Early Childhood Specialist (Infant Classroom)

Since 1971, A New Leaf has faithfully worked in service to our mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives,” making a positive impact in the lives of more than 24,000 people each year in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.  Services focus on HEALTH, HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, offering a continuum of support to move households from crisis to long-term health and stability. A New Leaf continues to grow to respond to needs in our community by developing comprehensive, relevant and effective services for vulnerable and underserved families, children, and adults.

The mission of Strong Foundations Early Learning Center is to prepare children for future academic and life-long success by providing high quality early education in an emotionally supportive environment designed to build resiliency. All children are capable of learning and worthy of respect. High quality early experiences help children develop attachment, initiative, and self-regulation skills, which are necessary to create a strong foundation for learning and resiliency.

Opening: Infant Classroom - Early Childhood Specialist position

The Teachers use infants' cues for feeding, sleeping, and playing. Teachers provide responsive care and learning experiences throughout the day and plan special activities to meet each infant's individual needs.

Hourly Pay Rate: $17+ (depending on years of experience)

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 5:30pm

Education:

• High School graduate or GED required
• Child Development Associate (CDA credential) required
• AA in ECE or related field, or BS in Early Childhood or related preferred

Experience: 

• 1 year work experience in licensed childcare setting required
• 2 years childcare experience preferred
• Experience working with children who are at-risk and/ or children with special needs preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Complete child's screenings and developmental assessments (Construct, ASQ, DECA) on each child 
• Utilize Construct Curriculum for lesson planning & Teaching for documentation, portfolios, and assessment  
• Plan developmentally appropriate activities to promote growth in all areas of development 
• Allow curriculum to emerge from children’s interests; engage children in activities lasting over a period of time 
• Provide a positive classroom climate to include positive relationships, affect, communication, and respect 
• Exhibit teacher sensitivity and regard for child perspectives, supporting autonomy and expression 
• Implement proactive behavior management with clear expectations, redirection, and attention to the positive 
• Maintain productivity by maximizing learning time, offering choices, having consistent routines, and eliminating unnecessary transitions 
• Employ instructional learning formats to include effective facilitation, variety, student interest, and clear learning objectives 
• Facilitate concept development to include analysis, reasoning, creativity, integration, and real-world connections  
• Establish an ongoing system for exchanging information about each child 
• Communicate with families about and design classroom activities, upcoming events, and ways to become engaged  
• Meet with parents to discuss their children’s progress and needs as needed and at least three times per year 

Compliance/Requirements:   

• Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card 
• DCS Background Check clearance 
• Law enforcement record clear of any misdemeanor or felony conviction 
• Negative TB test prior to hire; compliance with state regulations regarding immunizations 
• CPR and First Aid certified 
• Food Handler’s Certification  
• Must Be At Least 18 Years of Age