Teacher - Infant/Preschool Center

Job Description

Job Description

INFANT / PRESCHOOL CENTER

My First Place - A Creative Space for Beginning Learners is a boutique early childhood education center serving the Santa Monica community. We are seeking a caring and highly motivated teacher with the following qualifications:

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A fully qualified Preschool/Pre-K Teacher shall have:

• A minimum of twelve (12) core semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with at least three (3) units in infant/toddler care, AND
• A minimum of 6 months experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program (with children under 5 years old)

- OR -

• Six (6) completed semester units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and enrolled in at least 2 semester units at a college until fully qualified

Additional Requirements (to be completed prior to start date):

• Proof of ECE course completion
• CPR / First Aid certifications AND Preventative Health Certificate
• Fingerprint (LiveScan) for complete criminal background check
• TB clearance within 1 year and cleared health screening
• Proof of immunizations: Pertussis, Measles & Influenza
• Complete all required state licensing forms

EXPECTATIONS

• Ensure the safety and well-being of each child by responding to their emotional, social, and physical needs as well as their educational needs.
• Work with assigned group of infants and toddlers applying best practices for infant/toddler care.
• Have an awareness of the unique needs of infants and toddlers and have appropriate expectations of their abilities.
• Be able to demonstrate warmth and patience towards children, parents and staff.
• Facilitate and nurture the development of each child’s self-esteem, trust and growing autonomy.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Emilia Reggio philosophy a plus.
• Possess a strong work ethic, be punctual, and have minimal absences.
• Fluency in Spanish a plus!

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Including, but not limited to, the following:

Engage children in activities and play that stimulates their development.

• Assist in the opening and/or closing of the Center.
• Respond quickly to children’s different and personal needs (verbal and non-verbal cues), temperament styles, abilities and cultures.
• Document daily individual needs, strengths, interests, milestones, service plans and meal routines for each child.
• Help facilitate daily activities that are developmentally appropriate for infants and toddlers.
• Prepare and provide materials that are concrete and relevant to the children’s interests and culture.
• Prepare the infant/toddler learning environment for children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adult caregivers.
• Administer and accurately document initial and ongoing development using screening and assessment tools at established intervals.
• Review and assist in carrying out health plans for special diets, allergies, medication administration, etc.
• Partner with parents to develop educational and family goals and update regularly.
• Provide direct supervision, training, guidance, leadership and technical assistance to assigned infant/toddler assistant teachers/aides. Conduct periodic observations to evaluate job performance of assigned staff and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Participate in regularly scheduled case conferencing sessions, staff meetings, parent meetings, parent/caregiver conferences, in-service trainings, and other meetings as directed.
• Ensure the safety of each child enrolled in the class whether in the classroom or on the playground.
• Assist with conducting emergency and earthquake preparedness drills and be familiar with emergency care procedures.
• Assist with escorting for local field trips (i.e., parks, library, etc.).
• Weekly documentation of classroom activities and interest.

Please keep in mind that the above job description is meant to be a guideline and does not list in detail all of the job responsibilities of a Qualified Teacher. All duties of the Qualified Teacher position will be covered in orientation and during the “hands-on” portion of the position training.

COMPENSATION

• Hourly Rate: starting at $21.00/hour to $30.00/hour (depending on experience)
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance for full time employees
• Paid Time Off and Sick Pay
• Employee 401(k) Plan
• Employee Transit Passes or Employee Transportation Allowance when utilizing alternative transportation measures.

My First Place is committed to providing the best quality care for infants through Pre-K age, ensuring they are safe, nurtured, happy and loved. We work together to provide an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education. Encouraging their physical, mental and emotional development by learning through play and activities. The teachers work with the children interpreting and encouraging their knowledge and curiosity, documenting the child’s investigative journeys and reflecting on their view of the world.

Company Description

My First Place is committed to providing the best quality care for infants through Pre-K age, ensuring they are safe, nurtured, happy and loved. We work together to provide an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education. Encouraging their physical, mental and emotional development by learning through play and activities. The teachers work with the children interpreting and encouraging their knowledge and curiosity, documenting the child’s investigative journeys and reflecting on their view of the world.