Infant Toddler Teacher

Inspire • Sunnyside, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Inspire Development Centers provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to more than 4000 children in center-based and home-based settings across more than 25 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington. The agency serves children through various federal and state-funded programs, including Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Early Head Start (EHS), each with specific regulations and stipulations. A significant portion of the children's primary language is Spanish. The position is responsible for preparing and executing daily activities and lesson plans for children, incorporating their home language and culture into center activities, and encouraging vocabulary development by providing a clear language model. The Infant Toddler Teacher reports to the Center Manager and collaborates with Center Staff, School Readiness Liaison, Early Learning Mentor Coaches, ECE Specialists, Leads, Parents, and Children.

Requirements

• Current Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) or comparable certificate (State Initial ECE Certificate), or equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development; or an Associate’s Degree in ECE or an Associate’s Degree with 30 ECE-related college credits.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices.
• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment.
• Experience in policy and procedure processes.
• Experience in planning and facilitating groups.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience in classroom risk management.
• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems.
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
• Knowledge of personal computer, including Microsoft Office.
• Accurate data, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
• At least six (6) months of experience in a child care setting.

Nice To Haves

• Previous Head Start experience.
• English/Spanish bi-lingual fluency.

Responsibilities

• Provides a safe and healthy learning environment for children, adhering to all state and federal regulations regarding instruction, fire, health, and safety standards, including hand washing, laundry, and housekeeping practices.
• Carries out assigned staff responsibilities related to lesson plans, evaluations, and records, including formulating lesson plans for classroom activities and Home Learning Tasks, and completing daily USDA Meal counts.
• Enhances children's physical and intellectual competence by promoting physical, cognitive, language, and creative skills, including support for children requiring special services.
• Reinforces positive communication, respect, and interaction between children and adults.
• Communicates with and actively involves parents in all aspects of center activities through Home Visits, Parent Teacher Conferences, Open House, Make-n-Take, and Brainstorming sessions.
• Follows established program curriculums, procedures, documentation, and service plans, and may provide technical assistance to teaching staff in coordination with the Lead ECE Specialist or School Readiness Liaison.
• Models appropriate instructional techniques for Teachers & Volunteers and provides assistance in completing documentation such as Daily Assessment forms, Feeding Guides, and Health checks.
• Actively participates in age-appropriate interactions and classroom activities like free play, mealtime, floor time, and other classroom activities, which may include bathing, diaper changing, and formula preparation for infants.
• Shows interest in furthering professional growth by attending staff meetings, workshops, seminars, and additional training on Child Development, and is willing to mentor CDA candidates.
• Administers educational screenings and identifies/refers children with potential high risks of health, disability, or behavioral concerns.
• Maintains confidentiality of program and client-related information at all times.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A summary of benefits associated with this position can be found at https://inspirecenters.org/careers/

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree