Teacher - Infant - Educare Center

Summary Description

The Teacher is responsible for ensuring the care and education of a group of children as a part of a teaching team. They assist with the planning and implementation of the curriculum.

Performance Responsibilities

• Maintain safe and orderly learning environment; promote healthy eating practices by eating with children
• Help children maintain proper dental hygiene according to regulations; post necessary health and safety information
• Share routine duties with other staff (supervision on playground, toileting, cleanup, classroom maintenance); assist in keeping room and other areas neat and clean
• Interact with children in activities they are supervising; perform health checks on children daily
• Perform daily classroom and playground safety checks and report deficiencies to Lead Teacher
• Perform appropriate hand washing and sanitizing procedures
• Provide balance between child/teacher-initiated activities; use equipment/materials to promote physical development
• Provide balance between quiet/active learning activities; involve children in planning and implementing activities
• Provide an integrated curriculum that meets the needs of individual children
• Plan and implement activities that promote the acquisition of number concepts; plan and implement experiences that promote language and literacy development
• Consider outdoors as a part of the learning environment; assess program supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities
• Assist Lead Teacher with lesson plans on a daily basis
• Assess children's needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis; use the results of assessments to plan activities for children based on their developmental level
• Prepare activities ahead of time so materials are in order when needed and follow through with planned activities
• Use knowledge of children's developmental stages to plan age-appropriate activities
• Plan and implement hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem and social skills
• Plan and implement culturally appropriate experiences; use positive guidance techniques/strategies
• Establish routines with smooth transition periods; encourage children to be independent in decision making and self-care (dressing, toileting, etc.)
• Greet children upon arrival and departure; show each child affection and attention daily
• Encourage children to problem solve, explore and discover; help children work out problems by encouraging them to talk about their feelings (anger, sadness, fear etc.) and express them appropriately
• Be willing to work with children with special needs and their families
• Greet parents and other visitors with a smile and friendly manner; take time to explain classroom activities and projects to parents
• Provide verbal and/or written communication to parent's daily regarding child's activities
• Relate assessment information to parents and offers support for dealing with children at different developmental stages
• Plan and conducts home and/or personal visits; promote communication with parents through Procare, progress notes, monthly newsletters, and parent conferences
• Provide a variety of ways that families can participate in the program and encourage family engagement
• Attend staff and parent leadership meetings; attend conference and in-service training
• Make observable use of knowledge gained from conferences and courses; share new ideas and skills with other staff members
• Promote the Agency's philosophy and educational objectives
• Report to the Center Director before workday begins when planning to be absent; maintain a good attendance record
• Report to classroom according to schedule; follow center rules regarding breaks, telephones, clocking in and out, etc.
• Demonstrate proficiency in required job skills and knowledge; exhibit ability to learn and apply new skills
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and best practices in ECE
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance; use resources effectively
• Display understanding of State Licensing Regulations, NAEYC Standards, Quality Rated standards, and Head Start Performance Standards
• Display positive outlook and pleasant manner; assume leadership role in the absence of the Lead Teacher
• Help supervise substitutes and volunteers working in the classroom
• Display the ability to work as a team member; establish and maintain effective relationships with center staff
• Actively work to resolve conflict; maintain flexibility with center changes as needed

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Child development and early education theories and practices
• Safe and appropriate activities for children
• Relevant policies and procedures to ensure that children are supervised and safe at all times
• Understanding of the early education and family center cultural environment
• Team building skills, supervisory skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, decision making skills, effective verbal and listening communications skills, stress management skills, time management skills, and teaching skills
• Maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of early learning professional
• Ability to be respectful, possess cultural awareness and sensitivity, be flexible, demonstrate sound work ethics, be consistent and fair, be compassionate and understanding, be able to build esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment

Education, Training, and Experience

• Child Development Associate (CDA) OR Associate's degree Early Childhood Education or closely related field preferred

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry children and equipment, 30lbs unassisted and 50lbs with assistance
• Capability to sit on the floor and stand up independently to interact with children
• Clean and maintain equipment and the center
• Take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, and staff due to the potential exposure to anyone who may be ill and/or contagious
• Work in a busy and occasionally noisy environment where there may be a number of activities and situations happening at once
• Ability to use arms and legs and moving their whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
• Ability to learn/use technology
• Ability to pass a hearing test
• Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 20 feet

Special Requirements

• Background check, fingerprinting, and drug test are required prior to hire date
• Caring for children can be stressful; the Teacher must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities
• There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Teacher must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time