Early Childhood - Teacher

TEACHER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism, positive attitude, knowledge of DAP, flexibility, sense of humor and ability to attend to multiple priorities. Warmth, understanding of diverse children and families and enthusiasm for hard work are paramount to success in this position.

Applewood's philosophy is based on respect for children, their cultural background, natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. The program strives to provide children with opportunities to learn to play, to give and take, and to experience with their whole body. Play is a major avenue for learning. It not only provides motor skills - it allows children to translate knowledge, feelings and fantasies into action. Applewood's setting offers a combination of personal and social support in a non-competitive, individualized atmosphere.

The staff at Applewood serves as facilitator, resource, and friend to children and families, and recognizes the family as the principle influence and guidance in the development of the child. Applewood focuses on the whole child - their emotional, social, cognitive and physical development - giving the child full support during the time spent away from home. Applewood strives to work in the child's and family's interest, to actually support and strengthen the family, within professional boundaries. It is of primary importance that every member of the center feel respected in their choices and valued for their individual differences.

All staff members abide by the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

SUPERVISION

The Teacher is supervised by the Head Teacher.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff are members of the teaching team and as such, share the responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children enrolled in the program. They also share in the development and implementation of the daily program and those activities that relate to the curriculum and philosophy of the program.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume responsibility for the classroom, Support Teachers, and Teacher Assistants, in the absence of the Head Teacher.
• Model and teach developmentally appropriate social-emotional skills.
• Cooperatively develop and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based, child-led curriculum.
• Learn Pyramid Model Practices and use these in one's teaching practice.
• Build respectful and responsive relationships with each child and their family and all staff
• Provide anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences that counter stereotypes.
• Maintain classroom supplies either directly or through delegation.
• Maintain and frequently check an active email account to give and receive communication with fellow staff and administration. Applewood’s computers are available for this purpose. 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families and staff both in the center and externally.
• Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time, maintaining consistent attendance, adhering to staff schedules, and demonstrating flexibility to adjust work schedule as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas and professional growth. Maintain and document the required number of professional development hours annually. 
• Maintain a State of NH Early Childhood or Afterschool Professional Credential.
• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the center to ensure safety of children, self, and co-workers at all times.. Follow state and federal health and safety guidelines.
• Maintain certification in Infant/Child CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and Water Safety.
• Supervise children by sight and sound at all times. Be aware of the entire group while working with small groups or individuals.
• Know the number of children in direct care and maintain ratios at all times.
• Be aware of medical or allergy conditions of the children in each group including which things to avoid, symptoms of distress, and where to locate medicine and first aid supplies.
• Ensure that children’s needs are met as needed including meals or snacks being served every three hours and diapering occurring every two hours. 
• Assist in diapering and toileting, as required, maintaining proper hygiene.
• Disinfect toys daily. Disinfect nap mats/cots weekly. Assist with laundry. Empty recycling and trash as needed.
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service trainings.
• Maintain cleaning routines of assigned classrooms.
• Maintain required classroom paperwork
• Safely implement evacuation or lock-down during emergency drills or in actual emergencies.
• Perform other duties as instructed.

The Teacher is responsible for contributing to the health, safety and well-being of the children in the classroom. As a member of the team, the Teacher contributes to the support of the child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, as well as to the establishment of a responsive and positive program

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

At Applewood, all staff should expect to:

• Kneel to address children at eye level.
• Be able to demonstrate motor activities that may include running, hopping, jumping, dancing, and full body motions.
• Be able to respond to a child in danger.
• Lift and carry children.
• Get on the ground with children in the event of fire and help them crawl to safety.
• Be able to respond to a child's periodic aggressive behavior.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and appropriate level of energy.

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of 18 credits in Early Childhood Education or a related field (i.e.; Child Study, Education, etc.), Associate's degree preferred.

Must demonstrate warmth, understanding of young children and families, and enthusiasm for hard work. Willingness to respect and work with families with differing values, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Ability to show imagination and flexibility in classroom planning, and open and professional attitude, and a sense of humor. Must be committed to professional development. 24 annual hours of Professional Development is required.

During employment, all employees must attend the following: Child Care Licensing Orientation and Early Learning Guidelines Training as well as Pyramid Model Training. 

A candidate with an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education will be given preference.

This position is eligible for the following benefits* after successful completion of the 90-day orientation period:

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

STD

AD&D

Aflac

Paid Planning Time

Paid Assessment Time

NAEYC Membership

Professional Development Stipend

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

401K with match

Employee Discount

First Aid & CPR Training

Paid Lunch Break