Infant Toddler Teacher

ECS4KIDS•Mount Dora, FL

4d•$19 - $23

About The Position

The Infant Toddler Teacher, also described as 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, supporting children’s progress and well-being while following approved curricula, policies, and applicable standards. The teacher builds nurturing relationships with children and effective partnerships with families, communicates about children’s progress, and supports family involvement. The role also promotes children’s health, safety, hygiene, and nutrition; maintains records; collaborates with staff; and participates in meetings, training, and research initiatives. The position reports to the Center Manager.

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 courses, 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 courses, including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
Demonstrated competency in nurturing teacher-child interactions, implementing curriculum and 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 develop 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 a physical before direct contact with children; renew every two years.
Begin the DCF-required 45-hour training within 90 days of employment and complete it within one 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, from July 1 through June 30.
Pass a Level II background screening consisting of local, state, and federal criminal checks.

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 supporting 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 routines that support play, exploration, and learning through teacher-directed and child-directed activities, indoors and outdoors.
Provide a stimulating learning environment and add new materials regularly.
Create a warm, positive environment using positive guidance techniques and following the ECS Discipline policy.
Build nurturing relationships that support each child’s social and emotional development.
Maintain applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, which may include NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Early Head Start standards.
Adapt routines, activities, and the classroom environment to children’s developmental levels, including children with special needs.
Participate in early childhood education and development research initiatives.
Conduct daily health checks and establish 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 concerning children’s health and development.
Build effective communication and relationships with families and encourage their involvement in the program.
Inform parents about children’s progress formally and informally, including through notes, learning outcomes, conferences, and home visits.
Coordinate transitions for children moving between classrooms or programs with appropriate staff.
Plan and implement weekly family involvement activities.
Eat with children and encourage proper eating habits and conversation; serve food in ways that support children’s development and socialization.
Assist with kitchen duties as assigned and follow infants’ individual feeding schedules, holding infants who cannot sit independently while feeding.
Plan weekly nutrition activities for children and/or families.
Communicate with staff, attend staff meetings and trainings, and share information to support children and families.
Maintain a cooperative, positive, and supportive attitude; follow directions and assignments.
Maintain appropriate records and perform other related duties as required.