Under the direction of the Program Director, the Child Care Teacher (Job Code: 4909) provides oversight, routine training and guidance. Develops and implements daily lesson plans to support and advance physical, social, emotional, and intellectual competence of children. This includes maintaining an attractive, safe, and healthy learning environment that allows children's active participation, independent choices within the context of a structured curriculum meeting child care licensing standards. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with families and provides timely communication in regards to child's development progress and concerns. Assesses, identifies, and communicates with families level of accomplishment and needs for the individual child against the background of norms of attainment for a developmental stage and individual history.
This position will participate in staff development opportunities and support and advance the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position is based on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus at the Early Childhood Development Center. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. This position reports to the Program Director, is a 100% position, and holds a 12-month appointment.
The hours vary according to the needs of the program between 7:30 am - 5 pm.
Job Responsibilities
Teacher (80 %)

• Establishes and maintains an inclusive, professional and safe learning space for children of all backgrounds, identities, abilities and developmental stages in compliance with MN DHS licensing, as well as relevant federal laws.
• Plan and execute a consistent daily visible schedule of routines and activities.
• Conduct daily checks of the environment; assign, monitor, and follow up on the health and safety of the children and ensure the supervision of children are within sight and sound as per MN DHS Licensing (indoors and outdoors).
• Maintain and secure the confidentiality of information and records regarding staff, children, and families.
• Participate in on-going reflection (monthly and yearly) on evaluation of the program and personal professional development aligning with performance and job responsibilities.
• Plan and Implement emergent curriculum for children in a developmentally appropriate and inclusive environment.
• Use small groups, reflective practice, and observations when planning and implementation of learning experiences.
• Support the development of the child's role as an integral member of their learning community through developing the child's self-image and competence.
• Prepares materials required for daily instruction and classroom environment for the children.

Communication/Family Relationships (8%)

• Maintain an open verbal and written communication with parents regarding child development, behavior issues, parent education, and other child related issues.
• Regularly communicate parent, child, and/or staff issues with the Program Director (i.e., concerned parents, a child's behavior problems, or an employee's performance issues).
• Regularly communicate and collaborate with fellow teachers.

Supervising Student Staff & Lab Students (7 %)

• Regularly communicate and collaborate in supporting the children's overall healthy development. This includes assessments of lab activities implemented by the education student.
• May provide directions in the care, education, and supervision of children, including changing, toileting, feeding, naptime, and playground supervision. This also included preparation and cleanup of educational materials.

Documentation and Assessment (5 %)

• Assess the individual children's learning and development.
• Maintain accurate documentation and anecdotal records on children.
• Review assessments and documentation of children's learning to revisit, reflect, and extend emergent curriculum, investigations, and small group explorations.
• Update and extend documentation to reflect children's work, processes, questions, and dialogues between teacher to child, child-to-child, with encounters, investigations and projects.

Required Qualifications

• A combination of education, work/intern experience that meets State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 3 (9503.0032) requirements for Child Care Centers. For example; a high school diploma/GED, 24 quarter credit hours, and 4,160 hours directly related experience. Visit https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9503.0032/ for additional qualifications.
• Have or be willing to obtain within 90 days, 8 hours approved first aid training and Infant CPR.
• Pass background fingerprint study and reference verification that meets requirements of State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 11

Must be able to repeatedly perform each of the following:

1. Physically supervise young children, protecting and preventing harm to them.
2. Immediately respond to emergency situations.
3. Visually and aurally observe children in their environment.
4. Communicate with children and their parents/guardians
5. Move quickly
6. Move between floor and small chairs
7. Bend, stoop, stand, reach, squat, sit (on floor and/or child size chairs)
8. Carry and lift children weighing between 30-50 pounds
9. Push 4-6 seat strollers while walking with children

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in providing daily care, developmentally appropriate education, and supervision of young children from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and communities.
• Ability to observe children and adapt curriculum based on their developmental needs and interests.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with people from a variety of backgrounds and identities.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate an understanding of child development and best teaching practices.
• Strong collaboration skills to effectively partner with colleagues, parents, and children in a professional manner.
  Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and prioritize.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).