Child Care Teacher

Job Code: 25-2011

Salary: $16.10 - $30.14

Status:  Full-Time, Permanent, Non-Exempt

Department: Education 

Location: Early Learning Center

Reports To: Child Care Supervisor

Telecommute: No

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: PL 101-630 & NYS OCFS

Summary: Under the general direction of the Child Care Supervisor, the Child Care Teacher is responsible for providing children with a safe, comfortable environment enriched with a variety of hands on, age-appropriate activities that meet best practice standards and enhance each child’s level of development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: 

• Mandated Reporter: Must complete NYS Mandated Reporter training prior to having contact with children in a job-related capacity. and s throughout employment. This includes completing any necessary training, adhering to all child abuse and maltreatment reporting obligations and tribal/E.L.C. policies.
• Adhere to all policies, standards, and procedures as dictated by Tribal Personnel Policies, NYS OCFS Child Care Licensing Regulations, the ELC Behavior Management Plan, the Serious Incident Policy, the Mandated Reporter Policy, the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, PL102-477 regulations and all other applicable regulations. pertaining to health, safety and sanitation.
• Support active supervision at all times to ensure the safety of all children.  
• Implement curriculum that ensures developmentally appropriate practices at all times.   Document and submit continual planning-assessment cycles, goals and lesson plans to Education Coordinator and direct Supervisor
• Utilize program tools including, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, Pyramid Model, NYS Early Learning Guidelines, NYS Core Body of Knowledge, Environmental Rating Scales, and current research and best practice.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and empowerment to the Child Care Teacher Assistant/Substitute by effectively communicating information regarding development and learning, scheduling, incorporating sanitizing duties, and all other relevant information.
• Create and maintain an accurate and updated profile on the Aspire Registry. Participate in all professional development requirements, including coaching/mentoring, and work with Education & Disabilities Coordinator to set professional goals and maintain an Individual Professional Development Portfolio.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the classroom monthly binder and submit by designated deadline to administrative team.
• Promote continuous quality improvement for the achievement of stated program goals by working with program staff, service providers, consultants, and other relevant community agencies.
• Communicate with parents or guardians regarding children’s daily activities, behaviors, and any concerns.
• Encourage positive behavior and independence by teaching skills such as dressing, caring for personal belongings, and cleaning up toys and books.
• Dress children and change diapers as needed.
• Teach and reinforce healthy habits, including eating, resting, and toilet routines.
• Maintain accurate records for each child, including daily observations, activities, meals, and any medications administered.
• Ensure a safe and organized play environment.
• Monitor children’s play activities to promote safety and engagement.
• Plan, organize, and participate in recreational activities and outings, such as games and field trips.
• Support children’s emotional and social development by fostering positive self-concepts and respect for others.
• Organize and store toys and materials to maintain order in activity areas.
• Follow the deep cleaning sanitization schedule and all applicable regulations.
• Be aware and sensitive to the needs that may arise when handling stressful and demanding circumstances.
• Complete other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Child Care Teacher shall carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable Tribal rules. Responsibilities also include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining the Child Care Teacher Assistant.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

• Knowledge of the Mohawk language and traditions preferred.
• First Aid and CPR preferred. 

Education and/or Experience: 

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field; AND
  • One (1) year of experience related to caring for infants and toddlers; 

OR

• Child Development Associate Credential; AND
  • Two (2) years of experience related to caring for children, one of which must be related to caring for infants or toddlers.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: 

• Keep children safe at all times through active supervision.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner while maintaining a high level of professionalism in relationships with children, families, visitors, colleagues, other staff members, management, and community members.
• Ensure children’s personal hygiene is maintained and attended to immediately as needed.
• Promote healthy relationships with the families and employees served by the program.
• Foster a climate of respect and integrity, communicate effectively with program staff, families and children.
• Effectively contact Security to help deal with hostile or aggressive persons, crisis situations including and/or and people under distress or duress.  Immediate debrief and documentation of incident should be reported to Supervisor.
• as needed.
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment.
• Promote a positive image of the SRMT, the ELC and foster a climate of respect and integrity.
• Adhere to strict confidentiality as outlined in all SRMT and ELC policies and procedures. 

Reasoning Ability: 

• Ability to implement regulations that govern programs for young children; acknowledging that all staff will cooperate to implement a program that far exceeds minimum regulations.
•  
• Ability to recognize and determine when to call to the NYS OCFS Hotline when faced with an instance of potential Child Maltreatment.
• Ability to ensure that the rights and needs of children are the highest priority, while also recognizing the needs of other family members.
• To provide needed human and financial resources that will benefit families and children.
• To contribute to the ongoing review, evaluation and modification of services as needed by the community, families and children.
• To provide information about the services of the program to the community and to engage staff in cooperative problem solving, planning and continuing evaluation of themselves and the program.
• Be aware and sensitive to the needs that may arise when handling stressful and demanding circumstances.     

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and a criminal background check prior to employment.