Position Available

The Talitha Koum Institute’s mental health Therapeutic Nursery has openings for a full time Lead Teacher. Talitha Koum serves South Waco by working to break the cycle of poverty with early intervention. Interested applicants should contact Donna Losak, Nurture Center Director at DonnaL@crosstieswaco.org

Job Description
Nurture Center Teacher (Full Time)
Supervisor: Nurture Center Director

Position Description: Nurture Center Teachers work in a therapeutic early childhood program that serves children ages 0-6 who have been exposed to high levels of violence, aggression and trauma. Teachers are expected to work and relate on a day to day basis with all age groups at the center.  Teachers are responsible for creating a climate of care, trust, and respect. An ideal candidate would be warm, patient, confident, cooperative, organized, flexible and sensitive to families from diverse backgrounds.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, supervise, and implement regular classroom duties according to NAECY guidelines, the High/Scope curriculum, and TKI policies.
• Submit weekly curriculum plans to Nurture Center Director for evaluation of developmental appropriateness.
• Play with children
• Rock children
• Assist children with routine care giving duties:
• Feeding
• Changing diapers/helping children in the restroom
• Clean and maintain all care giving environments
• Adhere to High/Scope and TKI policies concerning room arrangement, materials used and activities planned:
• Create a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate
• Maintain consistent limits in the classroom administer guidance techniques
• Utilize a variety of instructional techniques and media consistent with the developmental needs of the class.
• Supervise personnel assigned to assist with daily group activities (assistant teachers and volunteers)
• Assess the development of students on a regular basis using anecdotal record keeping, observation, and portfolios.
• Conduct parent conferences according to TKI policies
• Present a positive role model that supports the mission of TKI
• Establish and maintain rapport with children and their families
• Maintain a professional relationship with all co-workers, children and their parents
• Attend to personal spiritual growth
• Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement
• Participate in TKI Staff Development and follow TKI’s written plan that ensures all staff receive the required amount of training each year
• Attend and actively contribute to weekly staff meetings
• Maintain all reports, records and other documents required
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all reports, records, documents, and information concerning children who are or have been enrolled at TKI

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Ability to develop detailed plans
• Ability to instruct children
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress
• Ability to maintain a clear focus on the best interest of families served

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.

Qualifications

1. Have a BA/BS degree in early childhood education or a related field (preferred).
2. One year experience of working in child care preferred.
3. Quickly learn and implement High/Scope curriculum
4. Be flexible in working with children of different ages.
5. Meet the requirements of law pertaining to convictions of felonies or misdemeanors.
6. Be healthy and submit a T.B./P.D.D. test