Toddler and Infant Teacher

Teacher Assistant - BEFORE AND/OR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM- Early Learning Center of Waldorf Now Hiring for our NEW ELC in Waldorf MD located at 3155 John Hanson Rd, Waldorf MD

AM shift 6:00am-9:45am PM 3:30pm-6pm Monday through Friday

Position Objective:

The Infant and Toddler Teacher creates a safe and nurturing environment for young children to learn and grow. The Infant and Toddler Teacher inspires children to be lifelong learners through play based learning opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

CHILD SAFETY AND SUPERVISION

1. Provides constant supervision of children by staying within sight and sound of assigned group. Adheres to policies and procedures in a pro-active manner, making the safety and care of children a primary focus.
2. Follows licensing regulations/standards, such as reporting child incidents and proper health and hygiene procedures.
3. Provides quality, nurturing care to infants and toddlers enrolled in the program.
4. Attends to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
5. Assists with potty training when applicable, due to developmental needs.
6. Assists in emergency situations such as evacuation procedures and CPR/First Aid.
7. Reports suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with mandated reporter guidelines.
8. Stays apprised of child-related food allergies, special needs and other medically sensitive conditions.
9. Reports to Center Director any concerns regarding child behavior, sickness, health-related observations, accidents or incidents requiring medical attention or matters that should be reported to the parents.
10. Inspects on a daily basis all facilities, equipment, and supplies and make sure all are accounted for and put away at the end of each day.

PROGRAMMING

1. Plans and facilitates programming to advance the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of children.
2. Works collaboratively with peers, shares program-related information and shares in collective tasks.
3. Encourages creativity and intellectual curiosity by building on the child's interests and talents.
4. Effectively implements innovative and engaging activities to develop physical and intellectual growth of children.
5. Conducts and documents developmental screenings and assessments of the children.
6. Develops schedules and routines to ensure children have enough physical activity, rest and playtime.

ENVIRONMENT

1. Provides a caring family-oriented environment where positive staff, child, and parent relationships are fostered.
2. Encourages each child's family to be actively involved in the program.
3. Presents a friendly, positive, and warm learning environment.
4. Promotes parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationships.
5. Promotes feelings of security and trust in infants and toddlers.
6. Greets infants/toddlers and their parents warmly and with enthusiasm each morning.
7. Assures each infant is held and each child is gradually assisted to become a part of the small group of four.
8. Talks, sings, and reads to infants and toddlers frequently.
9. Responds quickly in a soothing and tender manner to infants' cries or calls of distress.
10. Maintains a well-organized and clean space conducive to growth and learning.

PROFESSIONALISM

1. Manages, mentors, and coaches Aides by demonstrating expected behaviors, disseminating required knowledge, and assisting with skill development.
2. Sets high standards of performance for self and others; assumes responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks.
3. Responsible for exercising discretion maintaining program and child/family information on a confidential basis.
4. Maintains professional standards with children, parents, and colleagues.
5. Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of all stakeholders.
6. Conveys information and ideas clearly; possesses effective oral and written communication skills.
7. Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner. Shows consistency in words and actions. Models high standards of ethics.
8. Respects and honors cultural diversity among children and families.
9. Exhibits a genuine nurturing, caring attitude to all children.
10. Maintains a positive, calm attitude and a soft voice, and encourage this attitude and voice in others.
11. Builds a positive relationship with each participant in the program, and fosters positive connections between participants. Actively engages with children at all times with the goal of fostering the positive development of each child and the group.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Seeks opportunities to learn and grow personally and professionally with a focus on continuous improvement.

1. Attends and maintains the required training hours as mandated by the state licensing agency.
2. Seeks help when needed and responds to requests for help in a supportive manner.
3. Focuses on continuous improvement by taking action to improve existing conditions and processes. Uses appropriate methods to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and measure impact.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or GED; one year of experience in an early childhood program serving infants and toddlers in a developmentally appropriate environment.
• Must have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for Infant and Toddler Caregivers or an equivalent credential that addresses comparable competencies; or must obtain the credential within one year of employment as an Infant and Toddler teacher.
• Must have (or willing to obtain) training and experience necessary to develop consistent, stable and supportive relationships with very young children.
• CPR and First Aid certified.
• Effective listening, communication skill required with both children and adults.
• Serves as a positive role model; must be enthusiastic, energetic, creative and sensitive to children.
• Good judgement and sound decision making.
• Knowledge of state policies and procedures regarding child care regulations.
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
• Familiar with the stages of physical, cognitive, emotional, social and cultural development in children.
• In-depth knowledge of health, hygiene and nutritional requirements of children.
• Possess demonstrated professional level of verbal and written communication skills.

Other Duties may be assigned:

I have received and read the Infant and Toddler Teacher job description and understand the requirements of the job. I understand this job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; I am expected to perform other duties as assigned by my superior. Further, I acknowledge that AlphaBEST Education, Inc. reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises.