Child Care Teacher (Level 1)

The Arc Montgomery County • Silver Spring, MD

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The Arc Montgomery County's Karasik and Family, Infant & Childcare Center (KFICCC) is seeking a Childcare Teacher (Level 1) to work in its unique, fully inclusive Childcare Center. This center supports children with special health care needs, disabilities, and typical infants. Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, less than 1 mile from Holy Cross Hospital, KFICCC holds the highest rating (five) in Maryland EXCELS and maintains a higher adult-infant ratio than required by licensing. KFICCC is Maryland’s only fully inclusive childcare center, where children with and without disabilities and special medical needs play, grow, learn, and explore together in every classroom. The family-centered program provides embedded preschool, special education, access to early intervention therapies, and on-site nursing support for seamless service delivery. Under the supervision of the Center Director or another designated supervisor, the Childcare Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing approved, age-appropriate curriculum to help children achieve personal goals, become valued community members, and make choices about their lives. Teachers also provide classroom supervision for Associate Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Substitutes, Student Teachers, and Volunteers, and are expected to be flexible, responsive, and demonstrate initiative and creative problem-solving skills.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency plus 90 Hours Certification (45 hours of Curriculum and 45 hours of Child Development); or high school diploma or GED equivalency plus CDA credential (Child Development Associate)
• Ten years of documented experience of actively providing services in early childhood education to the specific age group to which the teacher is assigned for a minimum of 180 days per year and 20 hours per week. A Childcare Teacher Level 1 working in an infant room must have ten years documented experience specifically with infants (ages six weeks to 18 months). The same ten-year requirement at the specific age level is required for teachers in the Toddler rooms (18 months up to three years) and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms (Ages 3 and 4).
• Continuous enrollment in an MSDE approved program that will result in completion of an associate degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or Child Development.
• Successful completion of pre-employment medical examination and TB testing.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and computer skills.
• Ability to read and write in English and have a good understanding of the English language.
• Ability to lift and carry independently up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to withstand prolonged periods of standing or walking, and frequent bending, stooping, reaching, pulling and pushing.

Responsibilities

• Orient, train, support, and supervise within the assigned classroom Associate Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Substitutes, Student Teachers, and Volunteers, ensuring their duties are completed appropriately.
• In collaboration with the Center Director and Program Administrator, participate in evaluating employees and volunteers within the assigned classroom, including feedback from others.
• Manage communication and collaboration within the teaching team to benefit the children and families supported, including provision of additional support/training as needed.
• Facilitate and model inclusive interactions and relationships.
• Provide inclusive choices and opportunities for decision-making.
• Support accessing and participating in community activities and events, allowing dignity of risk with appropriate safeguards.
• Plan, prepare and implement activities and curriculum which benefit children and meet their identified needs.
• Ensure individual care plans and IEPs (if applicable) are appropriate and implemented correctly.
• Utilize developmental/educational screening and inventory tools to validate progress and support updating goals.
• Ensure encouragement and support of children’s active participation in achieving their identified goals and developing their interests.
• Promote increased independence in all aspects of life, especially communication, activities of daily living, and community engagement.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships which expand social circles.
• Provide appropriate care to all children using current best-practices, maintaining visual and auditory supervision, and maintaining required adult:child ratios.
• Assist with health needs, as determined by nursing care plans, behavior plans, physician’s notes, etc., implementing necessary precautions or procedures.
• Provide personal care assistance and food preparation/food service assistance, implementing required protocols.
• Provide timely information/feedback to supervisor and nurse (as needed) related to concerns or problems.
• Ensure service delivery environment is clean, tidy, and free from hazards, and equipment is regularly cleaned and maintained.
• Report environmental issues and concerns to supervisor and follow-up as needed.
• Implement appropriate action during emergencies, including requests for emergency assistance and notifications to nurse (as needed) and supervisor.
• Complete written records of support services provided, ensuring the data is accurate, concise, and clear, and indicates how those services fulfill identified requirements.
• Review records to understand children’s medical, educational, and developmental status and care needs, educating other employees as needed.
• Report all incidents according to established policies and procedures and follow-up as needed.
• Maintain records as required, cooperating and consulting with others as needed.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to create a well-rounded, comprehensive program which meets the needs of the children and families enrolled.
• Support accreditation standards and process.
• Complete at least 24 Core of Knowledge training hours annually.
• Apply for state childcare credentials and renew annually to work toward/maintain a minimum Level 5 credential.
• Other incidental and occasional duties which are reasonably within the scope of this position may be assigned or required by the supervisor, particularly during urgent situations.

Benefits

• benchmark incentive payments totaling up to $1000.00 (for new hires)
• Several free or lowest cost educational programs are available for those interested in continuing their education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees