Early /Universal Pre-K Teacher

First Learning•Rochester, NY

9d•$20 - $25

About The Position

Care-a-lot Child Care is seeking an Early/Universal Pre-K Teacher to supervise children and classroom staff and manage one classroom. The teacher provides a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and educational environment that supports children’s social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development at their own pace. The role works with a designated school district and supervises assistant teachers. The teacher plans and implements age-appropriate programming and prepares an inviting, organized classroom with learning centers and hands-on activities in alignment with NAEYC and district philosophies. The position includes caring for children’s daily needs, maintaining classroom records and licensing documentation, communicating with parents, supervising and developing assigned staff, and supporting classroom and center operations. Care-a-lot operates child care locations in the Rochester community and describes its commitment to continuing the service of Generations Child Care, which joined the organization in 2023. The role requires knowledge of New York State child care regulations and developmentally appropriate practices, effective communication and supervisory skills, flexibility, creativity, patience, and the ability to work as a team leader.

Requirements

NYS Teaching Certification (Birth–2), or a bachelor’s degree with at least 6 credit hours in early childhood education, or at least 6 months of experience working in a school-based setting with children under age 6 and a commitment to obtain New York State early childhood teacher certification within three years of employment.
Demonstrated commitment to and interest in professional growth through education, work experience, and involvement with the early childhood community.
Knowledge of New York State child care regulations.
Knowledge of and ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices and age-appropriate activities corresponding with NAEYC guidelines.
Effective and tactful oral and written communication skills.
Effective supervisory skills and ability to model practices.
Ability to maintain positive relationships with children, coworkers, and parents.
Ability to use constructive methods to maintain group control and manage individual behaviors.
Ability to use sound judgment and tact.
Ability to work on a team as a team leader.
Ability to organize and problem-solve effectively.
Flexibility, particularly in scheduling and practices to respond to program needs.
Creativity and patience.
Able to observe, see, hear, and respond to children’s needs, emergencies, and conflicts in classrooms, on playgrounds, in other center areas, or on field trips.
Able to lift approximately 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table 25–30 times daily.
Able to reach a child 20–30 feet away within 30 seconds.
Able to crouch to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at the child’s level, and sit on the floor for extended periods regularly.
Good health confirmed by a physician’s statement and proof of being free of tuberculosis.
New York State Registry clearance.
Criminal History Fingerprint clearance.

Responsibilities

Adhere to Care-a-lot policies and procedures and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) child care licensing regulations.
Ensure the care, safety, and well-being of children in the classroom, including attending to personal needs such as diapering, toileting, feeding, washing, dressing, comforting, and preparing for rest.
Plan and implement an age-appropriate, open-ended program aligned with NAEYC and district philosophies.
Prepare an inviting, clean, and organized classroom with learning centers and hands-on activities aligned with NAEYC and district philosophies.
Delegate program responsibilities to an appropriate person when absent.
Interact frequently with children in a positive, respectful, responsive, and encouraging manner.
Orient and actively supervise children in small and large groups.
Develop relationships with parents and communicate regularly, including classroom orientation, daily activity reports, and at least biannual progress reports.
Maintain classroom records and written documentation required by OCFS and the district.
Maintain knowledge of children’s allergies, inform staff, and act accordingly.
Maintain a positive work climate, meet deadlines, and organize classroom procedures.
Communicate effectively and directly with other staff.
Provide timely reports to supervisors outlining needs, problems, and suggestions for improvement.
Supervise, train, coach, and develop staff assigned to the classroom.
Measure children’s and staff members’ progress and create systems to improve, modify, or remediate.
Assist supervisors and provide staff support to other classrooms and employees as necessary.
Supervise and maintain general housekeeping and repair of assigned areas and common space.
Perform administrative duties necessary for classroom and center operations.
Maintain a current Aspire account to record education and training with QualitystarsNY.
Complete 15 hours of early childhood training within the first six months and every year thereafter.