Early Learning Teacher I

Please Note: This is not a student worker position. It is a full-time position with Amarillo College, posted by the Human Resources Recruiting team. For additional employment info, visit the Amarillo College Job Board on NEOED.

Summary

At Amarillo College, our mission is: Transforming our community and economy through learning, innovation, and achievement. Every team member, regardless of job title or duties, is responsible first and foremost, for assisting students in every way.

This is an exciting time to work for Amarillo College! We are seeking our next Early Learning Teacher I who will be all-in on our mission and who will be responsible and accountable for providing a nurturing environment that supports national standards for the education of young children. Both the Hagy Center for Young Children and the Child Development Lab School are part of Texas Rising Star; a rating system for child care and early learning programs that exceed Child Care Regulation minimum standards. We are searching for a qualified candidate who can help us stay in the rating of the Texas Rising Star and will instruct preschool children in learning basic skills, and build positive relationships between children, and with families and children. These responsibilities require teaching and instruction of learning activities and providing positive guidance with assigned children.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:
Required: High School Diploma or GED.
 
Preferred: Course completion in child development field or similar professional field. 
 
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:
Required:
 

• Must have a valid Class C Texas Driver's License with a 3-year safe driving record.
• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certificate or the ability to obtain certification or recertify in the first thirty days of employment.

 
Preferred: Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) 
               
EXPERIENCE:
Required: One (1) year experience in a licensed childcare facility. 
Preferred: 
 

• Three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare facility.
• Experience working in Early Head Start or Head Start Programs in Texas

 
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

• Clear Background History.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• In accordance with Texas state law and licensing rules of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, persons employed in this position will be subject to a Child Care Criminal History Check (TDPRS Form 2971), FBI Fingerprinting, and Tuberculosis test.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with children and their families.
• Create lesson plans and providing positive guidance.
• Develop and teach curriculum aligned with department goals.
• Supervise playground activities.
• Provide a safe environment for performance of work and play.
• Promote and protect children's health by keeping classroom sanitized and following proper health codes.
• Maintain effective office organization and accurate record management.
• Ensure all records and supporting documentation are maintained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
• Interact with all levels of departmental personnel, students, parents, community members, and management in a professional manner.
• Participate in and complete performance assessments/evaluations.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.
• As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring striving to serve students, peers and the community by embracing the AC Core Values: Wow, Family, Fun, Innovation, and Yes!

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient communication skills.
• Critical thinking and active listening skills.
• Customer service mindset.
• Dependability and integrity.
• Effective organizational and task prioritization skills.

Salary: Amarillo College follows a lag pay strategy, with starting offers typically between the minimum and midpoint of the pay grade, rarely reaching the maximum to support long-term growth within each position.

Pay grade 7 Amarillo College Pay Grades (salary is determined by Human Resources based on education, work experience and internal comparisons).

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to travel between offices and buildings, and requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and/or maneuver office supplies as needed. Performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms, legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Employee may be required to lift children.

Working Conditions: Occasional overtime hours may be required. Overtime hours must be approved by supervisor and/or cabinet member prior to work. Employee is required to maintain required certifications of the position and attend professional development trainings. Employee will experience daily exposure to household cleaning supplies, frequent distracting noise levels and interruptions. Self-sufficiency is critical.

Notice of Background: Applicants selected for employment will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal history background check and possibly a pre-employment drug test.

Promotional Opportunity Policy: Under the Amarillo College Promotional Opportunity Policy, only current appointed or part-time non-appointed employees will be considered for a position during the first five (5) working days from notice or posting.

Amarillo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.