Southwestern Daycare, located in Orchard Park, NY 14127, is a small non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating educational environment. Our mission is to offer a vibrant and interactive setting where children can thrive. We work to cultivate a love for learning through a fun and engaging atmosphere, supported by a caring and dedicated staff committed to fostering each child's development and well-being.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Preschool Teacher for our 3-year-old classroom. This role involves creating a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of young children. The classroom ratio is 1:7 with a maximum of 10-11 children. The ideal candidate will have a love for early childhood education, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage young learners through age-appropriate activities. Teaching Strategies Curriculum is provided and coordinated for the preschool teacher.
Key Responsibilities:
Classroom Management:
- Create a Safe Environment: Establish and maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom that fosters a positive learning environment.
- Daily Routine: Plan and implement a structured daily schedule that includes a balance of active and quiet activities, group and individual play, and outdoor time.
- Behavior Management: Use positive guidance techniques to manage classroom behavior and support children in developing self-regulation skills.
Curriculum and Instruction:
- Lesson Implementation: Implement lessons from Teaching Strategies curriculum in a way that fosters an engaging learning environment
- Individualized Attention: Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of each child.
Developmental Support:
- Observe and Assess: Regularly observe and assess each child’s progress, documenting milestones and areas for improvement.
- Developmental Activities: Provide activities that support physical development, such as fine and gross motor skills, and cognitive development through problem-solving and critical thinking exercises.
- Social Skills: Encourage the development of social-emotional skills through cooperative play, role-playing, and group activities.
Communication and Collaboration:
- Parent Interaction: Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress, upcoming events, and any concerns or observations.
- Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other staff members to ensure a cohesive and supportive educational environment.
- Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
Health and Safety:
- Supervision: Ensure constant supervision of children to maintain a safe and secure environment.
- Health Protocols: Follow health and safety protocols, including proper handwashing, sanitization of toys and surfaces, and management of allergies or special dietary needs.
- Emergency Preparedness: Be prepared to handle emergencies, including administering first aid and following emergency evacuation procedures.
Administrative Duties:
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of attendance, developmental milestones, and any incidents or concerns.
- Supplies Management: Monitor and manage classroom supplies, requesting additional materials as needed to support learning activities.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Education: High School Diploma required; CDA required or willingness to get CDA or have 9 college credits in a related field to qualify.
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year experience working with children, preferably in a licensed childcare or educational setting.
Skills and Abilities:
- Child Development Knowledge: Strong understanding of early childhood development and age-appropriate educational practices.
- Creative Planning: Ability to plan and implement engaging and educational activities for young children.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Patience and Compassion: A nurturing, patient, and compassionate approach to working with young children.
- Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations.
Certifications:
- CPR and First Aid Certification: Required and will be offered as part of onboarding
- Child Development Associate (CDA): Required or have at least 9 college credits in a related field or willing to enter a CDA program.
Working Conditions:
- Environment: Work is performed in a classroom setting within a preschool facility.
- Physical Demands: Some lifting required, ability to get on child's level with low chairs or floor, and engage in physical play activities.
- Schedule: Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, operating hours are 6:15am-6pm; flexible scheduling and willingness to open or close is preferred. 30 - 35 hours per week.
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education and career growth.
- Sign-on Bonus: After 90 days and again at 1 year.
Pay: $15.40 per hour starting
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $15.40 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 35 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- High School Diploma or above (Required)
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Orchard Park, NY 14127: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person