Early Childhood - Teacher

The Teacher is responsible for the classroom environment and development and implementation of plans in accordance with applicable guidelines.

Teachers should be familiar with and able to work with children birth through age five according to the following standards, guidelines and regulations: NYS Core Competencies for EC Educators, NYS Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core, NYS Early Learning Guidelines and the NYSOCFS Child Care Regulations. The Teacher will work with center staff and administration to ensure the educational and programmatic success for their classroom and the center.

Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

Program Management

• Implement program curriculum and assessment in accordance with center approved philosophy and instructional instruments and reflect current early childhood best practices
• Plan and provide daily experiences and activities which stimulate physical, social- emotional, and cognitive growth and develop language and literacy skills of young children through the use of developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum that are prepared based on each child’s developmental needs
• Use lessons, materials and activities to promote self-regulation and self-esteem in children and motivate children toward a lifetime love of learning;
• Implement daily routines to help children keep themselves and others, healthy and safe such as hand washing, toileting, brushing teeth, and appropriate classroom management techniques.

Assessment/Communication

• Assess the developmental status of each child on a regular basis through observation, anecdotal notes, and use of Ages and Stages, keep written progress reports and education plans as needed;
• Communicate on a regular basis with parents/family members to build mutual understanding, greater consistency for children and information sharing (daily board, weekly/monthly newsletter, emails as needed);
• Schedule and conduct individual parent-teacher conferences, minimum twice per year
• Work with Executive Director to address individual child concerns: meetings with parents, referral for early intervention, communication with therapists
• Be knowledgeable about appropriate referral services for families and children
• Guide, direct and mentor Teacher Assistants, substitutes, volunteers, student interns, etc; share feedback with Executive Director as appropriate.
• Provide opportunities for Teacher Assistants to plan and carry out lessons and lead the classroom on a regular basis (at least once per week).
• Divide classroom responsibilities in order to ensure a balanced workload: diapering, meal clean up, daily health check, etc.

Compliance, Trainings and Certifications

• Ensure compliance with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Child Care Regulations and CRCC Policies and Procedures;
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and training sessions as scheduled in order to maintain compliance with licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood (minimum of 30 hours each year in required topic areas);
• In partnership with Executive Director, keep updated, accurate records of training and credentials in order to meet licensing requirements.
• Maintain familiarity with and adherence to all Policies and Procedures including the Parent Handbook.
• If assigned, assume supervisory duties in the absence of the Executive Director or Assistant Director in order to address center needs and/or communicate with OCFS.

Administrative

• Maintain classroom child files, emergency contact list, incident reports, and any other appropriate forms that may be required; update as necessary.
• Complete and submit communication logs, daily health checks, weekly attendance sheets, weekly diaper charts (when applicable), monthly…