This job position is for a teacher for children ages 2-3 years old. Odessa College Children’s Center is a childcare center, a learning center, and a child development center combined. We offer care for children six weeks to five years old and add school-agers who are 6 -11 year olds in the summer. We operate 7:00 – 6:00 M-F and close for the college holidays. We provide loving care, learning activities, and safety to all children enrolled. The lead teacher’s position is to partner, work with, and cooperate with the teacher to make sure this happens. We provide children with a positive learning environment and varied experiences that will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, safely, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and state of development. The nation’s most prestigious recognition of Community College Excellence, the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Prize, awarded Odessa College its Rising Star Award in 2017, which ranked Odessa College among the top five in the nation for improving and advancing student achievement out of 1100 eligible institutions.

Must know, understand, and follow all the mandatory guiding principles of Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers as directed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; of the Texas Department of Agriculture, Special Nutrition Program (SNP); of Child Care Management Services, West Texas Opportunities, Inc. in order to maintain our status of a 4- Star Texas Rising Star Provider; of Odessa College; and of Odessa College Children’s Center. Complete all mandatory educational and training requirements assigned to this position. Perform any other professional duties as assigned by the director or acting director. Feed children, change diapers, complete and follow lesson plans, complete required paper work on a daily basis, and perform any other duties as required.

High School Diploma or GED; Must be at least 18 years or older; Supply at least two work-related letter of references; Must pass the WorkSteps assessment; Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, if needed; Must maintain up-to-date CPR and First aide certification; Must pass a background check every two years and initial FBI fingerprint check; Must obtain a tuberculosis test and pass it every two years; Must obtain any immunizations that are highly requested for persons working with small children; Must read the Minimum Standards and Operations Manual for the Children’s Center; Must complete a mandatory orientation with the director of center; Must attend an 8-hour pre-certification training for childcare (or complete the 8-hours on line); Must obtain 16 more hours before working in the classroom; Must obtain 6 additional hours within the first year; Must complete 4 technical hours and 2 personal enrichment hours yearly; and Must be able to attend after hours staff meetings.

Work hours vary according to the needs of the center. Any 8 hour schedule from 7:00 to 6:00, M – F, as needed.