Interaction Between Staff and Children

• Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child.

• Respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's play with language, toys and activities.

• Communicate directly with each child at the child's level.

• Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions.

• Be available and responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests.

• Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate.

• Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrateappropriate expression of emotions.

• Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to Bright Horizons' Guidelines for Positive Discipline.

• Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms.

Curriculum

• Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians.

• Design an environment which responds to children's individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests by consulting appropriate Bright Horizons' resources (i.e., Environmental Checklist).

• Provide a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities which foster social skills and encourage children to think, problem solve, question, and experiment.

• Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices.

Encourage creative expression.

• Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both location and global communities.

• Plan a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities: quiet/active, indoor/outdoor, fine/gross motor, etc.

• Plan and implement child-oriented, self-initiated activities while limiting large group, staff-initiated activities.

• Provide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility in changing planned activities, according to children's interests.

• Create documentation of children's accomplishments through anecdotal notes, documentation panels and/or portfolios.

Parent/Guardian Communication

• Acknowledge parents/guardians and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional demeanor.

• Respond to parent/guardian comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Maintain confidentiality.

• Establish and maintain a primary caregiving relationship with individual children and their families which includes initial meeting with families during orientation period.

• Invite input from parents/guardians regarding their child's development and care.

• Communicate verbally and in writing with parents/guardians daily regarding the development and specific activities of the children in their primary care.

• Plan and facilitate in regular parent/guardian conferences to discuss orientation, transitions, and developmental goals for their child based on appropriate assessment tools, (i.e., Developmental Profiles).

• Assist in planning and attend location/classroom events and meetings.

• Share resources with parents/guardians through discussions, articles, parent/guardian boards, newsletters, and community contacts.

Physical Environment, Health, Safety, and Nutrition

• Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.

• Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group whether working with a small group or individuals.

• Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times.

• Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day.

• Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies).

• Encourage children to utilizeappropriate health, safety and nutritional practices.

• Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed.

• Arrange space in clearly defined, well organized activity areas.

• Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently.

Professionalism

• Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families or Bright Horizons management and operations. Must not involve parents/guardians in location concerns.

• Demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.

• Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to parents/guardians, coworkers, and community.

• Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance, arranging and communicating leave requests in advance.

• Respect and adhere to staffing schedules which may be adjusted as program needs change and may include working in another classroom.

• Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices.

• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other location events.

• Respond to location and organizational needs by attending regional training, contributing to a newsletter, serving on a task force, or substituting at another location.

• Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature.

• Receive constructive criticism with an attitude that indicates a willingness to improve. Give feedback in a respectful manner.

Teamwork

• Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with coworkers.

• Assume a fair share of work. Look for ways to be helpful. Demonstrate initiative.

• Assume additional classroom and location responsibilities as needed: kitchen, pets, children's files, etc.

• Offer and share ideas and materials with coworkers.

• Participate actively in teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning.

• Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip.

• Exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of coworkers. Statements are based on first-hand knowledge and relevant to the interests of children and programs.

Physical Demands

• Follow state, federal and Bright Horizons' guidelines including immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training.

• Ensure children's safety while performing the following job functions:

• Frequently lift, move, or hold children with a range of weight from 10 to 40 pounds. (Occasionally lift, move, or hold weight more than 40 pounds).

• Supervise and interact daily with children outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions.

• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities.

• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.

• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.

Must have prior approval from supervisor to:

• take time off from scheduled work hours/days or alter schedule

• release a child to someone other than a known parent/guardian

• discuss behavior or developmental concerns with a parent/guardian

• purchase supplies or spend petty cash

• contact a parent/guardian regarding a child's temperature or illness

• administer medication (in compliance with state requirements)

• seek outside support services for individual children

• schedule a field trip

• transition a child into another classroom

Experience

• Must meet state experience requirements for Teacher; 12 months of professional teaching experience preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate curriculum practice.