Nursery Teacher

Description

St. Mary's School is seeking a compassionate and responsible Nursery Care Provider to support the well-being and development of young children in the nursery setting. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. This role requires strong communication skills, a love for working with young children, and the ability to work collaboratively with parents and staff to ensure a high standard of care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Child Care and Supervision
  • Provide direct care and supervision for children in the nursery, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being at all times.
  • Create a warm, welcoming, and secure environment that fosters emotional, social, and physical development.
  • Engage children in age-appropriate activities, including play, reading, arts and crafts, and outdoor exploration, to stimulate learning and creativity.
  • Respond to children's needs in a caring and positive manner, offering support and encouragement.
• Health and Safety
  • Maintain a clean, hygienic, and safe environment for the children.
  • Follow all safety protocols, including emergency procedures, first aid, and infection control guidelines.
  • Ensure that children are properly supervised and that all safety measures (e.g., child-proofing, safe equipment) are in place.
  • Monitor and track children's physical and emotional well-being, reporting concerns to the Director of The Nest as necessary.
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Communicate effectively with parents, guardians, and colleagues about children's progress, needs, and any concerns.
  • Provide feedback to parents regarding children's activities, milestones, and any behavioral or developmental observations.
  • Work collaboratively with other staff members, including teachers and the school administration, to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to childcare.
• Administrative Duties
  • Maintain accurate records related to children's attendance, behavior, and any incidents.
  • Help with preparing and organizing materials for activities and ensure the nursery area is ready for the next day.
  • Assist in implementing individualized care plans and educational activities, as directed by the Director of the Nest.
• Professional Development and Training
  • Attend required training and professional development sessions to remain current on best practices in child care.
  • Stay informed about developmentally appropriate practices and safety guidelines for young children.
• Support the Overall Mission of St. Mary's
  • Embrace and promote the values and mission of St. Mary's School in all aspects of work.
  • Participate in school events and activities as required.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for children, families, and colleagues.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in early childhood education or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a nursery or preschool setting.
• Knowledge of child development and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate practices.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage children in meaningful, age-appropriate activities.
• Patient, compassionate, and nurturing personality, with the ability to remain calm in high-energy environments.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Physical Demands:

While performing the above duties, you will be expected to:

• Easily sit, stand, turn, bend, reach, walk, talk, and hear at a student's level
• Stand, walk, climb up and down stairs
• Traverse school facilities and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency
• Spend time on the floor and move from sitting on the floor to standing without assistance
• Interact with faculty, staff, parents, and others in person and on the telephone
• Work in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
• Work at a desk and computer
• Lift up to 50 pounds

Employment y's Episcopal School is contingent upon the successful completion of a background, fingerprint, and reference check. St. Mary's does not discriminate in its hiring on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, political opinion, marital status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable state and federal law.