Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher (Early Head Start)

EASTER SEALS NORTH GEORGIA•Atlanta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher facilitates quality, individualized early childhood education by implementing developmentally appropriate practices in an inclusive environment. Under the direct supervision of the Center Manager, the teacher works with Early Childhood Specialists to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that support children’s growth and development, promote social competence, and ensure parental involvement in all aspects of the program. The role includes maintaining a positive work atmosphere and excellent attendance; planning individualized activities; ensuring classroom and outdoor safety; organizing the classroom in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, licensing regulations, and NAEYC accreditation standards; and maintaining appropriate staffing and classroom ratios. The teacher supports children’s daily care, including toileting, diapering, feeding, and safe infant sleep practices. Additional responsibilities include communicating with families and colleagues, completing monitoring and record-keeping tasks, maintaining confidentiality, supporting child transitions and family advocacy, and completing required training.

Requirements

A minimum of a Childhood Development Associate (CDA) Credential with an Infant/Toddler endorsement, or a TCC, TCD, or higher degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, or a very closely related field.
Excellent punctuality and attendance.
Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere through appropriate communication and conduct.

Responsibilities

Maintain a positive work atmosphere through appropriate conduct and communication with customers, clients, co-workers, and management.
Maintain excellent punctuality and attendance.
Plan and implement developmentally and linguistically appropriate activities that recognize and support each child’s rate of development.
Assess classroom and outdoor play-area safety before children engage in activities.
Organize classroom areas for learning, eating, resting, and playing in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, licensing regulations, and NAEYC accreditation standards.
Provide a well-defined daily schedule of individualized child- and teacher-initiated activities.
Accompany children to and from the bus, playground, and out-of-center activities while maintaining attendance checks and head counts.
Maintain staff and classroom ratios at all times.
Address toileting and diapering according to individual children’s needs, and feed infants and toddlers on demand to the extent possible at appropriate intervals.
Follow current guidelines for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ensuring safe infant sleep.
Maintain an appropriate communication system among children, families, teaching staff, the Center Manager, and community organizations.
Support and participate in the values and missions of ESNG.
Complete weekly classroom Health and Safety Checklists and report accurate program numbers for the weekly report.
Maintain accurate, current educational and nutritional records for children and protect confidentiality.
Follow policies and procedures that support compliance with Georgia licensure, NAEYC accreditation, and Head Start Performance Standards.
Assist with the Child Transition Plan, including supporting parents as advocates, sharing transition needs, helping with feeder-school field trips, and helping parents become familiar with community resources.
Participate in mandatory Easter Seals training and educational programs, and complete the minimum training hours required by Bright from the Start, OSR, Georgia Pre-K, and Head Start.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.