Pre-School Associate Teacher

About the Employer

Rex and Margaret Fortune School of Education is a comprehensive education system including, non-profit preschools, a network of tuition-free, public charter schools (TK-12th), and a school of education with a masters programs and educator preparations programs accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. in Sacramento/San Bernardino County. We prepare students for college starting in preschool Transitional Kindergarten in San Bernardino and Sacramento Counties and are focused on closing the African American achievement gap.

Our Mission:

To graduate high achieving students of good character prepared for college and citizenship in a democratic society.

Our Vision:

To prepare teachers for service in public schools with competence and sensitivity that will enable them to develop students to their fullest potential.

Our Approach:

At Fortune School our education philosophy is The Five Pillars--1) High Expectations, 2) Choice and Commitment, 3) More Time, 4) Focus on Results, 5) Citizenship. We follow this philosophy in all our academic programs in service to the wide range of people we serve from preschool to masters.

Job Summary: Provide a high-quality instructional program within a lab school environment that follows the Reggio Emilia approach. Curate an open-ended environment (valued as the third teacher). 

Plan and implement an emergent curriculum through the hundred languages of children. Research and observe along with the children. Invest in a personal relationship with each student and family, ensuring that each child feels valued as an individual. Establish a culture of high expectations that includes the shared belief that every student will attend college. Create nurturing supportive educational environments for preschool children at various stages of development. Provide guidance, mentoring, and leadership to 

student teachers. Uphold the mission, vision, and values of Fortune School.

Working Hours: Monday - Friday 07:00AM to 12:30PM

• The essential duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain student health, safety, ratio, and supervision at all times according to Title 22 regulations.
• Assist in caregiving routines such as hand washing, serving meals, diapering, toileting, and naptime.
• Provide stimulating Reggio inspired educational experiences which promote socio/emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Help to scaffold lessons and environments to meet the developmental needs of each child.
• Help to plan, implement, and evaluate daily instructional activities.
• Prepare instructional materials, set up activities.
• Actively participate with children.
• Collaborate with the lead teachers to improve instructional practices throughout the school; share best practices.
• Nurture meaningful relationships with families in the classroom.
• Assist the lead teacher in writing formal and informal ongoing observation throughout the year.
• Assist the lead teacher in creating and displaying a variety of documentation boards.
• Utilize age appropriate, positive discipline techniques.
• Work with the teaching team to help identify unique student needs.
• Respectfully work with lab students, and volunteers.
• Ensures the safety, security, cleanliness, and orderliness of the classroom and playground environments.
• Actively participate in professional development activities, staff meetings, and school events.
• Assist lead teacher with supporting and encouraging emergent plurilingual learners and family biliteracy.
• Maintain confidentiality of students and families.
• Support lead teacher in preparation for parent/guardian conferences.
• Complete center paperwork (accident reports, potty logs, observations of children) in a timely manner.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and research in the field of early childhood education.
• Assist lead teacher with selecting classroom supplies by request to administration.
• Address concerns with the lead teacher.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Support the mission, vision, and core values of Fortune Schools.

•  Work with students in small groups, 1:1 and large groups.
• Child Development and early learning techniques.
• Willingness to follow the Reggio Emilia approach.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors or outdoors.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to assume postures in low levels, get up and down from the floor, and engage in physical activity with children.
• Ability to use a computer with basic proficiency.

• A permit or credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizing service in the care, development, and instruction of children in a childcare and development program, OR Successfully completed with passing grades, at least 12 units from an accredited or approved college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development covering areas of child growth and development, or human growth or development, or child, family, and community, or program/curriculum.
• AA degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field (Preferred)
• 1 year experience working in a childcare setting with 2–5-year-old.
• Valid First Aid/CPR training, or willingness to obtain.
• Mandated reporting training (or ability to comply within 30 days)

Fortune School of Education provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.