Teacher - Infant/Preschool Center

INFANT / PRESCHOOL CENTER

My First Place - A Creative Space for Beginning Learners is a boutique early childhood education center serving the Santa Monica community. We are seeking a caring and highly motivated teacher with the following qualifications:

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A fully qualified Preschool/Pre-K Teacher shall have:

• A minimum of twelve (12) core semester units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with at least three (3) units in infant/toddler care, AND
• A minimum of 6 months experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program (with children under 5 years old)

- OR -

• Six (6) completed semester units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and enrolled in at least 2 semester units at a college until fully qualified

Additional Requirements (to be completed prior to start date):

• Proof of ECE course completion
• CPR / First Aid certifications AND Preventative Health Certificate
• Fingerprint (LiveScan) for complete criminal background check
• TB clearance within 1 year and cleared health screening
• Proof of immunizations: Pertussis, Measles & Influenza
• Complete all required state licensing forms

EXPECTATIONS

• Ensure the safety and well-being of each child by responding to their emotional, social, and physical needs as well as their educational needs.
• Work with assigned group of infants and toddlers applying best practices for infant/toddler care.
• Have an awareness of the unique needs of infants and toddlers and have appropriate expectations of their abilities.
• Be able to demonstrate warmth and patience towards children, parents and staff.
• Facilitate and nurture the development of each child’s self-esteem, trust and growing autonomy.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Emilia Reggio philosophy a plus.
• Possess a strong work ethic, be punctual, and have minimal absences.
• Fluency in Spanish a plus!

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Including, but not limited to, the following:

Engage children in activities and play that stimulates their development.

• Assist in the opening and/or closing of the Center.
• Respond quickly to children’s different and personal needs (verbal and non-verbal cues), temperament styles, abilities and cultures.
• Document daily individual needs, strengths, interests, milestones, service plans and meal routines for each child.
• Help facilitate daily activities that are developmentally appropriate for infants and toddlers.
• Prepare and provide materials that are concrete and relevant to the children’s interests and culture.
• Prepare the infant/toddler learning environment for children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adult caregivers.
• Administer and accurately document initial and ongoing development using screening and assessment tools at established intervals.
• Review and assist in carrying out health plans for special diets, allergies, medication administration, etc.
• Partner with parents to develop educational and family goals and update regularly.
• Provide direct supervision, training, guidance, leadership and technical assistance to assigned infant/toddler assistant teachers/aides. Conduct periodic observations to evaluate job performance of assigned staff and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Participate in regularly scheduled case conferencing sessions, staff meetings, parent meetings, parent/caregiver conferences, in-service trainings, and other meetings as directed.
• Ensure the safety of each child enrolled in the class whether in the classroom or on the playground.
• Assist with conducting emergency and earthquake preparedness drills and be familiar with emergency care procedures.
• Assist with escorting for local field trips (i.e., parks, library, etc.).
• Weekly documentation of classroom activities and interest.

Please keep in mind that the above job description is meant to be a guideline and does not list in detail all of the job responsibilities of a Qualified Teacher. All duties of the Qualified Teacher position will be covered in orientation and during the “hands-on” portion of the position training.

COMPENSATION

• Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $19.00/hour (depending on experience)
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance for full time employees
• Paid Time Off and Sick Pay
• Employee Transit Passes or Employee Transportation Allowance when utilizing alternative transportation measures.