Early Childhood Teacher

SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a developmentally and age-appropriate classroom environment. The teacher will plan and implement a creative program which incorporates all developmental areas into the daily schedule and curriculum, including social/emotional, cognitive and physical; responsible for observing, documenting and assessing the growth and development of each student on an ongoing basis, and in a formal written format twice per school year. Teachers must demonstrate enthusiasm and professionalism while working with children and families.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Working with Children

• Ensure children’s safety through close supervision and proper organization of the environment, both indoors and outside.
• Plan, implement and evaluate a creative program to meet the individual developmental needs of children individually and in small and large groups
• Provide a visually pleasing, intellectually stimulating, child-centered classroom.
• Provide guidance in developing motor coordination, music, math, science, language experiences, use of creative materials, personal hygiene routines, resting and eating experiences
• Utilize campus resources to enhance classroom curriculum when appropriate, including the Library’s Nelson Center, Gymnasium, Nature trails, Post Office, Fields, Cafeteria, etc.
• Utilize a variety of positive discipline approaches, such as, limit setting, anticipating challenges, distraction, arrangement of environment, and renewal time using a responsive teaching approach.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop self-esteem, confidence and independence.
• Acknowledges each child at his/her own developmental level and creates curriculum and a classroom environment that respects and builds on this level while considering each child’s unique personality and cultural background.

Communication & Written Responsibilities

• Demonstrate effective written communication skills through the completion of written responsibilities including: daily classroom notes, monthly newsletters, twice yearly written confidential child assessment reports, compilation of records to document children’s progress, including photos, writing/drawing samples.
• Continually conduct observations of individual children and the group, using methods such as note taking, running records & anecdotal notes.
• Use technology to enhance classroom teaching methods and communication with families and co-workers, such as computer, email and digital photography.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Regulations

• Follow regulations, according to the Department of Early Education and Care as well as NAEYC.
• Follow emergency procedures and implement them calmly.
• Ensure classroom First Aid bags are stocked with necessary supplies.
• Meet EEC regulations for yearly professional development by attending professional workshops, meetings and visiting other programs.
• Daily Recordkeeping: maintaining accurate classroom rosters, up-to-date emergency forms in first aid bags, completing accident and incident reports as needed, medication record and pick-up permission forms.

Professionalism

• Maintain professional relationships with families; discuss concerns about child’s development or behavior with the Director and the child’s family; use multiple avenues to maintain communication with families. Maintain confidentially toward children, their families, the Children’s Center & coworkers.
• Cooperate with and assist coworkers, student employees and administrators.
• Attend and participate in monthly staff meetings and family events, such as Pot Luck Dinner & End of School Year Picnic
• Report and discuss any pertinent problems with immediate supervisor

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Teachers are expected to role model professionalism and teaching expertise to a variety of students, including Regis College work study employees, interns, student teachers & observers, as well as High School interns.
• Classroom Teachers are responsible for the supervision and support of work-study students and interns. Teachers who are designated student teachers are expected to provide mentorship and involve the student teachers in planning and at a pace appropriate to the student, involve him/her in teaching activities.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Willingness to be flexible to perform other job-related tasks as the need arises to maintain the quality of the program.
• Complete daily morning tasks assigned, which may include, but not limited to the following: unlock doors, prepare bleach solution, kitchen duties, prepare snack, fill water pitchers, and set up playground equipment.
• Complete daily afternoon tasks assigned, which may include, but are not limited to the following: put away snacks, clean and store rest mats, kitchen duties, lock doors and windows.
• Keep classroom, hallways, bathroom, closets and shelves attractive, orderly and sanitary. Perform cleaning tasks as needed.
• Follow and maintain organizational procedures for all areas of the school, including the children’s library, toy storage, art supplies, classroom storage cabinets.
• Perform other related duties as required.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is preferred. MA Department of Early Education & Care Lead Teacher Certification required.
• A minimum of two -three years teaching experience is required.
• CORI/SORI and Fingerprint check & First Aid/CPR Certification Required.
• Documentation of physical exam within 2 years & maintenance of professional development hours as mandated by EEC required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Classroom Teachers must be physically able to meet the demands of working with young children on a daily basis.
• Teachers must be able to get down on children’s level, play/sit on the floor, conduct and integrate physical and movement activities into the daily curriculum.
• Teachers are expected to provide outdoor/gross motor experiences daily.
• Classroom Teachers must be able to lift students up to 40 lbs.
• All teachers must be able to assist with toileting, be able to sit on the floor and at small tables, be able to move quickly when needed and be able to walk and run with children aged 6 or under.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

In employment, as in education, Regis College is committed to equal opportunity. Regis does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran’s status, membership in uniformed services or any other protected status.

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