Preschool Floater Teacher​/Support Educator

Preschool Floater Teacher/Support Educator

Position Department:
Child Development Center

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Compensation: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

Reports To:

Program Coordinator

Position Summary

The Floating Teacher is an in-house substitute that covers Head Teacher absences, breaks and meal periods, preparation time, professional development trainings, etc. While acting as the substitute Head Teacher, the Floating Teacher is responsible for the leadership and operation of the classroom. Major responsibilities include supervision of children and adults, monitoring attendance, food counts, planning and implementing classroom curriculum, maintaining proper classroom ratios and requesting additional staff support as needed, ensuring compliance with procedures for the safety of children, mentoring student staff (Teacher Assistants), and communicating with the appropriate professional staff as issues arise.

Essential Functions

• Build positive, respectful relationships with the children ages 2-5 years old.
• Listen to children intently, respond, ask open-ended questions, and maintain a receptive attitude in communication. Remain alert to total situation when working with one child.
• Develop and implement flexible curriculum plans for indoor and outdoor activities which meet the individual needs of each child based on observation, Reggio Emilia principles, DRDP goals, and NAEYC best practices.
• Supervise children and adults in the classroom and on the playground. Adult supervision includes, but is not limited to volunteers, practicum students, ChAD 60 students and student staff.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, keeping an accurate count of the number of children present at all times.
• Maintain appropriate student to teacher ratios and ensure compliance with state/federal childcare regulations.
• Set appropriate limits for children. Use positive, supportive guidance and discipline methods at all times.
• Assist children in routine activities such as eating or feeding, toileting or diapering, and napping.
• Work with individual children (e.g., reading books, supervising table, floor, and yard activities).
• Complete the meal count and assist with meal set-up and clean up.
• Supervise nap time, rubbing backs or rocking as needed.
• Assign or participate in cleaning up the classroom, bathroom, or kitchen, sanitizing toys, doing laundry, or straightening the yard.
• Mentor and offer guidance to student teacher assistants, interns, and volunteers.
• Complete health and safety paperwork as needed.
• Communicate with families about the child's day verbally or via white boards and Google+. Refer families to the administration as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the members of the Preschool and Leadership teams to create a high quality program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Title 5, Title 22, NAEYC, QRIS Regulations, licensing requirements, child abuse reporting, universal precautions, child observation and assessment and unique learning styles.
• Working knowledge of the Reggio Emilia Approach and Emergent Curriculum.
• Able to determine cognitive, social, and physical needs of children.
• Knowledge of the unique needs of low income families.
• Able to maintain professionalism at all times while providing positive customer service to students, faculty and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Work Environment, Hours and Physical Demands

• This job operates in a childcare and pre-school environment with children four months to five years of age.
• Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Work hours are subject to change and based on the needs of the program.
• Must be able to lift, from the floor to waist, and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to reach a child 20-30 feet away within 30 seconds without danger to the staff person's health
• Must be able to observe, see, hear and respond to children's needs, which includes crouching or kneeling to a child's height and creating eye contact at a child's level.
• Must be able to perform movements which include grasping, touching, pushing and pulling, manual dexterity and eye- hand coordination.
• Capable of managing the stress and tension that contact with many children and parents…