Lead infant/toddler teacher

Summary

Under the guidance of the Director, Lead teachers will provide a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourages their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Assist in the 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 Horizons' mission, culture, goals, values (HEART Principles,) philosophies, policies and development of an inclusive environment. Maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians, children, coworkers and clients. Assist the Teacher with all functions and responsibilities listed below.

Duties

• Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, 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, toys, and activities.
• Communicate directly with each child at the child's level.
• Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities 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 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.

Curriculum

• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians.
• Assist in the design of 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).
• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities 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.
• Share ideas in planning a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc.
• Implement child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, staff-initiated activities.
• Provide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children's interests.
• Assist in the documentation of children's accomplishments through anecdotal notes, documentation panels, and/or portfolios.

Parent/Guardian Communication

• 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.
• Participate in a primary caregiving relationship with individual children and their families which includes initial meeting with families during orientation period.
• Share appropriate information with parents/guardians on a daily basis regarding the development and specific activities of the children in their primary care. Utilize appropriate written communication tools as assigned.
• Assist in planning and participate in regular parent/guardian conferences to discuss orientation, transition, 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.

Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition

• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.
• Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while working with a small group or individuals.
• Know the number 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 environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed.
• Assist in arrangement of space into clearly defined, well organized activity areas.
• Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently.

Professionalism

• Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families or Bright Horizons Family Solutions management and operations. Must not involve parents/guardians in center/school concerns.
• Become very familiar with ages and stages of development for those children under your care. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.
• Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to parents, coworkers, and community.
• Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance, arranging and communicating leave requests in advance.
• Respect and adhere to staffing schedules which may be adjusted as program needs change and may include working in another classroom.
• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other center/school events.
• Respond to center/school and organizational needs by attending regional training, contributing to a newsletter, serving on a task force, or substituting at another location.
• Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature.
• Receive constructive criticism with an attitude that indicates a willingness to improve. Give feedback in a respectful manner.

Teamwork

• Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with coworkers.
• Assume a fair share of work. Look for ways to be helpful. Demonstrate initiative.
• Assume additional classroom and center/school responsibilities as needed: kitchen, pets, children's files, etc.
• Offer and share ideas and materials with coworkers.
• Participate actively in teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.
• Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip.
• Exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of coworkers. Statements are based on first-hand knowledge and relevant to the interests of children and programs.

Physical Demands

• Follow state, federal and Bright Horizons Family Solutions' guidelines including immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training.
• Ensure children's safety while performing the following job functions:
• Frequently lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds. (Occasionally lift, move, or hold weight more than 40 pounds).
• Supervise and interact daily with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions.
• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
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Requirements

• At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED required
• Experience working with children; child care, daycare, or preschool preferred

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Career development and FREE college degrees through our Horizons Teacher Degree Program
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