ABOUT JEREMIAH PROGRAM

Jeremiah Program (JP) is a nonprofit organization helping single mothers invest in themselves so they can thrive and take steps towards economic mobility by helping them access higher education, affordable childcare, housing, skills training and career development. JP envisions a world where poverty is no longer feminized; where race is not divorced from gender; where career and financial opportunities are not gentrified; and where women who experience poverty not only hold a seat at the table but hold the mic and curate the agenda. 

Jeremiah Program offers one of the nation’s most successful strategies for disrupting poverty, two generations at a time. At JP, we believe that no mother should have to make the untenable choice between investing in herself or supporting her children. Our holistic approach invites single mothers into the leadership tent and encourages families to bring all of their identities to bear in achieving their goals in pursuit of economic mobility. 

Founded in 1993, this year JP is supporting over 1,000 moms and kids across nine residential and non-residential campuses: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Fargo, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester. JP Currently has an operating budget of 18.2M with 157 budgeted FTE for FY 2022. Learn more about JP and our work here. 

ROLE SUMMARY:

Our Child Development Center (CDC) Teachers bring warmth, patience, and understanding to the classroom every day, encouraging children to learn and grow while reflecting the Jeremiah mission, and encompassing the values, vision, and purpose of the program. They inspire children to be lifelong learners using curriculum that promotes social, physical, verbal, and cognitive development. Our CDC Teachers are committed to making their center successful and know that creating meaningful relationships with children, families, and their team play a crucial role in that success.

At Jeremiah Program we provide instruction using a collaborative co-teach model where teachers work together to create lesson plans and activities that bring together the strengths of each team member in service of our children. From time to time, CDC Teachers may be asked to work within the full range of classrooms, from infants to children who are kindergarten ready. CDC Teachers also work closely with the Family Services Team to ensure families are getting all the support they need.

The ideal candidate is passionate about providing a foundation for lifelong learning and development, building on the individual strength of each child and can challenge them at various levels during the same lesson/activity to keep engagement.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Classroom Management

• Create and maintain a classroom environment that stimulates and is conducive to learning.
• Implement, and post cross-cultural, developmentally approved curriculum for children using the ASQ tool and Teaching Strategies GOLD platforms as guides.
• Maintain accurate and complete files for children as required by DHS (emergency cards, field trip, and conference forms, attendance, CACFP, accident/incident reports).
• Maintain order within the classroom, storage areas, changing room, indoor and outdoor play areas, so they are attractive, sanitary, orderly, and in compliance with governing bodies.
• Manage classroom supplies and materials and report needs to CDC Director. Note: Our centers provide formula, diapers, and wipes for all children. 
• Understand State Licensing requirements to operate and maintain a childcare program.
• Serve meals according to USDA/CACFP meal portion guidelines.

Direct Service

• Develop lesson plans through approved curriculum to ensure the progress of the entire class. For curriculum requiring notes be kept, ensure up-to-date notes are taken. 
• Develop and maintain positive, respectful relationships with parents, working with them to enhance their child’s education and development and providing resource referrals for parental questions and concerns. 
• Ensure children are supervised at all times in the classroom, hallways, and offsite.
• Demonstrate positive interactions with parents through Family Goal Planning meetings and Parent-Teacher conferences that are held bi-annually. 
• Encourage and participate in center-wide parent involvement initiatives. (e.g., Preschool graduation).
• Communicate classroom activities daily with parents regarding changes in their child’s development, behavior, and well-being by completing daily written reports.
• Develop growth plans regarding child’s development and other support resources in collaboration with parents, co-teacher, and the Family Coach when necessary.

Program Support

• Maintain compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., CACFP and state licensing requirements).
• Always provide and promote healthy boundaries and confidentiality.
• Leverage volunteers and interns to increase organizational capacity within the Child Development Center.

Other Duties as Assigned

• All Jeremiah Program employees are mandated reporters and are legally required to ensure a report is made when abuse or neglect is observed or suspected.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Meet and maintain teacher qualifications and state quality system rating requirements (required hours vary by state)
• 1+ year Early Childhood Education Experience preferred
• Willingness to serve children from 6 weeks (Infant) old to 5 years old (PreK)
• CPR and First Aid certified (preferred or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to problem solve, multi-task, complete work on time, and work independently
• Comprehensive knowledge of current child development practices
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs
• Proficiency in computer skills, (i.e., Microsoft, SharePoint)
• Passion for the Jeremiah Program mission and values

COMPENSATION:

In addition to a rewarding career where you help shape children’s futures, Jeremiahs Program provides a competitive compensation package with pay starting at $17 per hour. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Discounted childcare
• Generous paid time off
• Education assistance and reimbursement
• Medical expense reimbursement/ Life insurance/Disability benefits/ Health and wellness programs
• 403(b) savings and investment plan with employer match