Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher

Overview

A lead Infant/Toddler teacher at The Goddard School is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment. Additionally, a lead teacher works together with an Assistant Teacher and in conjunction with the entire faculty.

General Qualifications

• The ability to understand and support the education program using “learning through play” philosophy.
• The ability to interact closely with children at their level.
• The ability to keep children within sight and sound supervision at all times.
• The ability to change children’s diapers and/or assist in toileting (where necessary).
• The ability to understand and comply with the franchisee’s employment policies.
• The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children and parents.
• The ability to handle crisis situations, including assisting in evacuating the building during emergencies; and
• The ability to comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.

Educational Qualifications

• All candidates who wish to be considered for the position of lead teacher must meet one or more of the following criteria, in addition to any/all requirements that may be mandated by their state and/or local licensing authorities:
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
• An associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development or a related field.
• An associate degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
• A current CDA or Early Childhood Teaching Credential.
• Proof of current and active enrollment in a CDA Credentialing Program.
• Proof of current and active enrollment in an accredited Associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• 12 ECE units including the core classes to qualify for a teacher position or 9 ECE units including the core classes and being enrolled in a three-unit ECE course to qualify to a teacher/assistant teacher position.
• Infant Teacher should have 3 infant units and 12 ECE units.

Teacher Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment
• Design an appropriate room arrangement to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom.
• Develop an appropriate classroom management system to support the goals and developmental level of the children in the classroom.
• Ensure that classroom equipment is in good repair.
• Understand and implement The Goddard School® emergency procedure(s).
• Promote healthy eating practices at lunch and snack times.
• Ensure that children are always within state ratio requirements.
• Perform minor cleaning responsibilities (e.g., spills) immediately.
• Perform major cleaning during times when children are not present.
• Post a classroom schedule that meets the needs of the children and includes a routine and learning opportunities.
• Post and adhere to all GSI Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Advance children’s physical and intellectual competence
• Adapt program to meet the individual needs of each child.
• Create a multi-cultural learning environment.
• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to engage children in learning.
• Interact with the children to support play, exploration and learning.
• Encourage children to talk with each other and with the faculty.
• Present age- and developmentally-appropriate expectations for all children.
• Create a print-rich environment for children to learn about books, literature and writing.
• Encourage creativity through art, music, dramatic play and blocks.
• Provide a reasonable balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities.
• Provide opportunities for both active and quiet play.
• Integrate GSI-approved resources (including Enrichment Programs) into lesson plans.
• Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance
• Understand and adhere to the GSI Behavior Policy.
• Plan and implement activities to develop children’s self-esteem and social skills.
• Plan and implement activities to enable children’s feeling of security.
• Encourage empathetic and respectful feelings for others, as well as the environment, through positive modeling.
• Respect cultural and ethnic diversity.
• Establish positive and effective family relations
• Communicate, in a professional manner, with families and faculty.
• Encourage families to become an integral part of their children’s learning experiences.
• Provide opportunities (e.g., conferences) in which families are made to feel a part of their children’s learning experiences.
• Prepare a Daily Activity Report for each child.
• Maintain a portfolio for each child.
• Maintain the classroom Parent Board.
• Ensure an effective program, responsive to children’s needs
• Assess supplies and materials needed to implement activities.
• Build teamwork.
• Develop lesson plans.
• Manage classrooms according to GSI QA Standards.
• Perform child observations and document in their portfolios.
• Use assessment tools (e.g., Progress Reports, Children’s Progress).
• Maintain professional commitment
• Promote “learning through play” philosophy and educational objectives.
• Support a code of ethical conduct.
• Pursue professional development/continuing education.
• Attend faculty meetings, in-service days, conferences and professional growth opportunities.

To be considered for the open position you must have:

• Minimum of 6 months working experience in a large center environment.
• ACTIVE and CLEAR DOJ LIVESCAN REQUIRED.
• Mandated Reporter Certification.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• A current physical examination by a Physician, including a current tuberculin test.
• Must submit accurate shot record including MMR, T-dap and Influenza.
• An approved criminal record check as required by state regulations.
• Complete California state required health clearance.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Benefits after Probation period

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Monday to Friday - 8 hour shift
• No weekends
• Paid time off
• Sick Time off
• Life insurance
• Referral program