Associate Teacher

Department:Crawford Early Learning CenterReports To:Early Learning Center DirectorFLSA Status:Non-ExemptHours:Full-TimeSummaryWorks cooperatively with the lead teacher to promote academic, social-emotional growth and development of all children in their care, which may include infants, toddlers and/or preschool age children, developing partnerships with parents/caregivers to engage and encourage participation in program, and assuring compliance with licensing and other contracting agencies.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNoneEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesCreates weekly lesson plans, to assure they are meeting the fidelity requirements of the curriculum and are individualized appropriatelyWorks with the Lead Teacher to provide updates for IFSPs and IEPs to be included in the review processAttend IEF and IFSP meetings when neededResponsible for recording and maintaining a child portfolio to include information required to document the growth and development of childrenProvides a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects active learning and growthPerforms on-going developmental assessmentsCompletes daily health checks regarding the overall well-being of the childrenEvaluates and improves the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing childProvides responsive care to all children by adapting daily care-giving routines and plans to the interests and needs of the individual child and small groupsWorks with the families to encourages on-going family participationConducts home visits when neededDemonstrates cultural competency and respect for each child's background by incorporating linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plansConducts on-going parent conferences and assists families with children's transitions from infant to toddler to preschool to kindergartenParticipates in team meetingsParticipates is multidisciplinary meetings as needed for familiesParticipates in on-going professional development opportunitiesMaintains at a minimum of 10 clock hours of annual training (July through June)Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with residents, colleagues and volunteersAttends all required staff and parent meetings and activitiesAttends all required training opportunities as provided by the childcare centerCommunicates effectively, both orally and in writingAll other duties as assignedEducation and/or ExperienceChild Development Associate (for the age group assigned) ORThe equivalency to a CDA with an associates or bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 12 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education ORThe equivalency to an early childhood associate degree defined as an associate's degree in any discipline with at least 30 hours in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education2 years of experience as an early childhood teacher or similar position in an early education settingKnowledge of State and local regulations as relate to early childhood centersKnowledge of and experience working with a diverse, at-risk children, and their familiesKnowledge in developmentally appropriate practices for birth to five, brain development and its impact on early learning, and creating an inclusive classroom for all abilities.Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifiedExcellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environmentAbility to pass a Level II Criminal Background Screening (includes Child Abuse Registry and Sexual Offender Registry checks) and drug screeningPreferred Skills and QualificationsDCF Staff Credential and the 45 Hours required by Child Care LicensingKnowledge of CLASS observation toolOperational knowledge of The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a and responsibility to maintain confidentialityOther FunctionsThe duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described above.Resident, Guest and Internal Customer FocusThe Associate Teacher is sensitive to emotional, spiritual and practical needs of resident, families, guests and staff members in all interactions. Provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by residents, families and coworkers. Adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. Reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident and work areas. Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques are followed. Understands own role facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters is demonstrated. Always strives to ensure best possible outcome for each resident.Physical/Mental Demands and Working ConditionsBe able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on floor to ensure children's health and safetyAbility to lift and carry up to 25 pounds and in case of emergency a 40-pound childJ-18808-Ljbffr