Qualifications:

Education and Certifications:

• Possession of an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree with a major in one of the following human services areas: child development, family studies, social work, sociology, psychology, education, community development, behavioral science, special education, community services, counseling psychology, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science: i.e. anthropology or a closely related field.
  OR
  Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in any major with at least 30 semester (45 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: child development, family studies, social work, sociology, psychology, education, community development, behavioral science, special education, community services, counseling psychology, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science: i.e. anthropology or a closely related field.

• Certification or training in urban gardening, horticulture, sustainable agriculture or a similar equivalent is highly desirable.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to attain certification before August 2024.

• Fluent in English (English & Spanish strongly preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) year experience working directly with children in a daycare, preschool, or early childhood education setting.

• Hands-on experience with urban gardening or small-scale farming. Minimum of three (3) years strongly preferred. Successful backyard gardeners welcome to apply! We have a small space that we are eager to convert into a lush garden.

• Experience in planning and implementing age-appropriate educational activities in a daycare, preschool, or early childhood education setting.

You Are:

• CPR and First-Aid certified or willing to become certified before your August 2024 start date (Phoenix House is happy to reimburse the cost of recertification for the right fit). 

• Prepared to have your background checked/to undergo livescan screening.

• Well versed in the “kind and firm” positive discipline model and/or willing to take a (paid) training to become a credentialed positive discipline educator. 

• Willing to commit to seeking out ongoing education in the early childhood field in the form of podcasts, books, additional ECE credits, etc. 

• Familiar with trauma-informed care practices and eager to implement them in an early childcare setting.

• Well versed in the “kind and firm” Positive Discipline model and/or willing to take a (paid) training to become a credentialed positive discipline educator. 

• Understanding of and proficient in sustainable gardening practices and organic, small-scale urban farming.

• Passionate about urban ecology, restorative agriculture, decolonized education, etc.

Personal Attributes:

• Sincere passion for working with young children and promoting their development.

• Warm, professional, highly communicative, and exceptionally detailed-oriented. 

• Patient, creative, and highly adaptable.

• Passionate about early childhood — with an advanced understanding of the importance of gentle guidance, daily rhythm, and attachment. 

• Commitment to timeliness and proven ability to arrive to work on time and complete each scheduled shift for its full duration.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion.

Responsibilities:

Childcare and Education:

• Support a lead teacher in providing exceptional childcare to 6-12 infants and children ages 4 months to 5 years old, ensuring their physical and emotional safety and well-being.

• Support a lead teacher in maintaining  the rhythm/flow between planned and unplanned activities.

• Support the implementation of play-based and socio-emotional learning activities, including healthy conflict resolution, in an intentionally mixed-age cohort.

• Supervise indoor and outdoor play — encouraging inquiry and exploration. 

  Gardening and Food Production:

• Plan, create, and maintain an urban garden space in the Phoenix House yard space year-round.

• Involve children in planting, watering, harvesting, and other gardening activities.

• Integrate garden produce into the daycare’s meal program where possible.

• Educate children on sustainable gardening practices and the importance of healthy eating.

• Engage children in educational gardening activities, teaching them about plant life cycles, ecosystems, and nutrition.

• Regularly engage the children in age-appropriate tasks associated with maintaining the garden (watering, monitoring the soil, etc.) 

• Facilitate Montessori-style activities around urban gardening/farming and urban ecology practices. 

Support Tasks:

• Help prepare meals and snacks for children in accordance with the program’s integrated nutrition philosophy and meal plan.

• Perform housekeeping tasks like sweeping, dishes, and wiping down spaces, especially before and after snack and mealtimes. Consistently perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks to keep the daycare environment safe and hygienic.

• Support toileting and diapering needs.

• Supervise children during rest times.

• Help with setup and breakdown of daily activities (art, sensory play, nap mats, etc.) as needed.

Monday-Friday 8:00am-12:30pm || $27/hour.