Child Development Center Instructor

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University•Normal, AL

About The Position

The Child Development Center Instructor is responsible for the health, welfare, education, and safety of children enrolled in the Child Development Center. The instructor supervises the Assistant Teacher and student workers, and oversees laboratory experiences for Alabama A&M University graduate and undergraduate students. The role requires a passion for working with diverse learners and focuses on developmentally appropriate activities for three-year-old preschool children.

Requirements

Master of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related area.
One to three years of teaching experience.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Working knowledge of child growth and development principles and practices.
Awareness of sources for appropriate curriculum materials.
Ability to read with comprehension.
Ability to use correct grammar and write simple, accurate reports.
Knowledge of DHR regulations.
Team-player skills.
Technology-savvy.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct daily activities that are developmentally appropriate for three-year-old preschool children and account for individual learning styles.
Recruit students for the Child Development Center.
Supervise the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Teacher.
Supervise laboratory experiences for graduate and undergraduate students.
Prepare lesson plans and educational materials for daily activities aligned with program goals and objectives.
Maintain an orderly physical environment conducive to children's growth and development.
Attend and contribute to staff and parent meetings.
Share information appropriately with other center staff members.
Respond appropriately to parents and maintain familiarity with children's home situations.
Observe, record, and report significant individual and group behavior.
Conduct two parent conferences each year, one per semester.
Use appropriate technology to maintain individual and group reports and records.
Maintain portfolios documenting children's progress.
Coordinate special events for children.
Assist with in-service training for staff and student workers.
Use non-punitive approaches to out-of-bounds behavior with the goal of developing children's self-control, and document behavioral problems and discipline methods used.
During free play, support children's choice of equipment, observe their use, provide help when appropriate, and guide them toward new ways of using equipment to develop productive thinking.
During teacher-directed activities, help children find satisfaction through achievement and competence rather than competition.
Document injuries and complete incident reports as outlined in the CDC Parent Handbook.
Work with other AAMU CDC personnel to keep the Parent Handbook and Policy and Procedure Manual up to date.
Administer tests and other assessment tools and interpret results to parents as needed.