Infant Toddler Teacher- Mt. Vernon

Inspire•Mt. Vernon, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infant Toddler Teacher is responsible for preparing and executing daily activities and lesson plans for children, incorporating their home/language/culture into center activities. This role focuses on providing opportunities and encouragement for children to acquire and enlarge their vocabulary, serving as a good language model. Inspire Development Centers provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to over 4000 children across more than 25 Child Development Centers (CDC) in Washington State. The centers operate under 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), all requiring adherence to specific regulations. The agency must also meet an annual non-federal share (in-kind) funds quota. A significant portion of the children served have Spanish as their first language.

Requirements

Current Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) or comparable certificate (State Initial ECE Certificate), or have 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 the 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 culturally diverse population
Knowledge of personal computer, including Microsoft Office
Accurate data, documentation and recordkeeping skills
At least six (6) months experience in a child care setting
Must be at least 18 years of age
Valid Washington State driver’s license
Proof of automobile insurance
Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities
Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check
Must pass initial and periodic Department of Early Learning (DEL) background check
Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance; (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment)
Current Food Handler card; (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
Current First Aid / CPR cards, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
Subject to initial and periodic TB screen
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS) training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
Blood Borne Pathogen training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment)
Subject to random drug screen
Obtain required initial STARS/MERIT training within six (6) months of employment of position
Obtain Fifteen (15) hours continuing in-service training annually
Obtain Ten (10) hours continuing STARS/MERIT training annually
Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement
Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provides a safe and healthy learning environment for children. Follows all state and federal regulations regarding instruction practices, fire, health, and safety standards; to include hand washing, laundry, and housekeeping practices.
Carries out assigned staff responsibilities regarding lesson plans, evaluations, and records. Formulates lesson plans for classroom activities and Home Learning Tasks. Responsible for the daily completion of USDA Meal count. Self-monitor classroom documentation to ensure systems and procedures are being followed as per written guidance and timelines.
Enhances physical and intellectual competence in children by promoting physical, cognitive, language, and creative skills, including children who require special services. Attend Teacher Meetings as scheduled to facilitate mentoring classroom staff in ECE.
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. In coordination with Lead ECE Specialist or School Readiness Liaison, monitors and provides technical assistance to teaching staff. Perform administrative duties as assigned. Collaborate with Teachers to bring consistency and best practices to the classroom.
Models appropriate instructional techniques for Teachers & Volunteers. Provides assistance in completing all appropriate documentation: i.e. Daily Assessment form, Feeding Guide and Health checks.
Actively participates with age appropriate interactions and classroom activities such as free play, mealtime, floor time and class room activities. May include bathing, diaper changing, formula preparation (for infants). Follows center procedures to receive and discharge the children.
Shows interest in furthering professional growth by attending staff meetings, workshops, seminars, and additional training on Child Development and willing to mentor CDA candidates.
Administer educational screenings, identify, and refer children with potential high risk of health, disability or behavioral concerns.
Maintains confidentiality of program and client related information at all times.
Perform all other duties as assigned.