Associate Teacher

San Juan Regional Medical Center•Farmington, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the guidance of the Teacher, the Associate Teacher provides a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourage their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. They are responsible for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). They are also responsible for maintaining a positive relationships with families, children and colleagues.

Requirements

High School diploma/GED is required
Demonstrates interest in working with children
Complete 45-hour Entry Level Course or approved ECE course within 6 months of employment
Must have Pediatric First Aide CPR AED certification within 6 months of hire

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with children

Responsibilities

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.
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
Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions
Practice positive guidance techniques in guiding children's behavior
Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms
Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with families
Assist in the design of an environment which responds to children's individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests
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
Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both location and global communities
Share ideas in planning a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc.
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
Assist in the documentation of children's accomplishments through anecdotal notes, documentation panels, and/or portfolios
Acknowledge families and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous, and professional demeanor.
Participate in a primary caregiving relationship with individual children and their families which includes intake meeting
Share appropriate information with families on a daily basis regarding the development and specific activities of the children in their primary care. Utilize appropriate written communication tools as assigned.
Assist in planning and participate in regular family conferences to discuss orientation, transition, and developmental goals for their child based on appropriate assessment tools
Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location
Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while 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
Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families or Children’s Discovery Place management and operations. Must not involve families in center concerns
Become very familiar with ages and stages of development for those children under your care
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
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 child care practices
Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other center events
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
Assume a fair share of work. Look for ways to be helpful. Demonstrate initiative
Assume additional classroom and center/school responsibilities as needed: kitchen, pets, children's files, etc.
Participate actively in teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning
Each employee is responsible for implementing SJRMC’s Service Standards into their daily work: Safety, Courtesy, Effectiveness, and Stewardship
Other duties as assigned