About our agency:

The Arc of South Florida Inc. is a nonprofit private agency serving the community since 1953. Our mission is to ensure the rights of all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities through effective advocacy and to provide specialized programs and services to help clients lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. We believe in the potential of each individual's ability to live, work, learn and play in their communities. Are you looking for a job where what you do makes an impact in your community? Are you seeking a position that makes you feel good about the work you do every day and where you know you are making a difference, even behind the scenes? Working at The Arc is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, passion, and commitment to helping people with disabilities, families, and the community, you might be what we are looking for.

General Responsibilities of the Lead Preschool Teacher:

• The Teacher is responsible for the overall supervision of the classroom and assuring the health and safety of all the children in attendance in the ACE Academy preschool program.

• The Teacher is actively involved in all aspects of the program including but not limited to direct interaction with the children, families, and staff of the Children & Youth Department and its programs, compliance with all contract and supervising agencies, and completion of all required record keeping.

Specific Program Qualifications for the ACE Academy preschool program:

Associates Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Degrees in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related fields are preferred.

Qualifications:

1. Complete DCF Training hours in a specified period of time

2. Bilingual (Preferred)

3. Level 2 Background check and drug test

4. Authorization to work in the USA

5. Complete 45 hour and 10 hour training required by the Department of Children and Families of all early educators within the first 90 days of hire.

Specific Duties - including but not limited to:

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Educational / Curriculum Responsibilities

◦ Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level of the children.

◦ Organize an accessible classroom arrangement that includes all learning centers.

◦ Prepare and post lesson plans in advance based on selected curricula principles of learning, program requirements and Educational Plans.

◦ Employ a variety of instructional techniques consistent with the special needs and capabilities of the children involved. This includes educational modifications, adaptive equipment and behavioral plans as appropriate.

◦ Assess children’s learning regularly according to program requirements and provide progress reports as required.

◦ Participate in accreditation process for the site.

◦ Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law and administrative regulation.

◦ Follow all The Children’s Trust (TCT) requirements for summer camp programming and assessments.

2. Interactions with children

• Initiate interactions with children including physical and verbal interactions that are developmentally appropriate, caring and nurturing.

• Use positive behavior supports to encourage appropriate classroom behavior.

• Participate in all aspects of care of children including diapering, feeding and positioning.

• Be responsible for knowledge about the health conditions of children under your care and implement any health and safety procedures necessary. This includes, but is not limited to, specific health conditions, allergies, and feeding needs.

• Incorporate therapy recommendations for best practices in positioning and implementation of the therapeutic activities in the classroom.

3. Interactions with Families

• Maintain positive interactions with families at all times.

• Participate in Family meetings as needed as part of a Multi-disciplinary team.

• Complete required assessments of children’s developmental areas for funders and families.

• Attend parent education and support activities (Open House)

• Follow agency guidelines regarding technology and social media.

4. Interactions with Staff

• Coach and mentor Teacher Assistants in developmentally appropriate classroom practices with children.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others.

• Provide observations and suggestions to supervisors.

5. Training

• Complete initial orientation provided by the program.

• Participate in ongoing in-service trainings.

• Complete 45 hour and 10 hour training required by the Department of Children and Families of all early educators within the first 90 days of hire.

• Complete TCT summer camp specific orientation and professional development requirements.

6. Policies and Procedures

• Follow all agency Policies and Procedures and the Employee Handbook

• Comply with quality assurance expectations and standards.

• Safety:

1. Follow all Agency safety and security policies and procedures

2. Report accidents, injuries and unsafe work conditions to the Regional Director or assignee

• Ensure that personal appearance is professional and clean, following the dress code of the Children and Youth Department and wear the uniform of the program as required.

• Speak with others using clear and professional language

• Maintain child confidentiality

• Maintain Agency confidentiality

• Protect Agency assets

• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect children, equipment, materials and facilities.

7. Other

• Participate in fundraising activities and agency events throughout the year.

• Present a positive image of The Arc of South Florida to the community.

• Attend community meetings needed for contract compliance and the Department Director’s directive.

• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.

• Perform other related and additional duties as needed.

Minimum Physical Requirements & Skills:

1. Must have TB Tine test.

2. Must be able to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 10 pounds without assistance.

3. Must be able to bend, squat, and sit on the floor and move around the classroom and playground with the children.

4. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds with assistance, if necessary.

5. Must be able to work under pressure, dealing with events that are often outside of your control, and unforeseen changes/problems.

6. Effective planning and time-management.

7. Must be able to stay alert and focused at all times to ensure the safety of ALL the children in attendance, and be ready to react in any situation.

Pay Range: based on education, prior experience, knowledge and funding.

The Arc of South Florida, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants and/or employees are considered for hire, promotion and job status, without regard to race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, age, sex (including sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, genetic information, veteran, or current or future military status or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

The Arc of South Florida, Inc. is a drug free workplace. All applicants under consideration for employment will be drug screened and background checked as part of the hiring process.

Disclaimer: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. These may differ according to the age and functioning level of the child.

This position is subject to continuation of funding from government and private funding sources and grants.