Temporary Lead Early Childhood Teacher - Infant Toddler Center

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Vassar College is seeking a Temporary Lead Early Childhood Teacher for its Infant Toddler Center. This full-time position, with a schedule of 37.5 hours per week (4 days at 8 am - 4 pm and 1 day at 9 am - 5 pm), reports to the Site Director. The role involves providing direct care to ten toddlers aged 6 weeks to 3 years, focusing on nurturing, responsive caregiving, and developmentally appropriate practices. The Teacher must ensure compliance with licensing, health, and safety regulations. This is a temporary role with the potential for conversion to a permanent position, starting immediately.

Requirements

Hold an AA degree in early childhood education while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent degree type that meets OCFS requirements for being a lead teacher.
Minimum 3 years of experience working collaboratively in an early childhood school or childcare center with children ages 6 weeks – 3 years old.
Demonstrated understanding and practice of the Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators (NAEYC) as guidelines for responsible and professional behavior with children, colleagues, employer, and families.
Experience with guidance/social coaching and conflict resolution for young children.
Experience with child assessment and parent-teacher conferences.
Ability to act as a leader in modeling collaborative communication, dialogue, and feedback for reflective teaching and mentoring in the classroom and throughout the school.
Ability to perform emotional labor for children who are discovering their feelings and navigating new social contexts, and care for children’s physical needs.
A willingness to grow and increase knowledge in the field and seek innovative approaches.
Exhibit joy in working with children and families.
Embrace the school’s mission and practice ITC values.
Must be fingerprinted and cleared with a background check through the NY State Office of Children and Family Services.
Ability to interact with children on their level; frequent bending, squatting, reaching, and sitting on the floor.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
Must remain alert and productive for ongoing active supervision of children and must be able to see and hear children at all times.

Nice To Haves

5 years of experience managing and leading a teaching team and mentoring others.
Master’s degree.
Ability to take on multi-year projects, such as but not limited to curriculum leadership, professional development coordination, and committee work.
Understanding and interest in the RIE philosophy for infants and toddlers.
Interest in supporting the continuity of care model for infants and toddlers.

Responsibilities

Develop trusting relationships with children and families.
Plan and implement a daily curriculum in accordance with developmentally appropriate practices.
Meet with parents regularly, assess and document child progress.
Organize and arrange the classroom environment and materials with care.
Manage and lead reflective team meetings.
Mentor and supervise others, and support a positive team teaching approach.
Participate and help plan school events such as parent night and teacher reflections.
Teach outside in all seasons and weather.
Participate in reflective practice, documentation, and ongoing professional growth opportunities.