Primary Purpose:

The Teacher plans, develops and implements developmentally appropriate activities for the children in their classroom.   The Teacher is responsible for the children’s individual needs and provides guidance for a fun, safe, secure and loving environment. Appropriate communication with parents, staff, and children is critical to meet the needs of all children.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or GED required

Child Development Associate Certificate, Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field highly preferred.

At least 18 years of age.

Minimum one (1) year experience working with children in a licensed childcare center preferred.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively with parents, volunteers, children, co-workers and community members.

Ability to read and write English, compute basic math problems, follow policies and procedures.

Ability to perform the essential requirements of caregiver for each age group to include bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, reaching overhead, twisting, sitting on the floor.

Ability to work in varied environment (indoor, outdoor, field trips, various age groups)

Ability to meet minimum standards.

Ability to work under fast-paced, loud, stressful conditions.

Ability to be flexible in changing situations to include room assignment and work schedule.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

A.       Interactions

• To speak with children in a friendly, positive and courteous manner and be responsive to the needs of the children.
• To treat children, co-workers, community members, and supervisor of all races, religions, family backgrounds and cultures with equal respect and consideration.
• To set consistent, fair limits for behavior in the classroom to minimize potential problems, to redirect children to more positive behaviors and activities, and to guide children to resolve conflicts.
• Communicate with parents on a professional level at all times, be positive and informative, and help the parent feel welcome and secure in leaving their child in your care.

B.        Lesson Planning

• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate learning activities which will encourage children to share experiences, ideas and feelings and foster self-help skills in children.
• To assess the skills and progress of each child in the assigned group.
• To plan activities to assist children who experience difficulties in behavior or development.
• Lesson plans will include: active and quiet activities, outdoor times, small and large group times, transitions between activities. Lesson plans must be approved and posted for the week.

C.       Professional Development.

• To maintain current first aid and CPR certification.
• Attend USDA in-house training, staff meetings.
• To obtain required training hours annually to fulfill requirements by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Texans Can! ECDC requirements. The employee is responsible for researching, attending, securing payment, and providing the center manager with documentation of attendance of appropriate trainings.

D.       Administrative / Attendance

• To comply with all State, City and Can! Standards and policies.
• To maintain attendance records, daily sheets, USDA meal counts, classroom attendance roster, assessments.
• To inform Director of any environmental hazards immediately and/or act accordingly in absence of director.
• To immediately report any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect to the supervisor and/or act according in absence of Lead Teacher.
• To maintain a positive work history. Refer to the Child Care Guide for details.
• Maintain all records required.
• Complete all required reports.

E.         Health and Safety

• To be alert of the daily health of each child in the assigned group.
• To account for the whereabouts of each child in the assigned group at all times.
• To wash hands with soap and water upon arrival, before preparing foods eating or feeding a child and after diapering, assisting children with toileting or nose wiping.
• To ensure that TDFPS health and safety standards are followed.
• To ensure all chemicals and cleaning supplies are stored in clearly marked containers in locked cabinets that are inaccessible to children.
• Other duties as required

Other Responsibilities:

To perform other duties as requested.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Work will predominantly be inside but outdoor work will occur.  Working conditions may be in both heat and cold.  Job requires bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, reaching overhead, twisting, and sitting on the floor. Work environment may include indoor, outdoor, and field trips. Work under fast-paced, loud, stressful conditions.  Some local travel may be required.