Infant Toddler Teacher (Classroom Float)

Job Title: Infant & Toddler Classroom Floater

WAGE: Floater: $25.50-25.97/hour

ABOUT PJA: Portland Jewish Academy's Preschool program supports the development of young children in a vibrant, secure, inquiry-based environment. We promote confidence, curiosity, awareness, exploration, problem solving, and social growth.

It is our conviction that children are capable and independent, and this is reflected across all developmental domains of learning. Children are encouraged to make choices, practice individual decision-making, and develop a sense of themselves as capable and as self-advocates. Children are viewed as thinkers, reflecting on their world, and as empathetic individuals who care for and engage with their peers and contribute to the community. It is because of our educators that our program thrives.

BENEFITS: In addition to being a great place to work, the PJA offers the following benefits package to our employees. As a full-time Employee of the PJA, you are eligible to participate in our Medical (fully or partially employer paid depending on the plan you select), optional Dental, long-term disability plans and a 401k plan. The Infant Toddler program runs year round and also includes a generous time off policy. This includes Sick Leave, Personal Time (PTO-3 days/year), vacation time and very generous holiday pay (up to 28 paid holidays!). Free family membership to the Mittleman Jewish Community Center ( and tuition and services discounts for employees and their family members round out this generous benefits package.

JOB SUMMARY: The Infant/Toddler Teacher is responsible for the direct care and supervision of toddler children in the PJA Early Childhood Education Program. This position is responsible for maintaining a consistently safe and nurturing environment, and for providing developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate participants’ exploration of the world around them. The floater position “floats” between classrooms, providing coverage and instruction as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These examples represent the essential functions of the position. They are not, however, inclusive of all the duties the position may be assigned to perform.)

• Establish and maintain a safe learning environment that is responsive to the social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development of children in assigned classrooms. Plan each day’s activities to ensure a well-balanced program that includes individual and group play, and active and quiet time.
• Lead and participate in play activities; monitor children to ensure safe play. Model appropriate problem solving behavior. Implement discipline and safety measures as necessary.
• Provide direct personal care to children, including changing diapers, supervising toileting, and preparing children to go home with parents. Supervise naps. Serve meals in accordance with proper hygiene standards; maintain a current food handler’s card. Maintain cleanliness of the childcare room.
• Observe and evaluate children over the course of the day; keep parents informed of daily issues and progress. Maintain confidentiality.
• Ensure that all associated records are complete and properly maintained. Compile and submit required written reports. Attend and participate in required staff trainings and meetings; participate in special programs as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying. This would typically include:

• One year of experience working with infants - 3 yrs. in a comparable state certified group child care program; AND
• High School Diploma or GED; AND
• Current First Aid, CPR, Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect, and Food Handler’s certifications; AND
• Enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of early child development.
• Knowledge of appropriate practice and age appropriate activities for assigned age group.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate behavior management techniques.

Ability:

• Ability to communicate effectively with children at their individual developmental levels.
• Ability to effectively execute activities.
• Ability to evaluate and record progress.
• Ability to organize and execute work independently.
• Ability to supervise and manage groups of varying sizes.
• Ability to meet and deal courteously and effectively with other employees, parents, and the public.
• Ability to remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high-pressure situations that may arise.
• Ability to work assigned schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is performed in an environment that is quite noisy and busy, and may include exposure to biological conditions including body fluids and waste, germs, and childhood illnesses. Physical requirements include lifting children or heavy items (up to 50 pounds unassisted), bending, stooping, reaching, standing, climbing and walking. Work requires vision and hearing within normal ranges. Work requires speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with students.

PJA is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating, and promoting the best-qualified individuals for positions at all levels in the organization. We provide Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made based on how an individual's skills and qualifications meet the responsibilities of the position for which they have applied. An individual will be free from discrimination based on characteristics protected by law such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related physical, mental, or sensory disability, or other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. PJA will make reasonable accommodations, including modification of organizational policies and procedures in appropriate cases for qualified individuals with disabilities if it can do so without undue hardship