Early Childhood Educator

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Mission:

If you're passionate about making a difference and have experience in Early Childhood Education for children from birth to age 5, we invite you to join us in preparing engaging activities and materials that support early learning. Help us carry out LSS-SW’s mission to support and empower our community's most vulnerable members, and our vision of “ A future where all people thrive .”

Position Overview:

The Early Childhood Educator plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of early childhood experiences for children from birth to kindergarten entry. This position supports the day-to-day operations of the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Training Program and helps ensure the consistent implementation of high-quality early learning activities. Under the direct supervision of the Early Childhood Coordinator, the Educator will also provide supervision and care for children while their caregivers participate in FFN training sessions. This position is mobile and must be able to travel around the Northwest Maricopa Region- Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Wickenburg, and Sun City areas.

Schedule:

This position requires an eight-hour workday, Tuesday through Saturday, with one to two evenings per week scheduled until 8:00 PM.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preschool Educator

Co-facilitate engaging Early Childhood Experience sessions for multi-age groups, creating an inclusive and supportive environment that meets the diverse developmental needs of children from birth to kindergarten entry. Collaborate in the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and play-based activities that promote growth in cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development. Adapt activities to suit varying age levels and abilities, ensuring that each child is supported in reaching key developmental milestones.

• Program Coordination

Assist with the outreach efforts of the FFN Caregiver Training Program by helping to recruit and enroll caregivers, as well as identifying and securing appropriate site locations. Actively participate in community networking meetings to increase awareness and visibility of the FFN Caregiver Training Program. Support the Early Childhood Coordinator and FFN Coaches in the planning and implementation of Family Fun Days and Play Dates, ensuring meaningful engagement for both children and caregivers. Additionally, assist the Early Childhood Coordinator with the organization, preparation, and storage of materials used for Preschool Play Sessions.

• Administrative

Manage and maintain accurate program data, including timely and precise entry of caregiver and child attendance records into the designated data systems. Ensure confidentiality and integrity of all records in compliance with organizational policies and privacy regulations.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 12 hours of college level Early Childhood Education or 2 years of early childhood classroom experience
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience with at least 3 years of early childhood education experience and college level Early Childhood Education Courses
• Currently have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification and a negative TB test
• Provide and maintain a current Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, clear the Department of Economic Security Central Registry Background Check and a criminal background and motor vehicle screening
• Must be able to maintain a valid AZ Driver’s License, a clear driving record and reliable transportation for the duration of employment
• Must be comfortable driving frequently to community locations across Northwest Maricopa

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bilingual English/Spanish is strongly desired
• Experience and comfort working with young children birth to 5 and their parents/caregivers
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds non-judgmentally
• Ability to effectively present and represent LSS-SW and the program’s needs to religious and community groups as well as others in the social services community

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods
• The employee frequently is required to use hands to hold objects and operate office equipment
• The employee is required to be able to listen and communicate effectively
• The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move 25 pounds

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.