Early Education Lead Teacher

Who We Are

Casa de los Niños is one of the most established and well respected non-profit organizations in Tucson. We have been helping kids and healing families since 1973. Our services include parent education classes, Foster Care, Parents As Teachers, Behavioral Health, and Nurse-Family Partnership Program!

Job Summary:

The Early Education Lead Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, implementing the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. In addition, coordinates the development and implementation of educational curriculum utilizing developmentally appropriate practice and the Arizona early learning standards through a Trauma-Informed perspective.

Essential Duties:

• Engages children through high quality interactions that encourage social, cognitive, and emotional growth and supports positive behavior management through positive guidance strategies set forth by organization.
• Assesses the cognitive/social/emotional/physical development of each child on an ongoing basis in order to monitor child development progress.
• Utilizes assessment results to inform lesson planning to meet the individual needs of the children.
• Oversees and maintains the physical environment to ensure the safety and security of children.
• Maintains a personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement and actively participates with quality rating and improvement goals.
• Attends team meetings and professional development training as required by organization, DHS licensing regulations, accreditation, and quality improvement standards.
• Follows the guidance and instruction of the Center Director and Assistant Director.
• Ensures all center policies and state regulations are met.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• One of the three following education and work experience requirements must be met to qualify:
  • High school diploma or GED and at least six months of child care experience,

or 12 college credits (with at least six in early childhood, child development, or a related field), or a NAC, CDA, or CCP credential.

• Associate degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a closely related field
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a closely related field
• A strong understanding of child development, as well as an understanding of the effects of trauma on development and the importance of social-emotional competency, is preferred.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, guardians, volunteers) and to foster a team environment.
• Must demonstrate an ability and to work with and respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate with both children and adults and maintain frequent communication with guardians.
• Must possess the ability to work with children and families who have a history of trauma.
• Must be able to meet training and organization requirements for the position.
• Proof of immunization for rubella (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization and TDaP immunization (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) as well as a negative TB test.
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification required.
• Must be able to meet training and organization requirements for the position.
• Must foster an environment that is solution-focused, dedicated, and compassionate to support the organization's mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Must exhibit a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging contributions by all team members.
• Must possess or be able to qualify for and maintain a valid Arizona department of public safety level one fingerprint clearance card.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license and be insurable under the organization's automobile policy.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• No

Level of Supervision:

• Moderate

Work Environment:

• Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available.

Position Physical Demands:

• Occasional to moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.).
• Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.

Driving Requirements:

• May drive on behalf of the organization.
• 3 Year Motor Vehicle Report must be provided.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.