Position Summary:    Responsible for maintaining classroom and overall program quality and providing excellent child care for families of diverse backgrounds.  Responsible for planning and providing learning experiences for children which reflect an active learning philosophy and Developmentally Appropriate Practices (NAEYC 1987).  Responsible for helping the children become independent, self-confident, enthusiastic learners.  Responsible for the health and safety of the children.

Education/Experience:

Preferred- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

Minimum-Related Associate Degree

Experience working with young children in a similar environment

Requirements:

·         have a strong working knowledge of child development

·         facilitates children’s play to encourage development in all areas: social, emotional, cognitive and physical

·         establish and maintain a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment

·         design and implement an age appropriate classroom/learning environment

·         adapt program to meet the individual needs of each child

·         create developmentally appropriate lesson plans

·         develop an appropriate classroom management system to support the goals of each child

·         appropriately and productively respond to the needs of both the children and parents in the classroom

·         respects families and is responsive to language, culture, family characteristics, needs, concerns and priorities

·         communicate regularly, respectfully, and effectively with families

·         create an environment that values the inclusion of all children

·         respect cultural and ethnic diversity

·         use observation and assessment tools to support children’s development and learning

·         uses observation and assessment to plan and modify environment, curriculum and teaching

·         schedule and conduct parent-teacher conferences, minimum twice per year

·         guide, direct and mentor Teacher Assistants, substitutes, volunteers, interns, etc…

·         exhibit commitment to professional growth and development

·         abide by OCFS regulations, NAEYC Standards, NAEYC code of ethical conduct

·         adhere to all IC3 policies and procedures

·         promote IC3 philosophy

·         maintain organized, accessible and up to date records related to the health, safety, and nutrition of the children

·         attend staff meetings, in-service training days, conferences and professional growth opportunities to further professional development and to abide by OCFS training regulations

·         use team-oriented problem solving skills

·         be responsible, reliable, and dependable

·         have clear, direct communication style (written and verbal)

·         communicate , in a professional manner, with families and co-workers

·         physical ability to perform job: full range of motion to lift, squat and sit.  Frequently lift, move or hold children with a range of weight from 10-40 pounds.  Occasionally lift, move or hold weight more than 40 pounds.

Principal Interactions

Classroom Co-Teacher                                                Age Group Leaders

Classroom Families (children and their parents)        Center Staff

Age Group Teachers

Employees with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  If you would like to request an accommodation, please inform your supervisor or Program Director.