Position Summary
We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and highly skilled Early Childhood Educator to join our MECK Pre-K Therapeutic Classroom team. This teacher will provide a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children who may require additional behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental supports. The ideal candidate is passionate about helping every child succeed and has experience implementing individualized strategies that promote positive outcomes for young learners.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and implement engaging, hands-on learning experiences aligned with MECK Pre-K and North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning standards.
- Foster a safe, supportive, and therapeutic classroom environment that promotes social-emotional development and self-regulation.
- Utilize positive behavior support strategies and trauma-informed practices to support children's individual needs.
- Collaborate with therapists, behavioral specialists, family support staff, and administrators to ensure comprehensive support for each child.
- Develop and maintain individualized behavior support plans and classroom interventions.
- Conduct ongoing observations, assessments, and documentation of children's progress.
- Build strong partnerships with families through regular communication, conferences, and collaborative goal-setting.
- Maintain compliance with all licensing, MECK Pre-K, and program requirements.
- Participate in professional development and coaching opportunities related to early childhood education, inclusion, and behavior management.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field OR
- Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with active enrollment in a Bachelor's Degree program and a commitment to obtaining a North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) License.
- North Carolina Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) License preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience teaching preschool-aged children.
- Experience working with children with challenging behaviors, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, trauma histories, or social-emotional needs preferred.
- Strong understanding of Conscious Discipline, Pyramid Model, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), or similar approaches.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and responsive in challenging situations.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in inclusive or therapeutic classroom settings.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care and social-emotional learning practices.
- Strong observation and documentation skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience supporting children with individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior support plans.
