DEFINITION: The Preschool Educator, under supervision of the School Readiness Program Specialist, plans, organizes and implements the District’s educational program for children enrolled in the Kindergarten Readiness Academy. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: • Plan, organize and implement the program for preschool-aged children in accordance with approved curriculum, applicable policies and philosophy of the District. • Provide learning readiness experiences in literacy, language, mathematics, science, social growth and self-concept. • Develop and implement daily lesson plans to meet the individual needs/interests of children. • Establish and maintain standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere. • Maintain an atmosphere that develops each child’s self-esteem and respect for others. • Evaluate student achievement and growth using district assessments. • Maintain records of children’s progress. • Conduct parent conferences on children’s school adjustment, academic progress and classroom behavior. • Assist in identifying children with special needs and refer to proper agencies for testing and evaluation. • Maintain a clean, safe, attractive and positive learning environment, which assists children in making a positive transition from home to preschool. • Attend staff meetings. • Maintain professional competence through participation in trainings, workshops, courses and other professional growth activities. • Provide training and work direction to instructional assistants and volunteers; participate in evaluations as requested. • Change children’s clothes and tend to injuries, illness and toileting needs as necessary. • Assure availability of appropriate classroom supplies and materials; requisition necessary supplies and materials as needed. • Perform related tasks as required. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: • Concepts of child growth, development and behavior characteristics of preschool children. • Early childhood curriculum areas and appropriate methods for implementation and assessment. • Methods of instruction appropriate for preschool age children. • English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. • Safe practices in classroom and playground activities. • Oral and written communication skills. • Preschool and district philosophy and policies. • Health and safety procedures and techniques. • Operation of a variety of audio-visual, office and instructional equipment. • Record keeping and report preparation techniques. • Health regulations and safe working methods and procedures. • Proper lifting techniques. • District policies, rules, and regulations. Ability to: • Plan, organize and implement approved curriculum for the development of children enrolled in the district Kindergarten Readiness Academy. • Develop daily lesson plans in accordance with established policies. • Maintain a clean, safe, attractive and positive learning environment. • Communicate effectively with children and adults orally and in writing. • Observe and evaluate student learning. • Demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity and respect. • Maintain records, equipment and facilities in an effective manner. • Work independently and prioritize projects. • Provide for the safety, health and psychological needs of children. • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. • Adapt to changes in schedule and work environment. • Use discretion and judgment in handling confidential material. • Train and provide work direction of others. • Operate a variety of audio-visual, office and instructional equipment. • Observe health and safety regulations. • Work cooperatively with others. • Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Education/Training/Required Certification: • Graduation from high school or equivalent and one of the following: • Child Development Teacher Permit with 24 units ECE/CD (Early Childhood Education/Child Development) including core courses, plus 16 General Education units and one year experience (175 days @ 3 hours/day) working with preschool age children. OR • Current elementary teaching credential with 12 units of ECE or CD with 3 semester units of supervised ECE field experience. OR • AA or higher in ECE or related field with 3 semester units of supervised ECE field experience. OR • BA or higher with 12 units of ECE with 3 semester units of supervised ECE field experience. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk and/or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk or sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Work conditions may include exposure to fumes, dust, odors, cleaning agents and chemicals. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.