Infant Toddler Teacher

About the role

PJAs Preschool program supports the development of young children in a vibrant, secure, inquiry-based environment. We promote confidence, curiosity, awareness, exploration, problem solving, and social growth. Children are encouraged to make choices, practice individual decision-making, and develop a sense of themselves as capable and as self-advocates. Children are viewed as thinkers, reflecting on their world, and as empathetic individuals who care for and engage with their peers and contribute to the community.

Benefits

In addition to being a great place to work, the PJA offers the following benefits package to our employees. As a full-time Employee of the PJA, you are eligible to participate in our Medical (fully or partially employer paid depending on the plan you select), optional Dental, long-term disability plans and a 401k plan. The Preschool program runs on the school year calendar (late August - mid June) and also includes a generous time off policy. This includes Sick Leave, Personal Time (PTO-3 days/year) and Holiday pay (up to 24 holidays!). Free membership to the Mittleman Jewish Community Center (www.oregonjcc.org) and tuition discount for children of our employees round out this generous benefits package.

Job Summary

The Infant/Toddler Teacher is responsible for the direct care and supervision of toddler children in the PJA Early Childhood Education Program. This position is responsible for maintaining a consistently safe and nurturing environment, and for providing developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate participants’ exploration of the world around them. The floater position “floats” between classrooms, providing coverage and instruction as needed.

Essential Duties

• Establish and maintain a safe learning environment that is responsive to the social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development of children in assigned classrooms.
• Plan each day’s activities to ensure a well-balanced program that includes individual and group play, and active and quiet time.
• Lead and participate in play activities; monitor children to ensure safe play. Model appropriate problem solving behavior. Implement discipline and safety measures as necessary.
• Provide direct personal care to children, including changing diapers, supervising toileting, and preparing children to go home with parents. Supervise naps. Serve meals in accordance with proper hygiene standards; maintain a current food handler’s card. Maintain cleanliness of the childcare room.
• Observe and evaluate children over the course of the day; keep parents informed of daily issues and progress. Maintain confidentiality.
• Ensure that all associated records are complete and properly maintained. Compile and submit required written reports. Attend and participate in required staff trainings and meetings; participate in special programs as required.

Qualifications

• One year of experience working with infants - 3 yrs. in a comparable state certified group child care program;
• A High School Diploma or GED;
• Current First Aid, CPR, Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect, and Food Handler’s certifications;
• Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of early child development.
• Knowledge of appropriate practice and age appropriate activities for assigned age group.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques.

Ability

• Ability to communicate effectively with children at their individual developmental levels.
• Ability to effectively execute activities.
• Ability to evaluate and record progress.
• Ability to organize and execute work independently.
• Ability to supervise and manage groups of varying sizes.
• Ability to meet and deal courteously and effectively with other employees, parents, and the public.
• Ability to remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high-pressure situations that may arise.
• Ability to work assigned schedules.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an environment that is quite noisy and busy, and may include exposure to biological conditions including body fluids and waste, germs, and childhood illnesses.
• Physical requirements include lifting children or heavy items (up to 50 pounds unassisted), bending, stooping, reaching, standing, climbing and walking.
• Work requires vision and hearing within normal ranges. Work requires speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with students.