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 strive 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 caring and experienced Infant/Toddler Teacher to join our team. This role involves nurturing and educating infants and toddlers in a safe, loving, and stimulating environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong passion for early childhood education and demonstrate a deep understanding of the developmental needs of young children. Teaching Strategies curriculum is provided for teacher to implement.
Key Responsibilities:
Classroom Management:
- Create a Nurturing Environment: Establish a warm, secure, and engaging atmosphere that promotes each child’s emotional and physical well-being.
- Daily Routine: Implement and maintain a structured daily schedule that includes feeding, diapering, napping, and engaging activities.
- Safety and Supervision: Ensure a safe, clean, and organized classroom and provide constant supervision to prevent accidents and injuries.
Child Development and Learning:
- Developmental Activities: Plan and execute developmentally appropriate activities using the Teaching Strategies Curriculum that support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth of infants and toddlers.
- Sensory and Motor Skills: Provide opportunities for sensory exploration and gross and fine motor skill development.
- Language and Communication: Encourage early language development through talking, reading, singing, and interactive play.
Individualized Care:
- Observation and Assessment: Monitor each child’s development and document milestones, challenges, and achievements.
- Personalized Attention: Provide individualized care and attention to meet the specific needs of each child, including adapting activities to suit varying developmental stages.
- Responsive Interaction: Engage with children in a responsive and nurturing manner to foster secure attachments and promote healthy development.
Communication and Collaboration:
- Parent Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with parents, providing updates on their child’s progress, daily activities, and any concerns.
- Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other teachers and staff to ensure a supportive and cohesive environment.
- Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
Health and Hygiene:
- Diapering and Feeding: Perform routine diaper changes, assist with feeding, and maintain proper hygiene practices to ensure the health and comfort of infants and toddlers.
- Health Protocols: Follow health and safety guidelines, including handwashing, sanitizing toys and surfaces, and managing any 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 progress, and any incidents or concerns.
- Lesson Planning: Document and update lesson plans and activities in accordance with center policies and regulatory requirements.
- Supplies Management: Monitor and manage classroom supplies, requesting additional materials as needed to support learning activities.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; CDA required or willingness to enter a CDA program or have 9 college credits in a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 1 years of experience working with children, preferably in a licensed childcare or educational setting.
Skills and Abilities:
- Child Development Knowledge: Strong understanding of infant and toddler developmental stages and needs.
- Nurturing Attitude: Warm, compassionate, and patient approach to working with young children.
- Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to plan and implement activities based on provided curriculum and maintain an orderly classroom.
- Problem-Solving: Effective 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 willingness to enter a CDA program or have 9 college credits in a related field.
Working Conditions:
- Environment: Work is performed in a classroom setting within a daycare or preschool facility.
- Physical Demands: Requires the ability to lift and carry infants and toddlers, get on the child's level either in a low chair or on the floor, and engage in physical play activities.
- Schedule: Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, Operating hours are 6:15am-6pm. Flexible scheduling. Willingness to open or close preferred
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
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $15.40 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 35 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Patient demographics:
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 4 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Morning shift
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person