Infant Toddler Teacher

Ecs4Kids•Mt. Dora, FL

About The Position

The Primary Caregiver provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe, and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills appropriately. The role plans and implements developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive learning experiences and routines for infants and toddlers, and supports children’s health, development, nutrition, and relationships with families. The position is available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. It reports to the Center Manager. The role requires constant visual supervision of children in indoor classroom and outdoor playground environments, with physical work forming more than 70% of the job and lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds. The salary range is $18.56–$23.46. ECS4Kids offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) plan with a 5% employer match; an Employee Assistance Program; long- and short-term disability insurance; employer-paid life insurance; paid holidays; generous paid time off; career development; and eligibility as a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Requirements

PCG I: High school diploma or GED and an Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential (FCCPC).
PCG II: Associate degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
PCG III: Baccalaureate degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC; alternatively, a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education, including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
PCG IV: Advanced degree in child development or early childhood education with 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC; alternatively, an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education, including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
Demonstrated competency in nurturing teacher-child interactions, curriculum implementation, assessment, and promoting children’s progress under the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners as appropriate.
Ability to provide a supportive, caring environment and build consistent, stable, supportive relationships with very young children.
Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
Good judgment and emotional maturity.
Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Proper grammar and communication skills, including effective oral and written communication.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to plan and organize work and maintain records.
Willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening and physical before direct contact with children and renew them every 2 years.
Commence the DCF-required 45-hour training within 90 days of employment and complete it within 1 year.
Complete the online Serving Safe Food in Childcare Food Handlers Course within 90 days of employment.
Maintain current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete at least 25 hours of in-service training annually, July 1 through June 30.
Pass a Level II background screening consisting of local, state, and federal criminal checks.
Have acceptable eyesight and hearing, with or without correction, and be able to communicate orally and in writing.
Perform heavy physical work, including lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds; physical work is more than 70% of the job.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement a culturally sensitive educational program appropriate to each child’s age and language.
Use Teaching Strategies Cloud to create weekly digital lesson plans that promote children’s cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development.
Follow the approved daily schedule and implement approved curriculum lesson plans as intended.
Plan balanced daily routines that include play, exploration, learning, teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and indoor and outdoor time.
Maintain a stimulating learning environment and introduce new and interesting materials each week.
Provide a warm, positive environment, use positive guidance techniques, and follow the ECS Discipline policy.
Develop nurturing relationships that support each child’s social and emotional development.
Meet applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards.
Adjust classroom routines, activities, and environments for children’s developmental levels, including children with special needs.
Participate in research initiatives related to early childhood education and development.
Conduct daily health checks and create routines that promote healthy lifestyles.
Follow procedures for medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion, and medication administration, handling, and storage.
Follow safe practices to prevent injuries and maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures; participate in center maintenance.
Participate in case management meetings regarding children’s health and development.
Communicate effectively with families, encourage their involvement, and share information about children’s progress through appropriate methods, including notes, conferences, and home visits.
Maintain transition procedures for children moving between classrooms or programs in coordination with appropriate staff.
Plan and implement weekly family involvement activities.
Eat with children, encourage healthy eating habits and conversation, and serve food in ways that support children’s development and socialization.
Assist with kitchen duties as assigned, follow infants’ individual feeding schedules, and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding.
Plan weekly nutrition activities for children and/or families.
Communicate and cooperate with staff, attend meetings and trainings, and share information to better serve children and families.
Follow directions and assignments and maintain appropriate records.
Complete required screening, training, and certifications, including TB screening and physical, DCF training, food-handler training, First Aid and Pediatric CPR, and annual in-service training.