Infant/ Toddler Teacher/Preschool

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health and safety of the children in the classroom.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with MA EEC or CT OEC laws and regulations at all times.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with all Playful Minds policies and procedures.
• Manage classroom such that it maintains MA EEC or CT OEC required child:staff ratios at all times.
• Never leave the room out of ratio or unattended.
• Maintain daily classroom safety, organization, and cleanliness: includes washing, vacuuming floors, and other general light housekeeping tasks.
• Ensure all dangerous material, equipment or cleaning supplies are not within reach of children.
• Report all incidents and accidents to the Program Director, and complete all documentation.
• Notify the Program Director immediately in case of unreasonable behavior from staff, children and parents, or of any parent complaints received.
• Care for room and equipment (report repair or replacement needs).
• Document all incidents and accidents.
• Implement classroom policies as outlined in each years’ Staff Handbook.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development.
• Administer medication to children as prescribed by their physician and in compliance with EEC or OEC regulations.
• Plan with and clarify expectations with the assistant teacher, aide or volunteer who may be assigned to classroom.
• Direct child guidance to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of children and protecting the group and the individuals within it.
• Be responsive to children’s individual needs and support the development of self-esteem, self-expression, autonomy, social competence, and school readiness.
• Be nurturing and responsive to children.
• Support children in the development of self-esteem, independence, and self-regulation.
• Support children in the development of social competence.
• Provide guidance to children in a positive and consistent way based on an understanding of the individual needs and development of children.
• Have a method of communicating effectively with each child.
• Maintain required child:staff ratios at all times. Never leave the room out of ratio or unattended.
• Know the whereabouts of every child.
• Prepare regular progress reports and submit to Program Director for review as scheduled.
• Maintain individual records for each as specified by EEC or OEC requirements.
• Use proper handwashing before handling food, after diaper changing, blowing noses, using bathrooms, caring for a sick child, and handling of animals, etc.
• Apply the systems of reward charts.
• Never allow anyone to pick up a child from the Center that does not have the proper identification.
• Escort transportation children to and from vans/buses.
• Ensure the driver signs out on the SignOff sheet.
• Never allow unauthorized persons on the grounds.
• Create monthly newsletters for families (Project Director review 1 week in advance).
• Available for parent conferences as needed and requested.
• Make daily plans in keeping with the philosophy of the program and the needs of the children.
• Create monthly bulletin boards.
• Supervise appropriate use of educational materials and supplies.
• Cooperate with the Director and other staff in those activities involving the whole Center.
• Greet and treat parents, children, and staff with kindness and respect.
• Arrive in the classroom on time, as scheduled, and remain with the group.
• Ensure paperwork is completed and up to date.
• Daily care for room and equipment and report items needing repair or replacement.
• Absorb and perform duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma OR GED;
• Experience: 9 months experience OR “student teaching” practicum. 3-months Infant/Toddler setting, AND/OR 3-months Preschool setting; OR 3-months mixed group Infant-Toddler AND Preschool.
• Additional eligibility qualifications: 21 years of age or older.
• Evidence of medical physical within 1 year of employment and a statement from a physician that the applicant can do the job.
• Evidence of mandatory vaccinations or immunity to communicable diseases (including TB).
• On-going education, training, certification: Annual CPR and First Aid, Infant & Child. Maintain certification with MA EEC and/or CT OEC. Participate in required professional development annually.