Summary
The Institute of Child Development at the University of Oklahoma is pleased to invite passionate and creative Early Childhood Teachers to be part of our growing school. We are seeking applications for full-time (nine-month) Lead Teacher positions.
The ICD serves children ages 6 weeks until age 5. It has three primary goals. The first is to provide a developmentally appropriate environment for undergraduate and graduate students to observe and interact with young children. The second is to serve families of the university and the community and provide young children with high-quality care and education. The third is to provide a site for research and educational innovation. The teacher's role at the ICD is to serve as a guide, a resource, and a facilitator for the child. By this we mean the teacher facilitates a child-centered environment by initiating activities and projects for children that are developmentally appropriate, purposeful, meaningful, and foster learning through self-selected play.
Teachers receive a yearly salary and OU benefits. Review of completed applications will begin as soon as possible. For best consideration, please apply by May 17, 2024. Duties Job Responsibilities- The responsibilities of the Lead Teacher consist of, but are not limited to: Teaching full-day in class (Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM ? 4:00 PM) Creating a physically and psychologically safe and positive learning environment for young learners that is intentional, culturally responsive, equitable, and supports student autonomy. Providing high-quality care and education to facilitate children?s learning and development. Establishing and implementing evidence-based practice for early childhood care. Respecting and maintaining all classroom and ICD properties in a good condition. Assessing children using tools provided and discussed by the program director. Planning weekly lessons based on early learning standards and developmentally appropriate practice. Serving as a cooperating/mentor teacher for OU Early Childhood Education preservice students placed at the ICD. Establishing and maintaining positive and collaborative relationships with families, which includes daily/weekly communication with parents. Collaborating respectfully and communicating promptly and effectively with other teachers, families, OU faculty, and other community members, and participating in monthly after school hours staff meetings. Understanding and respecting differences in children, families, and colleagues and embracing a practice of anti-biased education. Taking part in professional development experiences (attending or presenting); including but not limited to those offered throughout the year by other organizations as well as regularly scheduled required Professional Development Days at the ICD. Supporting research endeavors consistent with preschool laboratory classrooms. Modeling reflective practice (i.e., self-reflection on teaching) and being open to mentoring and feedback from supervisors/others. Maintaining up-to-date CPR and First Aid Licensing. Maintaining up-to-date Professional Development hours and actively seeking your Professional Development Ladder through CECPD. Completing annual OU OnPoint training to stay up to date on best workplace practices and laws. Maintaining confidentiality for all enrolled families, only discussing students appropriately as needed with school directors with the goal of supporting children and families. Being willing to provide professional development to other educators when opportunities arise. Maintaining DHS STARS requirements in your classroom for hand washing, diaper changing, and classroom maintenance. Participating in other activities as appropriate. Advertised Physical Requirements- Supervise a classroom of early childhood students ? which includes:
Being able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Bending, kneeling, and getting up and down from a seated-on-the-floor position. Requirements Required Education- Earned bachelor?s degree in early childhood education and/or child development, or the related field.
Must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks. Nice To Haves Departmental Preferences- Experience teaching in an early childhood setting and a strong content and pedagogical knowledge of working with young children; familiarity with early childhood standards, theorists, and effective practices in early childhood education; and experience working as part of a dynamic and collaborative team.
