Position Summary: To promote the optimal development and well being of children through family-centered child care. Planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate program which emphasizes learning through play in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), BrightStars Quality Rating and Improvement System and the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards.
Qualifications: An earned Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood education or related field. Hold Rhode Island Teacher Certification Pre-K to grade 2. Certification in Rhode Island Early Learning Standards Level II, Implementing Standards Based Curriculum. Knowledge of and experience with The Creative Curriculum System for Preschool and Teaching Strategies Gold. Must meet all state licensing regulations and requirements.
A position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of ALL responsibilities, skills, efforts and working conditions associated with a job. It is instead, a description of the principal job elements needed for recruitment, placement, orientation, training, competency assessment, performance appraisal, position classification and other personnel actions.
This position is one which has been identified as having responsibility for the assessment, treatment, or care of clients. Therefore, the incumbent must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the care appropriate to the age of the clients served within the program. The incumbent must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development and the ability to assess data reflective of the client's status in addition to being able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each client's requirements relative to his/her age specific needs and be able to provide the care needed as described in the program's policies and procedures.
I. COMPETENCY / SKILL (Verification Methodology includes verbalizing knowledge, observation of actual performance by peers and supervisors, record review, consumer feedback, incidents, assessment tools and self assessments)
- To have sound knowledge of the developmental stages of early childhood.
- Knowledge of and understanding of highest quality standards of early care and education as set forth by the Rhode Island Quality Improvement System, BrightStars.
- Ability to plan and implement high quality curriculum that aligns with The Rhode Island Department of Education’s Early Learning and Development Standards.
- Ability to work independently without continual supervision.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and writing.
- Knowledge of client confidentiality procedures.
- Knowledge of sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, and social economic issues.
- Ability to recognize and act upon signs of abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
- Knowledge of universal precautions.
II. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Verification Methodology includes verbalizing knowledge, observation of actual performance by peers and supervisors, record review, consumer feedback, incidents, assessment tools and self assessments)
- To ensure that all work is accomplished in a safe manner. This includes the safety of the employee as well as others who are using the facility.
- Attend all staff meetings, and in-service training as required by supervisor.
- Protects employees and clients by maintaining a safe and clean working environment.
- To maintain a professional demeanor by acting as a role model. Demonstrate a professional manner through promptness, proper notification of tardiness or absence, maintaining a professional appearance and attitude, and proper respect for the program and agency.
- To maintain a safe, sanitary, warm, stimulating, and inviting environment.
- To possess the skills necessary to manage a high quality early care and education classroom, while providing appropriate supervision of children at all times.
- To be aware and supportive to children’s needs: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.
- To be ultimately responsible for the completion of monthly curriculum plans and engaging assistant in planning process
- To ensure monthly curriculum contains detailed lesson plans, outlining specific activities which meet the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of the children. These activities must encompass the following areas: math, science, literacy, fine motor, gross motor, dramatic play, sensory, music and movement, and language development.
- To share in the implementation of daily activities based on the children’s individual assessments.
- To oversee children’s activities interacting directly with groups and individuals.
- To use daily contact with parents to develop positive relationships; being available to parents as needed.
- To be ultimately responsible for the completion of developmental profiles and family/child goal sheets. Plan and participate in parent conferences in January and July, or as requested by parent.
- To be aware of potential safety hazards; correcting them or reporting them to supervisor.
- To be ultimately responsible for the cleanliness, sanitation, and maintenance of laundry and housekeeping tasks in assigned classroom.
- To adhere strictly to hand washing procedure.
- To be ultimately responsible for the timely submission of paperwork including: daily notes, attendance, meal sheets, newsletters, curriculum plans, volunteer and intern evaluations and developmental profiles.
- To attend and actively participate in bi-weekly staff meetings and monthly family engagement events within Sandpipers.
- Create and follow through with an annual Professional Development Plan in compliance with the Rhode Island Workforce Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood Teachers to fulfill 20 hours of professional development beyond the every other week staff meetings or family engagement events within the center. Responsible for documentation of professional development hours.
- To be a positive role model directing and guiding Assistant Teachers, substitutes, students and volunteers.
- To be ultimately responsible for arranging the classroom in a developmentally appropriate fashion. Classroom should contain a balance of the following areas: active, art, fine motor, dramatic play, quiet. These learning centers need to remain diverse, well maintained, and organized.
All other duties as assigned.
