Infant-Toddler Teacher

Ecs4Kids•Chiefland, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

ECS4Kids is hiring an Infant-Toddler Teacher, described in the posting as a Primary Caregiver. The role provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe, and loving environment in which children can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. The position is available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. The teacher plans and delivers developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive learning experiences; supports children’s health and development; builds partnerships with families; and works collaboratively with staff. The role includes maintaining required records and meeting applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards. Employees may also be assigned other related duties. The role requires relevant education or credentials at one of four listed levels, from a high school diploma or GED with an infant-toddler credential through advanced degrees with specified coursework or credentials. Required training and screening include a background check, TB screening and physical, DCF training, food-handler training, current First Aid and pediatric CPR training, and annual in-service training.

Requirements

For PCG I: High school diploma or GED and an Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable FCCPC credential.
For 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.
For 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, including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
For 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, use of assessment, and promoting progress under the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners as appropriate.
Ability to provide a supportive, caring environment and develop consistent, stable, supportive relationships with very young children.
Ability to maintain appropriate classroom discipline and implement the approved curriculum.
Good judgment and emotional maturity; ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Proper grammar and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures and 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 every 2 years.
Commence the DCF-required 45-hour training within 90 days of employment and complete it within 1 year of employment.
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, including 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 that promote children’s cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development.
Follow the approved daily schedule and implement curriculum lesson plans as intended.
Plan a balanced daily routine with play, exploration, learning, teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and indoor and outdoor time.
Create a stimulating learning environment by adding new and interesting materials each week.
Provide a warm, positive, nurturing environment using positive guidance and following the ECS Discipline policy.
Develop nurturing relationships that support each child’s social and emotional development.
Maintain applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, including standards that may be set by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Early Head Start.
Adapt classroom routines, activities, and environments to children’s developmental levels, including children with special needs.
Participate in research initiatives related to early childhood education and development.
Conduct daily health checks for each child 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 to children and self; maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and help maintain the center.
Participate in case management meetings about children’s health and development.
Communicate with families, encourage effective relationships and parent involvement, and share information about children’s progress through appropriate channels, including 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 healthy eating habits and conversation; 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 collaborate with staff, attend meetings and trainings, share information, follow directions and assignments, and maintain appropriate records.
Complete required screening, training, and certification requirements.