Toddler Teacher

Cypress Palms • Largo, FL

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to implement the infant, toddler, or preschool program and the general supervision and management of a group of children. This role involves planning and implementing a program that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of both the individual and the group, through developmentally appropriate practices, in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the program. The teacher is responsible for creating a nurturing environment, maintaining classroom cleanliness, supervising children, and communicating with parents and staff.

Requirements

• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, follow instructions, and accept constructive criticism.
• Must be able to deal tactfully with children, personnel, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must possess the educational requirements of the program’s licensing agency.
• Must have a warm and friendly personality, be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, be able to relate well to children, and be willing to fulfill the job responsibilities in accordance with the program’s philosophy.
• Must be able to communicate professionally and openly.
• Must be able to create a nurturing environment in which the child can grow physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
• Certificate or degree in child development or a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education.
• Experience in teaching in an early childhood classroom, supervising staff, and managing a child care center.
• Must possess leadership and communication skills.
• CPR certification within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a program that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of both the individual and the group, through developmentally appropriate practices.
• Prepare and post weekly lesson plans and submit a copy to the director one week before teaching.
• Post all curriculum information, schedule and menus for parents.
• Interact with the children and encourage their involvement in group activities.
• Gear the program to the needs of the individual child, with concern for their interests, special needs and talents, and individual style and pace of learning.
• Plan and supervise class outings/field trips when age-appropriate.
• Observe, record, and report significant individual and/or group behavior/illness, and keep co-workers and the director informed.
• Ensure that the children’s daily notes are completed.
• Keep accurate records of children’s attendance and progress, including written comments on each child’s development.
• Continually evaluate each child’s progress, and communicate these professional observations to the appropriate teammates and to the child’s parents through participation in formal conferences offered at least twice a year.
• Establish and maintain good communication with parents through verbal contact on a daily basis, written notes and/or phone conversations.
• Actively supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of the children at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
• Be alert to the needs and/or problems of the children as individuals and as a group.
• Know how many children are in the group and where they are at all times.
• Never leave a child or group of children unattended.
• Continually train and supervise the activities of assistant, aides, substitutes and new co-workers assigned to the group, helping them relate to and supervise the children.
• Use and understand progressive discipline.
• Model appropriate positive behavior guidelines, techniques and train other staff so that positive discipline is consistent.
• Work together with all program staff to solve problems, achieve goals and respectfully communicate needs.
• Responsible for educational resource materials, equipment, classroom atmosphere, and initiating communication with the director regarding program needs and concerns.
• Responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness in assigned room or area, including vacuuming, mopping, sink/bathroom cleaning, counter tops, and room clean up.
• Share responsibility with other staff members for the general maintenance and cleanliness of the entire building and grounds.
• Be flexible to the staffing needs of the entire program, and understand that hours are subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment and the needs of the program.
• Monitor the staff-to-child ratio in the group and inform the director of any significant change.
• Assist in evacuation of the building in an emergency, and be able to respond immediately to any emergency situation.
• Comply with all applicable universal precautions and infection control guidelines and procedures.
• Be familiar with and abide by licensing regulations and all program policies and procedures.
• Attend professional workshops and participate in in-service training as required by the department to human services.
• Attend all staff meetings, and participate in program and family events.
• Arrive in the classroom on time and be ready to interact positively with all children, parents, and staff.
• Use love rituals throughout the day with the children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree