Infant/Toddler Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teacher Job description PRIMARY PURPOSE Provide a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourages their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by Brave Christian Preschool, NAEYC, and California State Licensing. Incorporate Brave Christian School’s mission, culture, goals, values, philosophies, policies and development of an inclusive environment. Maintain positive relationships with families, children and colleagues. Ensure safety and supervision of children at all times by meeting physical demands of the position. MAJOR FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Interaction Between Staff and Children Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child. Respect and observe children’s interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children’s play with language, toys and activities. Communicate directly with each child at the child’s level. Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children’s thinking and actions. Be available and responsive to children’s needs, questions, and requests. Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate. Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions. Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children’s behavior according to Bright Horizons’ Guidelines for Positive Discipline. Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms. CURRICULUM Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians. Design an environment that responds to children’s individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests by consulting appropriate resources. Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities which foster social skills and encourage children to think, problem solve, question, and experiment. Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices. Encourage creative expression. Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both location and global communities. Plan a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc. Plan and implement child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, staff- initiated activities. Provide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children’s interests. Create documentation of children’s accomplishments through anecdotal notes, documentation panels and/or portfolios. PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION Acknowledge families and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional demeanor. Respond to family comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Maintain confidentiality. Establish and maintain a primary caregiving relationship with individual children and their families, which includes initial meetings with families during orientation period. Invite input from families regarding their child’s development and care. Communicate verbally and in writing with families daily regarding the development and specific activities of the children in their primary care. Plan and facilitate in regular family conferences to discuss orientation, transitions, and developmental goals for their child based on appropriate assessment tools. Assist in planning and attend location/classroom events and meetings. Share resources with families through discussions, articles, family boards, newsletters, and community contacts. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, SAFETY, AND NUTRITION Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location. Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group whether working with a small group or individuals. Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times. Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day. Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies). Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices. Keep environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed. Arrange space in clearly defined, well organized activity areas. Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently. PROFESSIONALISM Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children, families or Brave Christian Administration and the organization. Demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group. Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals and policies to families, colleagues, and community. Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance, arranging and communicating leave requests in advance. Respect and adhere to staffing schedules which may be adjusted as program needs change and may include working in another classroom. Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in childcare practices. Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other location events. Respond to location and organizational needs by attending training or contributing to a newsletter. Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature. Receive constructive criticism with an attitude that indicates a willingness to improve. Give feedback in a respectful manner. TEAMWORK Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with colleagues. Assume a fair share of work. Look for ways to be helpful. Demonstrate initiative. Assume additional classroom and location responsibilities as needed: kitchen, pets, children’s files, etc. Offer and share ideas and materials with colleagues. Participate actively in teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning. Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip. Exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of coworkers. Statements are based on first‑hand knowledge and relevant to the interests of children and programs. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Follow state, federal and Brave Christian Preschool guidelines including immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training. Ensure children’s safety while performing the following job functions: Frequently lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds. (Occasionally lift, move, or hold weight more than 40 pounds). Supervise and interact daily with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions. Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities. Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies. Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements. Job Type: Part Time & Full Time Available Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr