Daycare Teacher

Daycare Teacher

The Daycare Teacher provides high-quality, developmentally appropriate care, supervision, and education for children ages 6 months to 3 years in the USM Daycare Program. This position supports each child's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth while fostering a warm, nurturing environment that encourages exploration and curiosity. The Daycare Teacher builds strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues, contributing to a safe, positive, and professional learning community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, adapts, and schedules age-appropriate curriculum involving various activities in order to stimulate children's cognitive skills, abilities, and development.
• Assists in the creation of a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the physical, social, and emotional development of the children with an emphasis on language development and the transition into preschool.
• Provides continuous supervision to children enrolled in the Daycare Program while ensuring their health, safety, and well-being. Interact with children in a way which conveys respect and nurturing.
• Maintains the Daycare facilities in a clean, orderly, and safe condition; sets up rooms and areas for various activities such as lunch and snack times, naps, games, etc.
• Creates, follows, and posts a weekly lesson plan.
• Records daily observations for each child, including specific information pertaining to each child for that day. Observe and document developmental milestones and communicate concerns as needed.
• Attends the personal hygiene of each child in your care, including changing diapers or soiled clothing, washing hands, and assisting in toileting.
• Serves as a resource in the Daycare Program as a whole.
• Communicate daily with families to ensure they are aware of observations, milestones, concerns, and routines.
• Collaborate closely with fellow daycare teachers and the Director of Auxiliary Programs to maintain a positive, professional, and safe working and learning environment.
• Follow all program policies, safety procedures, and licensing regulations.
• Participate in trainings, team meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of early childhood development and age-appropriate practices.
• Ability to provide nurturing, supportive care that fosters children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
• Skilled in planning and implementing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset and willingness to participate in professional development. Ability to work with others and maintain positive professional relationships.
• Excellent communication skills to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal skills; capable of using tact and diplomacy in dealing with others.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong degree of self-direction and motivation.
• Ability to be flexible and multi-task.
• Observant, patient, and compassionate, with attention to each child's needs.
• High level of maturity, confidentiality, and assertiveness.
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED minimum
• ECI, ECII, Infant and Toddler Course Certification
• Shaken Baby Syndrome Certified
• CPR & First Aide Certification required
• 3-5 years related experience