a key member of our preschool team and community.
The Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a play-based, child-centered space where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and create based on their interest and needs. S/he will provide a balanced, integrated preschool and arts curriculum where children's emerging ideas and interests play a vital part in planning instruction to meet each child's needs. As a key member of the preschool team, the Preschool Teacher will help to implement the vision and educational philosophy of our preschool programs.
Instruction and Development
• Provide appropriate learning experiences and opportunities for children.
• Provide meaningful arts-based experiences for children.
• Facilitate a positive learning environment for children of all abilities.
• Recognize every child as being unique.
• Support children to develop a positive self-image.
• Foster responsibility, respect, empathy, and care for the environment.
• Practice positive guidance as part of regular teaching practice.
• Meet regularly with Early Childhood Program Coordinator.
• Serve as an active member of the preschool team including attending monthly Lead Teacher meetings and annual preschool retreat.
• Arrange arts integrated activities within the preschool program.
• Encourage and support early childhood development.
Communication and Community Relationships
• Value the diversity of the community and work to create an inclusive environment.
• Maintain direct communication with parents and families through monthly newsletters, an online documentation blog, and regular updates.
• Facilitate conferences with parents as needed.
• Lead and support site staff.
Contacts and Relationships
The employee has contact with other employees and the general public including close contact with participants in the preschool programs. Our ideal candidate is a caring, nurturing provider with recent experience working with preschool age children in a developmental classroom setting. The employee is responsible for the well-being and safety of preschool children in accordance with established guidelines; and providing day-to-day direction of others within parameters established by the supervisor.Education and Experience
Equivalent to graduation from high school and a minimum of two years of experience in an early childhood or other setting, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. A minimum of 12 Early Childhood Education credits is preferred.
Special Requirements
Depending upon assignment, Standard First Aid; and/or Basic Life Support certification may be required.
Hours of work will vary depending upon program needs and some evening or weekend work is expected.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the basic principles and philosophy of early childhood education.
Ability to direct the work of others.
Applicants must apply online at http://www.walnut-creek.org to be eligible for consideration. Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include an interview, and other testing elements as deemed appropriate.
Applicants considered for appointment to this position will be required to undergo a comprehensive medical exam and a pre-placement drug screen and will be subject to Department of Justice and FBI fingerprinting and a thorough background and criminal check. Additionally, effective August 16, 2021, all employees of the City of Walnut Creek will be required to be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. Applicants selected for employment at the City must provide certification of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to their first day of employment.
In addition, all Preschool Teachers and Co-Teachers are required to complete the following prior to and/or upon hire:
• Current vaccination and TB Screening
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Mandated Reporter training
All applicants will be notified by email as to whether or not they are invited to participate further in the selection process. In addition, applicants can log on to their account and check their current status online.
If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the examination process, please provide the Human Resources Department with advance notice and every attempt will be made to consider your request.
As required by law, all public employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers. As such, all City of Walnut Creek employees may be called upon to assist in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disasters.
Please see the class specification, Program Assistant II, at www.walnut-creek.org for a complete description of this classification's representative duties, requirements, working conditions, and physical requirements.
This is a 3/4 time (approximately 37 hours per week) limited duration benefitted position anticipated to last up to two years. The schedule is from Monday through Friday, requiring some evening and weekend hours as needed. Salary will be dependent on candidates qualifications.
At the Community Arts Preschool program, we believe that a child’s work is play. Our highly experienced and caring teachers provide child-centered, play-based, and arts integrated experiences inspired by Reggio Emilia practices. Community Arts Preschool is a part-time, recreational enrichment program of the Center for Community Arts program in the City of Walnut Creek's Arts and Recreation Department. There are three preschool locations: Civic Park, Heather Farm, and Shadelands. Each program site has its own unique approach and provides a safe, nurturing environment that promotes the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of each child. The Center is seeking a Preschool Lead Teacher for our Heather Farm location. The Preschool Lead Teacher is a key member of our preschool team and community.
The Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a play-based, child-centered space where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and create based on their interest and needs. S/he will provide a balanced, integrated preschool and arts curriculum where children's emerging ideas and interests play a vital part in planning instruction to meet each child's needs. As a key member of the preschool team, the Preschool Teacher will help to implement the vision and educational philosophy of our preschool programs.
Instruction and Development
• Provide appropriate learning experiences and opportunities for children.
• Provide meaningful arts-based experiences for children.
• Facilitate a positive learning environment for children of all abilities.
• Recognize every child as being unique.
• Support children to develop a positive self-image.
• Foster responsibility, respect, empathy, and care for the environment.
• Practice positive guidance as part of regular teaching practice.
• Meet regularly with Early Childhood Program Coordinator.
• Serve as an active member of the preschool team including attending monthly Lead Teacher meetings and annual preschool retreat.
• Arrange arts integrated activities within the preschool program.
• Encourage and support early childhood development.
Communication and Community Relationships
• Value the diversity of the community and work to create an inclusive environment.
• Maintain direct communication with parents and families through monthly newsletters, an online documentation blog, and regular updates.
• Facilitate conferences with parents as needed.
• Lead and support site staff.
Contacts and Relationships
The employee has contact with other employees and the general public including close contact with participants in the preschool programs. Our ideal candidate is a caring, nurturing provider with recent experience working with preschool age children in a developmental classroom setting. The employee is responsible for the well-being and safety of preschool children in accordance with established guidelines; and providing day-to-day direction of others within parameters established by the supervisor.Education and Experience
Equivalent to graduation from high school and a minimum of two years of experience in an early childhood or other setting, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. A minimum of 12 Early Childhood Education credits is preferred.
Special Requirements
Depending upon assignment, Standard First Aid; and/or Basic Life Support certification may be required.
Hours of work will vary depending upon program needs and some evening or weekend work is expected.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the basic principles and philosophy of early childhood education.
Ability to direct the work of others.
Applicants must apply online at http://www.walnut-creek.org to be eligible for consideration. Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include an interview, and other testing elements as deemed appropriate.
Applicants considered for appointment to this position will be required to undergo a comprehensive medical exam and a pre-placement drug screen and will be subject to Department of Justice and FBI fingerprinting and a thorough background and criminal check. Additionally, effective August 16, 2021, all employees of the City of Walnut Creek will be required to be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. Applicants selected for employment at the City must provide certification of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to their first day of employment.
In addition, all Preschool Teachers and Co-Teachers are required to complete the following prior to and/or upon hire:
• Current vaccination and TB Screening
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Mandated Reporter training
All applicants will be notified by email as to whether or not they are invited to participate further in the selection process. In addition, applicants can log on to their account and check their current status online.
If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the examination process, please provide the Human Resources Department with advance notice and every attempt will be made to consider your request.
As required by law, all public employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers. As such, all City of Walnut Creek employees may be called upon to assist in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disasters.
Please see the class specification, Program Assistant II, at www.walnut-creek.org for a complete description of this classification's representative duties, requirements, working conditions, and physical requirements.