Children's Center Lead Teacher - Children's Center - 16729

ATTENTION:

The Children's Center Department at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater seeks a Children's Center Lead Teacher (Student Services Specialist).

Reappointment for subsequent terms is dependent upon needs of the position, university funding and external forces.

JOB DETAILS:

This Lead Teacher is responsible to provide care for children in a child-initiated learning environment working with children ages 12 weeks and up. The teacher will implement the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) through a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach and Emergent Curriculum, work with diverse groups of children/families and understand/practice the developmental early childhood standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The applicant needs to be able to physically work with young children. This includes bending, kneeling, reaching, sitting/standing on the floor, and lifting children when necessary. Lead Teachers provide general supervision and management for a classroom of children, supervision of student employees and students in practicum experiences. The Lead Teacher plans and facilitates developmental activities as part of a comprehensive program for children's physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth, so children can reach their highest potential. The Children’s Center follows a looping model where teachers are the primary caregiver for a cohort of children from infancy through 4K.

For more information regarding our program, please visit: http://www.uww.edu/childrenscenter

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, or related field
• Teaching experience in an NAEYC accredited, play-based, developmentally appropriate early education program
• Certified in infant/child/adult CPR/First Aid/AED and training in blood-borne pathogens
• Meets requirements of Wisconsin Licensing Rules for Group Daycare Centers (HFS 46) for physical exam and criminal background check
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with children, family and staff
• Demonstrate an ability to provide leadership within a team-teaching model
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
• Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

RESPONSIBILITIES:

50% A. Programming Responsibilities

1. Plan and facilitate a daily program of care and activities for the assigned classroom.
2. Contribute to the effective operation of the overall childcare / early education program.
3. Develop and implement daily/weekly activity plans.
4. Responsible for the arrangement of space, setting, and materials in the classroom and outdoor play equipment.
5. Ensure a safe clean, orderly child-centered learning environment and consistent daily schedule for children's calm, comfortable and successful participation in the program.
6. Individualizes programming according to children's interests and developmental goals.
7. Document and assess the children’s individual progress and the progress of the group as a whole using Individual portfolios, documentation panels, classroom portfolios, using authentic assessment with photographs, work samples and anecdotal observations.
8. Hold Formal Family-Teacher Conferences once a semester and provide informal communication opportunities for families.
9. Communicate regularly with families through email, Kaymbu app and a Family Resource Board in the classroom.
10. Establish an open door policy with families that offers daily verbal and/or written feedback for families on their children’s progress and encourages family participation in the educational process.
11. Promote a multicultural and anti-bias approach to learning and to the center environment. Show respect for each child’s culture, background, and personal uniqueness.
12. Regularly support and encourage family participation in center activities.
13. Establish and maintain a developmentally appropriate, safe, and nurturing learning environment according to program educational philosophy.
14. Oversee housekeeping procedures within the classroom and in common areas as assigned. Monitor center sanitation procedures and promptly report any maintenance concerns to the Director.

20% B. Administrative Responsibilities

1. Oversee housekeeping procedures within the classroom and in common areas as assigned. Monitor center sanitation procedures and promptly report any maintenance concerns to the Director.
2. Maintain regular communication with parents/guardians, teacher assistants, volunteers, student teachers and the Children’s Center Director.
3. Practice emergency evacuation procedures monthly and maintain Fire and Safety checklist.
4. Assist in center compliance with all regulatory requirements, including childcare licensing requirements, USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards and University policies.
5. Arrange for own substitute whenever possible and arrange for Teacher Assistant substitutes when needed.

20% C. Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with Center Director and University Faculty and staff in the supervision and training of Student Teachers. Monitor student teachers progress in all areas of their performance.
2. Monitors teacher assistants and volunteers progress in all areas of their performance. Evaluate in writing once each semester.
3. Keep open communication about classroom routines / needs through regular posts on D2L and/or emails to teaching assistants.
4. Coordinate team-planning meetings as needed.
5. Participate in regular staff meetings.

10% D. General Responsibilities

1. Ensure the safety and physical well-being of the children.
2. Provide recommendations and referrals of children with special needs.
3. Maintain a professional working atmosphere and confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, and families.
4. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of the Children’s Center.
5. Participate in Division of Student Affairs and University committees and programs when appropriate.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

Founded in 1868, UW–Whitewater is one of eleven comprehensive universities in a public higher education system that also includes two doctoral institutions and a statewide Extension. In the fall of 2018, as a result of the University of Wisconsin System’s restructuring of the state’s 13 two-year campuses formerly known as UW Colleges, UW–Rock County began operating as a branch campus of UW–Whitewater under the new name of University of Wisconsin–Whitewater at Rock County. Together, these campuses form a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Main Campus and Rock County Campus are located conveniently near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, and thus offers the advantage of beautiful small-town environments with easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas.

The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. UW-Whitewater has a special mission within the UW System to serve students with disabilities and, as such, embraces the principles of universal design and is one of the most accessible campuses in the state. The campuses have more than 200 student organizations and UW-Whitewater is a Division III NCAA university. UW-Whitewater is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse campus environment, building a diverse faculty and staff with expertise and interest in serving students with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities and other distinct characteristics in respectful, sensitive and understanding ways. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System ( https://www.wisconsin.edu ).

Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).

Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies , UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see http://www.uww.edu/asfr . If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

To learn more about UW-Whitewater's competitive benefits packages go to our: ALEX webpage, which is our interactive benefits decision support tool.

SPECIAL NOTES:

UW-Whitewater embraces AAC&U’s LEAP principles ( http://www.uww.edu/leap ) and emphasizes student, staff and faculty participation in High-Impact Practices ( https://www.aacu.org/resources/high-impact-practices ). The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs ( http://www.uww.edu/orsp ) provides support for faculty scholarly and creative activities as well as other opportunities to apply for reassigned time and/or other resources to support research activities. UW-Whitewater faculty and staff also have access to technology transfer and research resources provided by WiSys ( https://www.wisys.org ).

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

The University of Wisconsin System is engaged in a Title and Total Compensation (TTC) project to redesign job titles and compensation structures. As a result of the TTC project, official job titles on current job postings is targeted to be implemented mid-2021. Job duties and responsibilities will remain the same. For more information please visit: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/title-and-total-compensation-study/

The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater has authority to implement temporary workforce reduction and cost saving measures to address financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, consistent with Wisconsin law and Board of Regents, UW System, and UW–Whitewater policy and procedure.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:

Applications received by November 22, 2020 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1072 or hrstudent@uww.edu .

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Erica Schepp
Director UW-Whitewater Children's Center
262-472-1768
ccdirector@uww.edu

TO APPLY:

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Name and contact information for three professional references
• Unofficial Transcripts

This Job ID is 16729.


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