Toddler Lead Caregiver (Aina Haina, Honolulu)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Toddler Lead Caregivers are essential in shaping the early development of children. They create a safe and nurturing environment, design and deliver age-appropriate curricula, and work closely with families to support each child's growth. Infant Toddler Lead Caregivers report directly to the Center Director.

Key Responsibilities:  Maintain NAEYC Accreditation Standards and practices.

Educational Development

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that foster developmental milestones.
• Promote physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth through play-based and hands-on learning activities.

Classroom Management

• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Use positive reinforcement and appropriate disciplinary methods to manage behavior.
• Train and evaluate assistant teachers, aides, and volunteers constructively.
• Maintain a clear substitute teacher plan in case of absence.
• Implement daily routines, including feeding, diapering, and napping schedules.
• Act as a role model for assistants and aides.

Child Development

• Observe and assess children’s developmental milestones and learning progress.
• Provide tailored support to children with varying abilities or special needs.

Parent Communication

• Maintain open communication with parents/guardians about their child’s progress and address concerns.
• Prepare and share progress reports and participate in parent-teacher meetings.
• Communicate with families regularly on Seagull Schools approved communication software

Health and Safety

• Provide attentive and loving care to infants and toddlers, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.
• Supervise indoor and outdoor activities to prevent injuries.
• Teach hygiene practices, such as handwashing and tidiness.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, educators, and administrators.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and training as required.

Creative Engagement

• Promote creativity through art, music, storytelling, and dramatic play.
• Encourage curiosity and exploration to foster problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Administrative Tasks

• Maintain accurate attendance records and documentation of children’s progress.
• Prepare compliance and administrative reports as required.
• Maintain children’s record files.
• Contact parents if a child is absent for more than two days.
• Provide constructive feedback and conduct evaluations for assistant teachers and teacher’s aides.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Center Director or Teacher-in-Charge.

Qualifications:

• Meet State childcare licensing requirements for infant toddler lead caregivers: 
  1. Option 1: BA in early childhood, child development, or related field, 12 credits approved early childhood courses (may be part of Bachelor’s degree); 30 hours approved Infant/toddler training, and 12 months full time experience working with children under 36 months in a licensed group care setting.
  2. Option 2: CDA and High School Diploma, 12 credits approved early childhood courses; 30 hours approved infant/toddler training, and 24 months full time experience working with children under 5 years in a licensed group care setting of which 12 months must be with children under 36 months.
  3. Option 3: 2 years college (60 credits) preferably in early childhood, child development, or related, 12 credits approved early childhood courses; 30 hours approved infant/toddler training, and 24 months full time experience working with children under 5 years in a licensed group care setting of which 12 months must be with children under 36 months.
• Meet medical, TB clearance, and criminal history requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy, and a nurturing demeanor.
• Creativity in designing engaging educational activities.
• Strong organizational skills for managing classroom materials and schedules.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with parents, colleagues, and administrators.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) leave.
• Bereavement leave.
• 19+ paid holidays.
• Medical, vision, prescription drug, and dental insurance.
• Supplemental health insurance through AFLAC.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Employee child tuition discount.

About Us:

Seagull Schools provides children an exceptional start to their educational journey. We do this in partnership with our learning community (families, students, teachers, kūpuna) by: 

• Ensuring we use nationally-recognized best practices in early childhood learning and care.
• Learning through play and having fun!
• Providing affordable, accessible educational opportunities of the highest quality.
• Recognizing individual needs and interests to create personalized learning opportunities.
• Building connections and engaging with our local community.