"Teacher*, The Early Learning Center"

The UD Early Learning Center within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accredited and Five Star Delaware Stars program serving children from 6 weeks to third grade. The ELC serves as a site for undergraduate and graduate students from across the University community to observe, complete clinical placements, and internships as well as work on faculty research projects.

Teachers in the UD Early Learning Center are responsible for developing and implementing a research-based model educational program with a full-day full-year curriculum. The ELC is a professional learning community where teachers engage in study groups, course work, and research. Under the general direction of the Assistant/Associate Director, the Teacher oversees the daily operation of the classroom program, including collaborative decision-making with classroom partner, family communication, and mentoring relationships with undergraduate UD students.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Classroom and ELC Community:

• Plan and implement high quality inclusive early childhood programs that support the cognitive, physical, and social emotional development of the children and are aligned with the goals and philosophy of the Inclusive Early Childhood Education in HDFS, consistent with Delaware Early Learning Foundations, and recommended curriculum including Early Head Start Performance Standards and NAEYC Standards.
• Provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences that reflect the current research base for children of all abilities, family contexts, cultures, and individual interests.
• Create and maintain inclusive environments that support development and learning for children of all abilities, family contexts, cultures, and individual interests.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with families to develop shared goals for children’s progress and ensure frequent two-way communication.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with Early Learning Center colleagues.
• Participate in IFSP/IEP meetings and consultations with community therapists.
• Maintain ongoing documentation and assessment of children’s development and program effectiveness, using data to inform instructional practice.
• Conduct Parent/Teacher conferences and home visits as required.
• Comply with DE licensing requirements, Delaware Stars for Early Success, Early Head Start National Performance Standards, and NAEYC accreditation criteria.
• Maintain classrooms following health and safety policies and practice universal precautions and infection control.
• Practice confidentiality in all matters related to staff and families.
• Maintain communication with Assistant/Associate Director about classroom operations.

Support UD Academic and Research Programs:

• Maintain a flexible classroom framework for UD students’ clinical experiences, internships, student teaching, and research activities.
• Provide mentoring and support to UD students.
• Complete required evaluations of UD students.
• Provide professional feedback to faculty concerning UD students.
• Maintain all classroom records as required.

Leadership, Professional Learning and Growth:

• Utilize tools to evaluate classroom environments and inform professional goals.
• Monitor Classroom Assistant performance and support improvements.
• Participate in ELC Committees, leadership teams, and study groups.
• Develop annual professional development goals and participate in ongoing development.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Comply with ELC Departmental Policies and perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related discipline, plus three months of supervised student teaching or 12 months experience, or equivalent.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Must be flexible and willing to work in various settings.

Special Requirements: Compliance with Delaware regulations, successful completion of background checks, health examination, TB test, and ability to lift up to 40 lbs.