Early Childhood Teacher

About the Role

You will be responsible for the optimal development and well-being of children through family-centered childcare. This includes planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum which emphasizes learning through play in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), BrightStars Quality Rating and Improvement System, and the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an inviting, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
• Provide appropriate supervision and care in the classroom.
• Oversee Teacher Assistants, Substitutes, Interns, and Volunteers in the classroom.
• Assist other teaching staff in caring for children in the classroom, and be reactive to the children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
• Collaborate with the Education Coordinator to develop a monthly curriculum – lesson plans, specific standards, and outlining specific activities to meet the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of the children.
• Plan and participate in scheduled parent conferences.
• Submit paperwork in a timely manner – daily notes, attendance, meal sheets, newsletters, developmental profiles, and family goal sheets.
• Foster positive relationships with parents and families, provide support and resources, and report concerns to the Program Director and Clinical Supervisor.
• Ensure all work is completed in a manner that adheres to all health and safety protocols, address and report any potential hazards to ensure the safety of children, and be reactive to children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.

Requirements

• Associate degree in early childhood education or related field required; bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field preferred; or Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification plus experience the agency deems equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year’s experience in a classroom setting required; knowledge of Early Childhood development and/or experience in a childcare setting preferred.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and time-management skills.
• Basic computer skills required; knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.
• Ability to communicate and effectively interact with a diverse population.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Must meet all background checks and medical clearances required for the position.

Physical Requirements

This position involves work in an office setting. Tasks include operating a computer for extended periods, communicating with colleagues, and occasional lifting of office/department materials up to 25lbs. The role also requires the ability to sit for extended periods, bending, reaching, hearing, and vision.

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of discrimination in America, particularly as it relates to race and racism, and how this history has led to disparities experienced by marginalized communities such as BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and others.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.