Child Care Teacher, Preschool

Primary Purpose

A Teacher provides a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourages their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by Bright Horizons and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Incorporate Bright Horizon's mission, culture, goals, values (HEART Principles), philosophies, policies, and development of an inclusive environment. Review important decisions with his/her supervisor, and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians, children and coworkers.

Ensure safety and supervision of children at all times by meeting the physical demands of the position.

• Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child.
• Respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's play with language, materials and developmentally appropriate experiences.
• Communicate directly kindly, and respectfully with each child at the child's level.
• Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during experiences and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions.
• Be available and responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests.
• Encourage and model social behavior, respectful communication, and expectations which are developmentally appropriate.
• Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions.
• Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to Bright Horizons' Guidelines for Positive Discipline.
• Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms.

• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians.
• Design and maintain an environment which responds to children's individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests by consulting appropriate Bright Horizons' resources (i.e., Environmental Checklist, MAPP).
• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and experiences which foster social skills and encourage children to think, problem solve, question, and experiment.
• Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices.
• Encourage creative expression.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both location and global communities.
• Plan a daily schedule which provides a balance of experiences: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc.
• Plan and implement child-oriented, self-initiated experiences while limiting large group, staff-initiated experiences.
• Provide more than one option for small group experiences and maintain flexibility in changing planned experiences, according to children's interests.
• Create documentation of children's experiences through anecdotal notes, documentation panels and portfolios.

• Acknowledge parents/guardians and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional demeanor.
• Respond to parent/guardian comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Maintain confidentiality.
• Establish and maintain a primary caregiving relationship with individual children and their families which includes initial meeting with families during orientation period.
• Invite input from parents/guardians regarding their child's development and care.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with parents/guardians daily regarding the development and specific experiences of the children in their primary care using My Bright Day.
• Plan and facilitate in regular parent/guardian conferences to discuss orientation, transitions, and developmental goals for their child based on appropriate assessment tools, (i.e., Developmental Profiles).
• Assist in planning and attend location/classroom events and meetings.
• Share resources with parents/guardians through discussions, articles, parent/guardian boards, newsletters, and community contacts.

• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.
• Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group whether working with a small group or individuals.
• Know the number and names of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times.
• Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day.
• Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies).
• Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices.
• Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean,…