The Fisher Early Learning Center is one of the most distinctive early childhood learning centers in Colorado. As a part of the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver, we are uniquely positioned to provide a warm and loving environment that is specifically designed to deliver cutting-edge and evidence based programming for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. We are an inclusive setting and value diversity.

Position Summary

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and expectations assigned to Department Support Specialist at Fisher Early Learning Center. While there are percentages assigned to the different categories, all duties are considered essential to the position. At various times of the year and under varying circumstances, certain duties will take precedence over others. It is the duty of the Department Support Specialist to work in collaboration with fellow teachers and administrative staff to carry out all responsibilities to the best of their ability and exercise their best judgement as they execute their duties.

Essential Functions

Classroom Engagement (Curriculum, Planning, Documentation and Assessment)

• Assist in the development and implementation of curriculum aligned with Fisher’s approach to early childhood education and specifically identified curricula resources.
• Apply content from Fisher sponsored trainings and resources available on the R Drive to support implementation of curricula.
• Demonstrate knowledge of content and developmental areas by creating experiences that engage children in purposeful and meaningful learning related to key curriculum concepts.
• Support curriculum and planning through use of the child assessment process and data.
• Contribute to a progress monitoring system, using a strengths-based approach including child observation and assessment.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practices in an inclusive early childhood setting. (Recommended practices are compiled from a broad range of sources including Fisher policies and procedures, Colorado State Childcare licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, Pyramid Plus and other programs with which Fisher is affiliated.)
• Collaborate with classroom teachers in facilitation of play-based experiences, in all settings, that:
  • support self-initiated learning
  • extend children’s engagement
  • foster children’s curiosity
• On a weekly basis, acquire information from classroom teachers about how to support classroom routines, classroom management, and peer engagement strategies.
• On a weekly basis, acquire information from classroom teachers about how to support implementation of planned curricular experiences.
• In coordination with Master Teacher, contribute to one aspect of a planned curriculum experience weekly that reflects the individual and collective interests, needs, and abilities of the children.
  • Collect child observation data during this experience and enter into Fisher’s progress monitoring system.
• Act as a role model to children.

Collaboration and Teaming

• Positively contribute to a professional and collaborative atmosphere in the classroom and program as a whole.
• Engage in effective problem-solving, formal and informal communication with families, colleagues and community partners.
• Provide weekly support to assigned classroom(s) enabling Master and Associate Teachers to engage in out-of-the-classroom responsibilities.
• As requested by the administrative staff, provide coverage in classrooms to support ratios.
• Communicate schedule changes to Master Teacher(s) and Program Coordinator.
• In collaboration with the Master Teacher and administration, complete a “job duties” sheet for each assigned classroom.
• Initiate and schedule a monthly meeting with the Master Teacher in each assigned classroom to update the job duties sheet and plan for how best to support the team in the upcoming month.

Health and Safety

• Support the establishment and maintenance of a safe and healthy environment for all children.
•  Apply all current policies, procedures and health and safety regulations when planning for and engaging in activities in/on the classroom, the playgrounds, the Motor Room, fieldtrips, walks, and any evacuations per: childcare licensing, NAEYC, Fisher policies & procedures, CACFP, and other federal, state, and universal health and safety policies and procedures.
• Assess emergency situations to ensure the health and safety of each child.
• Adhere to Fisher’s standards for use of shared spaces and outdoor area.
• Support the maintenance of a safe and habitable classroom and shared spaces, both indoors and outdoors, through the use of daily, weekly, and monthly checklists, and adherence to the designated maintenance schedule.

 Family

• Establish and maintain strong family partnerships.
• Communicate with the Master Teacher to establish expectations and guidelines for parent communications.
• Support the classroom team’s efforts and engage in frequent, responsive communication with families as deemed appropriate by the Master Teacher.
• Support the beginning of the year communication with new families, per Fisher’s current protocol.

Other Duties

• Attend all scheduled staff meetings, trainings, family events and professional development opportunities, as required.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate educational certificate or credential and submit to Fisher’s Director a record of training attended and classes taken during the program year.
• Participate on Center committees.
• Collaborate with and support Fisher’s administrative team on Center wide activities, events and initiatives.
• Annually develop professional and career goals, and evaluate overall performance and goals.
• Participate in reflective supervision to support personal and professional growth and goals.
• Support Fisher and the classroom teams in completing other duties as needs arise.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong time management ability
• Strong ability to work on a team
• Ability to work with many different types of people
• Organized and flexible

Required Qualifications

• 2-5 years experience working with children
• Bachelors Degree in ECE or related field
• Willingness to work with children in an inclusive environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 4 or more years classroom experience in a NAEYC accredited early childhood group setting
• Knowledge and experience working with children who have special needs
• Experience working with children in an inclusive environment

Working Environment

1. Standard office environment.
2. Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
3. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time.
2. Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number
The salary grade for the position is 5.

Hourly Range
The hourly range for the position is $20.00 - $22.00.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university's complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non‑discrimination‑statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.