Specialized Youth Instructor - Early Learning/Preschool (SUMMER CAMP) at City of Fort Collins in Fort Collins, Colorado

Job Description:

POSITION TITLE: Specialized Youth Instructor - Early Learning/Preschool (SUMMER CAMP) (Hourly)
REQUISITION #: req7438
DEPARTMENT: Recreation
LOCATION: NORTHSIDE AZTLAN CTR
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly View Classifications & Benefits
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Hourly
HOURLY RATE: $15.00 - 18.00 per hour (based on relevant experience)
SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is Open Until Filled

The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), and clearance from state and federal fingerprinting required.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Current hiring needs are for our summer, state licensed Funtime Adventures summer camp for ages 4-5. Positions available are Early Childhood Lead Teachers, Early Childhood Assistant Teachers, and Early Childhood Teacher Aides. Positions are encouraged to apply early. However, training hours will not begin until mid-May 2024.

Overview
The City of Fort Collins Recreation Department creates exceptional programs to serve an exceptional community. Our programs are an opportunity for children to learn new skills, discover new passions, be active, and connect with their peers. Our state-licensed preschool program, Funtime Preschool, including a summer Funtime Adventures camp, runs year-round programs for children ages 3-5 years and is focused on the development of readiness skills through child-directed discovery and teacher-led activities. Comprehensive curriculum content includes development of fine motor, cognitive, gross motor, social emotional and early literacy skills. The play-based, intentional approach encourages self-regulation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, the City offers a variety of early learning and preschool readiness programs and enrichment activities for ages 0-6.

We are searching for enthusiastic, dedicated professionals for our Funtime Adventures Summer Camp (ages 4-5) who are passionate about working with preschool-aged children. Ideal candidates genuinely enjoy the learning that takes place through play and is comfortable spending their days on a child's level! Opportunities to continue during the school year in Funtime Preschool or our non-licensed Early Learning programs is available. Certified Early Childhood Teachers will possess the knowledge and experience necessary to structure and manage a developmentally appropriate classroom complete with both recreational and educational components. Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides will assist in program coordination and class management alongside Lead teachers in both licensed classrooms and early learning program areas.

Work Schedule
Lead Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aides begin training hours on May 20. Camp begins on June 3 and ends on August 15.

All positions must attend MANDATORY pre-service staff training on May 20-24 and May 28-30. Most training hours will take place during the evening to accommodate PSD's end of semester scheudle. Full training days will be scheduled when applicable and the full training schedule will be provided during the interview process. Weekly work schedules will vary depending on program needs. Camp program operating hours are M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm. Occasional evening hours would be required for all staff meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.
-Active supervision of children including regular participation and attendance counts.
-Greet children and parents in a friendly manner; conduct daily health screens and electronic check-in/out process.
-Plan and instruct daily developmentally appropriate activities including but not limited to science, math, reading, indoor/outdoor games, crafts, dramatic play, music, and cooking.
-Prepare for and clean up following class/camp activities.
-Treat all children with care and respect in all interactions, including behavior guidance and classroom management strategies.
-Responsible for general maintenance of classroom/camp space and informing supervisors of missing and/or damaged equipment.
-Plan safe, fun walking field trips when available.
-Responsible for class/camp supply and equipment inventory, and requesting materials based on available budgets as needed.
-May be required to drive 15 passenger vans to transport children.
-Attend regular staff and department meetings as needed.
-Represent the City with a positive, professional, and healthy demeanor at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position is not responsible for the direct supervision of any City employees.

City Competencies

• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.


• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.


• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.


• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Early Childhood Lead Teachers
Minimum age is 18. Must have one of the following:
-A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in child development, child psychology, early childhood education, early childhood special education, educational leadership and administration, elementary education, family and human development, family studies, or special education; OR
-A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in any area other than those listed above AND an additional two, three-semester credit hour courses in Early Child Education, with one course being either Introduction to Early Childhood Professions or Early Childhood guidance Strategies for children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate of completion; OR
-An Associate's degree (60 semester credit hours) from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, which must include at least two, three-semester credit hour courses in either Introduction to Early childhood Professions or Early Childhood guidance Strategies for children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate of completion; OR
-Three months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual; AND the completion of eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education with one course as Introduction to Early Childhood Professions or Early Childhood guidance Strategies for children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate of completion; OR
A current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II or higher in Version 3.0.
May require valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to satisfactorily complete provided training for driving 15-passenger vans may be required.
Early Childhood Assistant Teachers
Minimum age is 18. Must have one of the following:
-Completion of one of the following Early Childhood Education courses with a course grade of "C" or better: Introduction to Early Childhood Professions, Introduction to Early Childhood Techniques, Guidance Strategies for Young Children or has been issued the Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion, Health, Nutrition and Safety, Administration of Early Childhood Care and Education programs, Administration: Human Relations for Early Childhood Professions or Introduction to Business, Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques, Child Growth and Development, the Exceptional Child or Infant/Toddler Theory and Practice or have been issued the Expanding Quality Infant/Toddler Training certificate of completion; AND
-A minimum of nine months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four or more children less than eight years of age who are not related to the individual; OR
-A current Early Childhood Professional Credential Level I or higher in Version 3.0.
-May require valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to satisfactorily complete provided training for driving 15-passenger vans may be required.
Early Childhood Teacher Aides
Minimum age is 16.
-Must have informal experience working and/or genuine interest in working with children.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations - All positions:
-Must past City background check.
-Must receive clearance from state and federal fingerprinting, and child abuse reporting background check.
-CPR and First Aid Certification (or similar introductory certificate) is required prior to working with children.
-Must complete 15 hours of required pre-service trainings and courses before working with children.

