Early Childhood Educator - Part Time (8am - 1pm M - F)

www.discoveryschoolpgh.com

The Discovery School is a Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood program that serves children ages 2 years, 7 months to 6 years old. We offer preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten classes. Our approach to learning values children's innate sense of wonder, and allows them to construct meaning of the world around them through play and exploration. Our unique nature campus provides the ideal setting for learning and discovery.

Part Time: Monday - Friday (8am - 1pm)

PRIMARY PURPOSE:   Responsible for maintaining safety, implementing a Reggio Emilia inspired program that promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child enrolled, as well as providing guidance to assistant educator. 

PROFESSIONALISM  

• Report to work on time and maintain consistent attendance.  Communicate absence in advance.  
• Be a team player who establishes positive, respectful and professional relationships with children, parents, colleagues, and the greater community.
• Support and uphold The Discovery School policies and philosophy to parents, educators and the community.
• Show initiative in problem solving and be open to new ideas.  Approach challenges with imagination and a sense of humor.  
• Maintain confidentiality about issues regarding staff members, children, and families.    
• Respect and appreciate individual differences including learning styles, culture, point of views, and individual preferences.    
• Model conflict resolution by communicating directly with individuals involved and collaborating to develop solutions.  
• Continue professional growth by attending courses, workshops, asking for feedback and reading professional literature.     
• Demonstrate keen knowledge of child development.  
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in early childhood educational practices. 

  PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Support director in maintaining regular communication methods for families (newsletters, conferences, documentation displays). 
• Be accessible and available to parents every day and respond promptly with respect, sensitivity, interest and cooperation to their concerns.  
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at school.  
• Establish and sustain a sense of community through parent involvement.
• Serve as a resource for families offering articles, newsletters and community contacts.  

HEALTH AND SAFETY  

• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and follow the Emergency Plan in the event of an emergency.  
• Follow procedures for all incidents, document accidents and notify parents in a timely fashion.  
• Follow state regulations regarding incidents of abuse or neglect.  
• Monitor the maintenance of facility, equipment, and supplies to ensure safety and good repair. 
• Follow state, federal and The Discovery School guidelines including immunizations, employment physical and required safety and health training.  

MARKETING/ENROLLMENT

• Support director in marketing and enrollment efforts - connection with local organizations (library, community center) and family open house events.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Follow the positive Discipline Policy as outlined in the Parent Handbook.   
• Participate in staff meetings, school activities and special events, and staff development.  
• Help facilitate school events and educational programs.  
• Maintain a well-organized, safe and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.  
• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline. 
• Observe children to detect signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorder, speech issue, or other special needs, and immediately report observations to the director for follow up.  
• Implement the daily program of exploration-based activities and learning.  
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance for learning.
• Observe each child daily to assess and document skills, interests, and needs.  
• Maintain records on each child’s progress and development for the purpose of planning for and documenting learning.  
• Plan for and conduct family conferences two times per year.  
• Fully implement IEP’s and provide inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs.  
• Be willing to facilitate activities both indoors and outdoors in a wooded environment (including in inclement weather - rain, snow, etc.).  
• Ensure children's safety while performing the following job functions: lift, move or hold children with a range of weight from 20 to 50 pounds (on occasion perform these tasks for a child weighing more than 50 pounds).  
• Demonstrates a full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit or otherwise fully participate in activities.  
• Perform other duties as required or assigned. 

• Must have a love and willingness to serve children and their families.  
• Believe in and be a dedicated student of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.
• Strongly support and execute the school’s mission.  
• Demonstrate outstanding written and oral communication and organizational skills.     
• Meet federal as well as individual state requirements (i.e., TB test, physical, criminal background checks).  
• Preferred educational requirements ‐ Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education.
• PA Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education PreK - 4 or private academic nursery certification 
• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.  
• Be competent using computer (digital marketing and communication platforms).    
• Demonstrate the social skills necessary to relate to a variety of people in a highly collaborative environment, remaining positive even under stressful situations.    

The Discovery School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.