Job Overview

This position is responsible for the academic, social-emotional, and developmental growth of all children in their care, which may include toddlers and/or preschool-age children. Develops partnerships with parents, children, and caregivers to engage and encourage participation in the program. He/she is also responsible for assuring compliance with State and local governing entities and works collectively with other staff member of AVANCE.

Job Responsibilities

• Promotes and models the organization's Core Values.
• Always ensures the safety and well-being of children while under AVANCEs care.
• When administering medications, the staff member must:
  • Read the label and prescription directions in relation to the required dose, frequency, storage, and other circumstances relative to administration;
  • Use age-appropriate administration techniques to gain the child's cooperation; and
  • Document that medication, in fact, was administered.
• Follows program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.
• Ensures that no child will be left alone or unsupervised while under our care.
• Uses positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. In addition, staff will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.
• Maintains an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child's family, encourages their involvement in the program, and promotes parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationships.
• Promotes feelings of security and trust in infants and toddlers by being warm, supportive, and comforting, and by establishing strong and caring relationships with them.
• Provides infants and toddlers with experiences and opportunities that allow them to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving skills, and creativity, as well as a sense of self and a feeling of belonging to the group.
• Conducts developmental screenings of infants and toddlers motor, language, social, cognitive, perceptual, and emotional skills as directed.
• Develops and teaches weekly lesson plans for each child according to the early childhood and assessment tool standards as directed.
• Assures that parents sign in on the right day and time and that in and out times are documented by parent.
• Reports suspected neglect, abuse, and medical conditions/illnesses immediately.
• Responsible for maintaining an average daily attendance of at least 85 percent.
• Attends required professional development.
• Actively encourages parents to participate in two home visits annually for each child enrolled in a center-based program option. These home visits must be initiated and carried out by the child's teacher. Ensures that procedures are followed in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Ensures all performance, program and licensing standards are followed consistently.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

Required:

• CDA in Infant/Toddler

Preferred:

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 18 hours in Early Childhood Education.
• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 18 hours in Early Childhood Education.

Work Experience

Required: Six months in a licensed childcare facility or in a public/private school or early childhood facility or has completed an early childhood degree program where practicum(s) were required.

Preferred: Some experience working with infants and toddlers in a child development center or home-based program.

Additional Skills

• Must have successfully completed CPR and First Aid Training.
• Must be computer literate, and have proficient working knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Must have interpersonal and team building skills.
• Spanish fluency helpful, but not required.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Must have dependable transportation on a daily basis, valid drivers license, a clean driving record, current auto liability insurance and be bondable by AVANCE, San Antonio, Inc.

Disclaimer(s)

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Nothing in this job description forms or is intended to form a contract of employment. Neither shall the content in this job description be interpreted to be in conflict with, or to eliminate or modify in any way, the at will employment status of AVANCE San Antonio employees. Employment remains on an at-will basis.

Travel

0-10% annually on average

Equipment

Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, resource materials and equipment, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental and Physical Demands

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with interruptions and deadlines; walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; occasional: lifting/carrying, pulling/pushing 10-30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Factors

Occasional exposure to biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.). Occasional expose to weather related conditions when working in outside environment/neighborhoods and events.

ADA/ADAAA Statement

AVANCE is committed to equal opportunity in employment for persons with disabilities and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and any other applicable state and federal laws. Accordingly, AVANCE does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Moreover, it is AVANCEs policy to provide reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of AVANCEs business or would change the essential functions of the position. Retaliation against an individual with a disability for utilizing this policy or seeking a reasonable accommodation is prohibited. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department.

EEO/AAP Statement

AVANCE values diversity and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. It is also our goal to employ and advance in employment women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, and to treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.