Preschool Teacher - Toddlers - The Palms of Largo

Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to implement the infant, toddler, or preschool program and the general supervision and management of a group of children.

Essential Job Functions Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and implement a program the meets the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of both the individual and the group, through developmentally appropriate practices, in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the program.
2. Write objective for the group.
3. Assume responsibility in conjunction with co-workers for preparing and posting weekly lesson plans and submitting a copy to the director one week before teaching.
4. Post all curriculum information, schedule and menus for parents.
5. Interest with the children and encourage their involvement in group activities.
6. Gear the program to the needs of the individual child, with concern for their interests, special needs and talents, and individual style and pace of learning.
7. Plan and supervise class outing/field trips when age-appropriate.
8. Observer, record, and report significant individual and/or group behavior/illness, and keep co-workers and the director informed.
9. Responsible for seeing that the children’s daily notes are completed.
10. Keep accurate records of children’s attendance and progress, including written comments on each child’s development.
11. Continually evaluate each child’s progress, and communicate these professional observations to the appropriate teammates and to the child’s parents through participation in formal conferences offered at least twice a year.
12. Establish and maintain good communication with parents through verbal contact on a daily basis, written notes and/or phone conversations and wearing a nametag. Sensitive issues must be discussed with the director before approaching the parents.
13. Responsible for actively supervising and ensuring the safety and well being of the children at all times, both indoors and outdoors. Be alert to the needs and/or problems of the children as individuals and as a group.
14. Know how many children are in the group and where they are at all times. Never leave a child or grop of children unattended.
15. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for other staff.
16. Continually train and supervise the activities of assistant, aides, substitutes and new co-workers assigned to the group, helping them relate to and supervise the children.
17. Use and understand progressive discipline.
18. Model appropriate positive behavior guideline, techniques and train other staff so that positive discipline is consistent.
19. Work together with all program staff to solve problems, achieve goals and respectfully communicate needs.
20. Responsible for educational resource materials, equipment, classroom atmosphere, and initiating communication with the director regarding program needs and concerns.
21. Responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness in assigned room or area. This may include vacuuming, mopping, sink/bathroom cleaning, counter tops, and room clean up, etc.
22. Share responsibility with other staff members for the general maintenance and cleanliness of entire building and ground under the direction and supervision of the director.
23. Be flexible to the staffing needs of the entire program, not just a specific group, and understand that hours are subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment and the needs of the program.
24. Monitor the staff-to child ratio in the group and inform the director of any significant change.
25. Assist in evacuation of the building in an emergency, and be able to respond immediately to any emergency situation.
26. Comply with all applicable universal precautions and infection control guidelines and procedures.
27. Be familiar with and abide by licensing regulations and all program policies and procedures.
28. Attend professional workshops and participate in in-service training as required by the department to human services.
29. Attend all staff meetings, and participate in program and family events.
30. Arrive in the classroom on time and be ready to interact positively with all children, parents, and staff.
31. Use love rituals throughout the day with the children.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, follow instructions, and accept constructive criticism.  Must be able to deal tactfully with children, personnel, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.  Must possess the educational requirements of the program’s licensing agency.

The person must have a warm and friendly personality, be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, be able to relate well to children, and be willing to fulfill the job responsibilities in accordance with the program’s philosophy.  Must be able to communicate professionally and openly.  Must be able to create a nurturing environment in which the child can grow physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

Education and Experience

Certificate or degree in child development or a related field with an emphasis in early childhood education.  Experience in teaching in an early childhood classroom, supervising staff, and managing a child care center. Must possess leadership and communication skills.

Licensing/Certifications

CPR certification within 90 days of employment.

Physical Requirements

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others in the work place will not be considered qualified for employment if physical requirements cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation.

Essential functions are carried out in a variety of positions including standing and sitting.  To meet residents’ needs, all positions require the ability to move freely through the building.  Other physical demands are required as described below.

Equipment and Tools

List equipment and tools operated and the frequency of use:

(Those that cannot be delegated to a co-worker.)

Facility Vehicles:                     Equipment: Computer and personal communication devices
                                             Business office equipment

Tools:                                                           Other:      

Working Conditions

Check which working conditions the employee is subject to:

Physical Conditions:

   Extreme temperatures            Noise                                      Wet and/or humid                   Vibration

Workplace Hazards:

X Blood, body fluids and/or infectious disease       Hot Water             Mechanical            Electrical

Chemical   Gasses             Other___________