Position Information

Reports to: Center Director

Work Location: 6 Palm Street Newark, NJ 07106

Salary: TBD

Hours: 8.5 (30-minute unpaid lunch)

Terms of Employment: 12 Months

Job Goal:

To collaborate effectively with staff, parents, and volunteers in fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of the Child Development Center programs, ensuring the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of infants, toddlers, and their families are met.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Actively assist the co-teacher in preparing, implementing, and continuously evaluating engaging daily classroom activities.
• Collaborate effectively to ensure that every child is taught and supervised in a consistent and caring manner.
• Take the primary lead in nurturing and guiding four infants/toddlers, fostering their development and growth.
• Ensure all children remain in sight and sound at all times, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
• Step into a leadership role when the co-teacher is absent, ensuring stability and care for the children with a substitute present.
• Partner with the co-teacher and parents to meet the daily needs and routines of each child, creating a supportive atmosphere.
• Ensure a smooth sign-in and sign-out process for all children, utilizing the Brightwheel app to enhance communication with parents.
• Work together with the co-teacher and parents to create and maintain a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for all.
• Share the vital responsibility of keeping the classroom orderly and clean, which includes essential janitorial tasks like sterilizing toys and maintaining clean bathrooms.
• Contribute to mealtime and cleanup, promoting a sense of community and engagement among children.
• Assist with daily personal hygiene tasks, including diapering, feeding, handwashing, and resting to promote good habits.
• Share in the responsibility of offering compassionate care for children with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and support.
• Attend center activities as required, bringing relevant and valuable educational insights to enrich our programs.
• Provide thoughtful input to the co-teacher for Parent/Staff Conferences, Comprehensive Staffing, and Monthly Individual Child Goal tracking, emphasizing a child-centered approach.
• Conduct important developmental screenings and assessments, guiding children toward their milestones.
• Engage fully in lesson planning and implementation, inspiring a passion for learning.
• Utilize the expertise of the co-teacher, other staff, and resource library to enhance your teaching strategies and effectiveness.
• Maintain open and positive communication with parents, children, and colleagues, building strong relationships that support child development.
• Commit to applying safe practices in every duty performed, ensuring a secure environment for everyone involved.
• Report any unsafe or hazardous conditions immediately, contributing to a safe community.
• Adhere strictly to agency safety standards, promoting a culture of safety and health.
• Participate in emergency drills with enthusiasm, ensuring preparedness for all situations.
• Cultivate a culture of safety within the workplace, inspiring a collective commitment to well-being.

Qualifications:

• Infant/Toddler CDA or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education with infant/toddler classes or
• Currently enrolled in an Infant/Toddler CDA class or some college credits in Early Childhood Education or
• One year experience in an infant/toddler or preschool-related program with the intention to enroll in an Infant/Toddler CDA class or
• Individuals without any experience who are willing to enroll in an Infant/Toddler CDA class will be considered for employment
• Early Head Start/Child Care experience (preferred)
• Multi-cultural experience a plus

General Staff Requirements:

• Enroll in the New Jersey Workforce (NJCCIS).
• Provide a physical examination, drug screen, and TB screen upon hire and annually.
• Hold a current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Attend assigned meetings and training sessions, even outside regular hours.
• Know agency policies and objectives.
• Build respectful relationships with staff, children, families, and the community.
• Maintain accurate records and confidentiality.
• Pursue ongoing professional development.
• Act as a mandated reporter per Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.
• Be present at work to provide consistent services and contribute positively as a team member.

Other Requirements:

• Communicate effectively with staff, families, children, and the public.
• Monitor compliance with standards.
• Analyze and reference written material.
• Be fluent in spoken and written English.
• Conduct physical inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Work physically with children, lifting to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Ensure safety using all senses.
• Write clearly and correctly.
• Set up and clean the classroom as required.
• Understand infant and toddler development principles.
• Familiarity with teaching methods for young children.
• Meet the physical demands of an 8-hour workday.
• Operate classroom tools and computers efficiently.