Infant-Toddler Teacher

ECS4KIDS•Jacksonville, FL

18h•$19 - $23

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 culturally sensitive, age- and language-appropriate learning experiences, follows approved curricula and daily schedules, and adapts classroom routines and environments to children's developmental levels, including children with special needs. The position supports children's health, development, safety, and nutrition; builds relationships with families and encourages their involvement; maintains records and required standards; and collaborates with staff through regular communication, meetings, and training. Work takes place in indoor classrooms and outdoor playgrounds and involves constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise.

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: Bachelor's 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 bachelor's 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, planning and implementing learning experiences, effective 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 as appropriate for children with disabilities and dual language learners.
Ability to provide a supportive, caring environment and develop 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 use of grammar and effective oral and written communication skills.
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 having direct contact with children, and renew every 2 years.
Begin the DCF-required 45-hour training within 90 days of employment and complete it within one year of employment.
Complete the online Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
Maintain current First Aid and Pediatric 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.
Acceptable eyesight and hearing, with or without correction.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to 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 culturally sensitive educational programs that are developmentally appropriate for 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 daily lesson plans from approved curricula as designed.
Plan balanced routines that encourage play, exploration, and learning and include teacher-directed and child-directed activities as well as indoor and outdoor time.
Provide a stimulating, developmentally appropriate learning environment and add new and interesting materials each week.
Create a warm, nurturing, positive environment; use positive guidance techniques and follow the ECS Discipline policy.
Develop 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 classroom routines, activities, and environments for children's developmental levels, including children with special needs.
Participate in research initiatives related to early childhood education, development, and related topics.
Conduct daily health checks and establish classroom routines that promote healthy lifestyles.
Follow procedures for medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storage of medication.
Follow safe practices to prevent injuries to children and staff; maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and help maintain the center.
Participate in case management meetings about children's health and development.
Communicate with families and encourage effective relationships and parent comfort in discussing their children with staff.
Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program and share information about children's progress formally and informally, including through notes, learning outcomes, 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 and encourage proper eating habits and conversation; serve food in ways that support children's development and socialization.
Assist with kitchen duties as assigned, follow individual infant feeding schedules, and hold infants who cannot sit independently while feeding.
Plan weekly nutrition activities for children and/or families.
Communicate regularly with staff, attend staff meetings and trainings, share information, and maintain a cooperative, positive, and supportive attitude.
Follow directions and assignments and maintain appropriate records.
Perform other related duties as required.