ECS Teacher

PREP is well known for its success in supporting families and children with Down syndrome, and we take pride in our role as an advocate for inclusion for over 36 years. We currently have an exciting opportunity for an ideal candidate to join our dynamic team of professionals as we work together to ensure children with Down syndrome have the best opportunities possible to become active and engaged members of their communities. This unique opportunity will provide a range of experiences to develop your skills as an educator and allow you to share your expertise as you work alongside families, staff, and teachers.

PREP is currently looking for a .8 FTE Certified Teacher (28 hrs/week) to join our ECS team. Our multidisciplinary staff includes a dynamic group of therapists and educators who want to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. This position would teach within our ECS class weekday mornings (Mon-Fri). Additional time is allocated for team meetings and planning/preparation.

Position Summary: As an ECS Teacher, you will play a fundamental role in nurturing the social, emotional, and academic growth of children with Down syndrome. Your responsibilities will include creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment, designing curriculum to help students develop their independence, executive functioning, social, communication, and self advocacy skills. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team including Learning Support Facilitators, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and a Physiotherapist.

Key Responsibilities: To be successful in this position, the Teacher must bring a high level of passion and experience to each of the following:

Curriculum Development:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with Alberta Educations standards and/or the programs 5 key pillars (independence, executive functioning, social skills, communication, and self advocacy)
• Create engaging lessons that support student learning goals
• Create yearly overviews, curriculum units, and daily lesson plans

Classroom Management:

• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, and organized classroom environment conducive to learning
• Implement effective behavior management strategies to ensure a positive classroom atmosphere
• Working with a multidisciplinary team to provide a holistic approach and ensure a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Instruction and Assessment:

• Provide interactive and hands-on instruction that caters to various learning styles and abilities
• Assess student progress through observations, assessments, and evaluations
• Create IPP's for your classroom students and conduct IPP meetings with parents who have students in the Kindergarten program
• Maintain all required documentation including timetables, instructional plans, class lists, etc.

Individualized Support:

• Recognize and address the unique needs and challenges of each student, providing individualized support and accommodations as necessary

Parent and Caregiver Communication:

• Maintain open and regular communication with parents and caregivers, sharing updates on student progress, activities, and events

Social and Emotional Development:

• Foster social and emotional growth by promoting empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation skills
• Create a nurturing and supportive classroom community

Professional Development:

• Stay updated on best practices in early childhood education through professional development and training opportunities

Competencies:

• Education Expertise: Develop program plans with core competencies as the primary focus
• Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication for interacting with students, parents, and colleagues
• Creativity: Ability to design and implement engaging and age-appropriate learning activities
• Classroom Leadership: Strong classroom management skills and the ability to create an inclusive and positive learning environment
• Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues, support staff, and parents to enhance the learning experience

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field
• Teaching certification or license
• 3 - 5 years experience working with children aged 3 - 5 yrs

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 28 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Experience:

• teaching: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person