FT Staff: Lead Teacher Infant/Toddlers

Shaw University • Raleigh, NC

1d

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of the Child Development Center, the Lead Teacher for Infants and Toddlers is accountable for the day-to-day teaching, supervision, and management of the infant/toddler classroom and environment. The position is also accountable for assuring the health, welfare and safety of all Center students, the maintenance of accurate records and compliance with University and regulatory requirements. Essential Job Functions: Effectively teaches infant and toddlers in the Child Development Center: Demonstrates commitment to the mission and goals of the University. Assumes responsibility for planning and implementing a model program for infants and toddlers. Plans and implements individualized daily routines and curriculum for infant and toddlers in the classroom. Participates in the development and implementation of individualized goals for each child. Establishes appropriate limits for children and (apply) them in a positive manner. Encourages toddlers to develop by modeling positive attitude towards a variety of ethnic, racial and social groups. Directs instructional activities that encourage infants and toddlers children to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to increase motivation, to enhance a positive self-image, and to clarify their values. Utilizes a variety of teaching strategies that enhances the development in the domains of social, cognitive, language and physical development; including appropriate instructional technology. Presents learning materials in an understandable and effective manner. Assesses children based on the guidelines of Teaching Strategies GOLD. Maintains an open, friendly and cooperative relationship with each child’s family, encouraging their involvement in all aspects of the program. 2. Effectively manages the classroom environment: Organizes the classroom according to appropriate developmental levels and the needs of the individual infant or toddler. Promotes the development of secure relationships with infants and toddlers. Provides warm, caring, nurturing positive and supportive responses to all children. Provides positive guidance and discipline to support the social and emotional development of each infant and toddler. Coordinates parent/family volunteers in the classroom. Assumes responsibility for establishing and managing a learning environment designed to produce positive cognitive, social and emotional outcomes for infants and toddlers. Knows the whereabouts of children in attendance at all times. Checks mailbox/notes for materials requiring immediate attention. Notifies the Director in a timely manner that supplies will soon be needed for the Center. In the event of a threatening Center situation, contacts appropriate emergency responders: If on the main Raleigh campus, contacts the Campus Police & Security Office. Ensures that University policies concerning Center etiquette are adhered to, such as prohibiting eating, smoking, drinking, illegal drugs, and littering. Identifies Center safety hazards and initiates corrective action, including ensuring applicable Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets are locally posted for any and all chemical-containing substances accessible by students in the Center. 3. Provides supervision to assure health, welfare and safety of all students: Informs Director of any problems students may be having. Provides meals and snacks to the children according to their age, development and needs. Participates in the identification and referral process of special needs children. Conducts developmental screenings of infants and toddlers in accordance with program policies and procedures. Conducts at least two home visits and two parent conferences with each child’s family per year. Meets the daily needs of all children (i.e., food prep, toileting) Assists children in developing good health and hygiene habits. Makes appropriate accommodations to ensure child outcomes are achieved with children with health issues such as: Asthma Allergies Seizures Hearing/vision Reports all students injuries, accidents, illness and discipline problems to the appropriate authority immediately or as soon as is reasonable possible, as outlined in the Center’s Staff Handbook. Uses the Center’s preferred method of sanitizing which includes spraying toys with bleach water solution on a daily basis and deep cleaning toys on a weekly basis. Satisfactorily completes required training on North Carolina child abuse and neglect laws and procedures and indicators of child abuse and neglect. 4. Develops, maintains, and submits accurate, timely, and complete records, forms, reports, requests, etc.: Ensures and/or maintains accurate and up-to-date student records pertaining to attendance, and sleeping patterns. Ensures and/or takes class attendance daily and maintain accurate attendance records on each student. Observes children and records observations in anecdotal records. 5. Maintains effective collegial communication, professional interaction, and functional relations within the assigned main-campus academic department: Works to ensure that positive relations are maintained. Effectively resolves inter-personal and/or transactional issues and concerns. Ensures effective and appropriate overall communication and dissemination of information. Consistently exhibits sound judgment in exercising responsibilities. Demonstrates a professional behavior at all times, and at all Child Development Center-related events. 6. Maintains up-to-date knowledge and compliance with all University policies and procedures: Employment Handbook for policies and procedures which affect all faculty and staff. (Accessible on the University’s intranet site). Ensures the confidentiality of all personal information relating to students and personnel; limits exposure to confidential information on a job-related and need-to-know basis only. Follows and ensures compliance with external regulatory organizations. Ensures the efficient allocation and economical utilization of University resources. 7. Actively participates in professional development to remain current in all childcare licensing, policies and regulations: Fulfills NAEYC accreditation and Division of Child Development Licensing requirements. Satisfactorily completes required training on North Carolina child abuse and neglect laws and procedures and indicators of child abuse and neglect. Improves professional competence and performance by engaging in child care professional development and pursuing programs of self-development, such as: Participation in workshops and conferences. Courses taken at an accredited institution. Participates in the University’s professional development activities and systems training offerings, as applicable. Maintains up-to-date computer technology skills, to enable proficient assessment, recordkeeping, and effective communications. 8. Occasionally performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Minimum of one year’s work experience in an infant center.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR.
• Current North Carolina Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization.
• Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.
• Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.
• Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day and climb stairs as required.
• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying.
• Specific vision abilities include the ability to use close vision.
• The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.

Nice To Haves

• Current Birth-Kindergarten License.
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution of higher learning or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Effectively teaches infant and toddlers in the Child Development Center
• Effectively manages the classroom environment
• Provides supervision to assure health, welfare and safety of all students
• Develops, maintains, and submits accurate, timely, and complete records, forms, reports, requests, etc.
• Maintains effective collegial communication, professional interaction, and functional relations within the assigned main-campus academic department
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge and compliance with all University policies and procedures
• Actively participates in professional development to remain current in all childcare licensing, policies and regulations
• Occasionally performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level