EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER
#2530
General Characteristics:
An Early Childhood Teacher has responsibility for the daily care, supervision and instruction of infants, toddlers and pre-school age children; provides appropriate role modeling and close supervision for college students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program; plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and monitors young children's learning and development; provides parent communication, education and referral; does related work as required. Work requires knowledge of child development, excellent communication skills and tremendous patience to provide a safe, emotionally secure and nurturing environment for the healthy development of young children. Physical strength and agility are required to lift children and equipment. Work requires a high level of physical activity to bend, stoop, pursue and carry children. Working conditions include potential exposure to body fluids.
Examples of Work:
Provides supervision for infants, toddlers and pre-school age children in a variety of settings including meals, nap time, indoor and outdoor play, walks and field trips; assesses children's health including presence of contagious diseases or signs of child abuse; administers prescription drugs as required; reports suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities; plans and carries out age appropriate curriculum activities; develops teaching aids; assesses the growth and development of children enrolled in Child Development Center programs; develops and carries out individualized education plans for children with special needs; teaches social skills by providing children with age appropriate guidance and discipline; establishes networks with other agencies outside the College to provide referrals for children and parents with special needs.
Monitors College students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program during interactions with infants, toddlers and pre-school children and record observations of performance; models appropriate adult-child interactions to promote healthy emotional, physical and mental development; assists ECE students in developing and implementing their required curriculum projects; uses active listening techniques and constructive feedback to guide students and parents.
Provides two-way communication with parents of babies and young children by greeting them and discussing information about their child and program information; provides parenting skills and child development theory training for parents of children enrolled in program; writes weekly parent newsletter; participates in "open house" for parents; shares individualized care plans with parents.
Maintains records of attendance, meal counts and children's personal data and progress; applies first aid and documents injuries which occur; sanitizes toys; changes diapers and assists young children with toileting behavior; keeps toys and supplies neat and orderly; inventories and orders supplies.
Plans and implements child care center curriculum in conjunction with center coordinator and other staff; refers children with special needs to outside professionals or center coordinator; discusses program requirements and courses with instructional staff of the Early Childhood Education program.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of and skill in applying the principles and practices of healthy early childhood development; knowledge of and skill in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum activities and materials for young children; knowledge of the program's philosophy and policies; knowledge of State and local child care, sanitation, and safety regulations; ability to work well with infants, toddlers and pre-school age children; ability to model appropriate adult-child interactions; ability to provide age appropriate guidance and discipline for young children; ability to positively reinforce appropriate behavior of young children and College students; ability to observe and document the interactions of College students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program with young children; ability to operate nebulizer, copiers, audiovisual equipment and household appliances; ability to assist College students to plan and carry out required ECE projects; ability to use active listening and constructive feedback to guide students; ability to assess the physical health, well being, growth and development of young children; ability to identify signs of child abuse and neglect and notify appropriate authorities; ability to prepare written materials for parents and staff such as newsletters and informational handouts; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to identify children's needs and provide appropriate responses; ability to maintain a patient, caring and respectful attitude with young children; ability to keep up with current developments and research in child development; ability to ensure that program is based on current knowledge of child development and early childhood education; ability to keep accurate and detailed records on children and center attendance; ability to keep the learning environment neat and orderly; ability to sanitize toys; ability to lift children and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; ability to administer first aid and CPR; ability to bend, stoop and run; ability to be physically active in order to keep up with young children; ability to work safely.
Supervision:
Reports to and works under the general supervision of a faculty member from Early Childhood Education or the Director of Student Activities.
A Child Care Center Coordinator trains, assigns tasks, provides priorities and is available to troubleshoot problems on a daily basis.
Assignments are given in terms of general philosophy, goals, objectives and policies. After an initial training period, work is performed independently based upon previous knowledge and skills. Work is reviewed through observation for the appropriateness of supervision and teaching techniques.
This position may have responsibility to plan work, assign tasks, train, observe interactions with children and provide feedback on teaching skills of College students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program. Some positions may lead the work of others such as hourly employees, parents, student assistants and volunteers.
Minimum Qualifications:
An associate degree in early childhood education, child development or a related field is required. One year of experience working with infants, toddlers or pre-school age children is required. A current Oregon Approved Food Handlers Card and a current first aid/CPR card are required. Good moral character without felony convictions is required. A current Oregon driver's license is required for some positions.
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.
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