Infant-Toddler Teacher

ECS4KIDS•Chiefland, FL

22h•$19 - $23

About The Position

ECS4Kids is hiring an Infant-Toddler Teacher, described in the posting as a Primary Caregiver (PCG). The role provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe, and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. The teacher plans and implements culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences and supports children’s health, development, nutrition, and relationships with families. The position reports to the Center Manager and involves indoor classroom and outdoor playground work, 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: 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, 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, including 6 credit hours specific to infant and toddler development, or an IT CDA credential or FCCPC.
Competency in nurturing teacher-child interactions, 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 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; willingness and ability to implement the approved curriculum.
Good judgment, emotional maturity, and ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Proper grammar and effective oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information, plan and organize work, and maintain records.
Willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening and physical examination before having direct contact with children; 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 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.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement culturally sensitive educational programs and weekly digital lesson plans appropriate to children’s ages and languages, using Teaching Strategies Cloud and approved curricula.
Follow the approved daily schedule and implement lesson plans consistently.
Plan balanced routines that include play, exploration, learning, teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and indoor and outdoor time.
Provide a stimulating learning environment with new and interesting materials, and use positive guidance in accordance with ECS discipline policies.
Build nurturing relationships with children and adapt classroom routines, activities, and environments to children’s developmental levels, including children with special needs.
Maintain applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, and participate in early childhood research initiatives.
Conduct daily health checks, promote healthy lifestyles, follow emergency and medication procedures, prevent injuries, maintain sanitation and hygiene, and help maintain the center.
Participate in case management meetings concerning children’s health and development.
Communicate effectively with families, encourage parent involvement, share children’s progress, and participate in parent conferences, home visits, and transition procedures as appropriate.
Plan and implement weekly family involvement activities.
Eat with children, encourage healthy eating habits and conversation, serve food to support children’s development and socialization, and 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 with staff, attend meetings and trainings, share information, maintain a cooperative and supportive attitude, follow directions and assignments, and keep appropriate records.
Perform other related duties as required.