Toddler Teacher - Primary

Summary of Work:

Provide a positive, nurturing, safe and caring environment in which children can grow physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and intellectually where faith is nurtured, self-concepts are enhanced, independence is encouraged and individuality is respected. Responsible for assigned children and total classroom activity, operation and performance. Perform duties according to agency, program, and accrediting guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Using the High Scope Curriculum, develop, build, and deliver age and developmentally appropriate lesson plans to the students in your assigned classroom.
• Complete and Maintain all required documentation for your assign student case-load and submit by stated deadlines.
• Provide a safe and nurturing environment where children are able to develop trust, curiosity and active learning skills.
• Develop a positive and caring relationship with each child in his/her group that is based on trust and serves as a model to the child for his/her relationships with others.
• Guide children’s behavior using positive and developmentally appropriate techniques which support each child’s total growth and development.
• Plan and implement developmentally sequenced activities in which each child can experience success and build confidence in his/her own abilities and worth.
• Develop cooperative relationships and be able to work effectively with other staff members to achieve agency and program goals.
• Create close, trusting relationships with families to foster respect for each family culture and to meet the needs of each individual child.
• Follow all regulations, accreditation guidelines, policies, and procedures of the agency and program for the safety and well-being of the children.
• Provide for the daily physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive needs of the children.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate genuine care and respect for children as individual learners.
• Have knowledge and understanding of child development and infant care.
• Understand and support the mission, philosophy, purpose and goals of the program and agency.
• The ability to maintain positive and professional relationships with staff members and families.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess appropriate judgment with situations as they arise.
• Knowledge and understanding of elders’ needs, issues; sensitivity to needs of volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with all staff.

Requirements:

• Due to State licensure requirements, staff members must meet the following age requirements
• Must be at least 18 years of age to work with age groups over 24 months.
• Graduate of an accredited high school or GED program required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA), Associates, or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field from an accredited college strongly preferred and may be required to meet licensure and accreditation standards.
• Early childhood education experience preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Problem Solving- the individual identifies and resolves problems effectively in the classroom and conveys problems to supervisors as needed or required.
• Interpersonal Skills- the individual maintains confidentiality, works collaboratively and professionally with all staff, and exhibits flexibility in ideas and scheduling.
• Oral Communication-the individual speaks clearly and professionally in all situations.
• Written Communication- the individual completes all paperwork and makes requests in a professional manner to parents, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Planning/Organizing- the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and effectively.
• Quality Control- the individual performs work as all accrediting bodies, High Scope, and agency policies dictate and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Adaptability- the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, and is able to deal with frequent change in a positive manner.
• Dependability- the individual is consistently at work on time, follows instructions, responds professionally to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and Security- the individual actively promotes, observes and follows safety and security procedures.

LSSI Core Values:

• Commitment to excellence: Focuses on the individual needs of each child and parent and provides exceptional service.
• Hope now and for eternity: Promotes hope through program services.
• Respect for all people: Upholds respect for all clients, staff, and community partners regardless of religious affiliation, or culture.
• Integrity in relationships and resources: Gains the trust of management, staff, and families through wide-ranging work standards and performance.
• Service as a reflection of our Faith: Treats others as the agency mission reflects.
• Trust in Christ and His Word: Establish trust with clients, staff, and families by serving those in need with compassion and understanding.