Language Skills
Communicate effectively with children, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. Must be able to effectively give developmentally appropriate, verbal guidance to children between the ages of 1-5 years.

Reasoning Ability
Must possess the ability to solve and implement practical solutions to problems, to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form, and to foresee and initiate proactive measures to ensure program quality, customer service and participant safety.

Physical Demands
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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to crawl, kneel, jump, run stoop, crouch, reach with hands and arms. The employee must have the ability to lift up to 40 lbs., lead children in extended periods of exercise and movement, must be able to control children in both an indoor and outdoor environment.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to various weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, hail and heat. The employee may be exposed to allergy causing conditions (i.e. cottonwood, dust, animals, etc.). The employee may be exposed to a variety of childhood illnesses. The noise level in the work environment can be at high extremes at times.

The employee must be able to work effectively in an environment of noisy, happy, and sometimes distraught children. The employee must possess high tolerance for the characteristic behavior of children in indoor and outdoor recreation settings and work effectively in high stress situations. The employee should be flexible with the demands and interests of children.

The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use:
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK AND MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT (MVR) AND CLEARANCE FROM STATE AND FEDERAL FINGERPRINTING REQUIRED.

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.Current hiring needs are for our summer, state licensed Funtime Adventures summer camp for ages 4-5. Positions available are Early Childhood Lead Teachers, Early Childhood Assistant Teachers, and Early Childhood Teacher Aides. Positions are encouraged to apply early. However, training hours will not begin until mid-May 2024.

Overview
The City of Fort Collins Recreation Department creates exceptional programs to serve an exceptional community. Our programs are an opportunity for children to learn new skills, discover new passions, be active, and connect with their peers. Our state-licensed preschool program, Funtime Preschool, including a summer Funtime Adventures camp, runs year-round programs for children ages 3-5 years and is focused on the development of readiness skills through child-directed discovery and teacher-led activities. Comprehensive curriculum content includes development of fine motor, cognitive, gross motor, social emotional and early literacy skills. The play-based, intentional approach encourages self-regulation, critical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, the City offers a variety of early learning and preschool readiness programs and enrichment activities for ages 0-6.

We are searching for enthusiastic, dedicated professionals for our Funtime Adventures Summer Camp (ages 4-5) who are passionate about working with preschool-aged children. Ideal candidates genuinely enjoy the learning that takes place through play and is comfortable spending their days on a child's level! Opportunities to continue during the school year in Funtime Preschool or our non-licensed Early Learning programs is available. Certified Early Childhood Teachers will possess the knowledge and experience necessary to structure and manage a developmentally appropriate classroom complete with both recreational and educational components. Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides will assist in program coordination and class management alongside Lead teachers in both licensed classrooms and early learning program areas.

Work Schedule
Lead Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aides begin training hours on May 20. Camp begins on June 3 and ends on August 15.

All positions must attend MANDATORY pre-service staff training on May 20-24 and May 28-30. Most training hours will take place during the evening to accommodate PSD's end of semester scheudle. Full training days will be scheduled when applicable and the full training schedule will be provided during the interview process. Weekly work schedules will vary depending on program needs. Camp program operating hours are M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm. Occasional evening hours would be required for all staff meetings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.
-Active supervision of children including regular participation and attendance counts.
-Greet children and parents in a friendly manner; conduct daily health screens and electronic check-in/out process.
-Plan and instruct daily developmentally appropriate activities including but not limited to science, math, reading, indoor/outdoor games, crafts, dramatic play, music, and cooking.
-Prepare for and clean up following class/camp activities.
-Treat all children with care and respect in all interactions, including behavior guidance and classroom management strategies.
-Responsible for general maintenance of classroom/camp space and informing supervisors of missing and/or damaged equipment.
-Plan safe, fun walking field trips when available.
-Responsible for class/camp supply and equipment inventory, and requesting materials based on available budgets as needed.
-May be required to drive 15 passenger vans to transport children.
-Attend regular staff and department meetings as needed.
-Represent the City with a positive, professional, and healthy demeanor at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position is not responsible for the direct supervision of any City employees.

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