Infant Lead Teacher

What You'll Do

Infant Teacher Responsibilities:

• Guiding babies and toddlers through education/development programs.
• Thinking on their feet and responding to each child’s needs efficiently.
• Displaying a patient and calm personality coupled with a loving approach to every child.
• Contributing positively to the behavior and social interaction of the children.
• Building secure relationships with the children.
• Working closely with the principal and department head to ensure that guidelines are adhered to.
• Keeping a diary of the day’s events for parent perusal.
• Reporting accidents, illness, and unusual behavior of children to the principal, head of department, and parents.
• Ensuring close communication with parents throughout the day should the need arise.

Key Responsibilities of an Early Childhood Educator:

• Creating a Supportive Learning Environment:
• Positive and Safe Atmosphere: Establishing a welcoming and safe space where children feel valued and encouraged to explore. 
• Room Arrangement: Designing and arranging the classroom to foster exploration and engagement, with designated areas for different activities. 
• Materials: Selecting and utilizing materials that are rich in possibilities and encourage children's curiosity. 

• Collaboration, Supervision, and Communication:
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other teachers, specialists, and administrators to plan and implement the curriculum. 
• Parent Communication: Maintaining open communication with families, sharing documentation of their children's learning, and building partnerships. 
• Professional Development: Participating in ongoing professional development to enhance teaching practices and deepen knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach. 
• Mentoring: Guiding and supporting other teachers and staff, including teacher assistants and volunteers. 
• Supervision: Providing in-class supervision and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. 

• Curriculum Development/Observation and Assessment:
• Emergent Curriculum: Creating and facilitating a curriculum based on children's interests and observations, rather than a pre-determined plan. 
• Project-Based Learning: Using projects as a basis for learning, encouraging children to explore and inquire. 
• Developmentally Appropriate Activities: Planning and implementing age-appropriate activities that promote social, cognitive, and emotional growth. 
• Documentation: Observing, reflecting, and documenting children's learning and experiences through various means (photos, videos, written reflections). 
• Individualized Support: Identifying individual children's needs and providing appropriate support and interventions. 
• Assessment: Using various assessment methods to track children's progress and inform instruction. 
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Requirements

Qualifications and Skills:

Education:

Associate's or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field is preferred

Experience:

Previous experience teaching young children, particularly in a Reggio Emilia-inspired environment, is often preferred. 

Other job requirements:

• Clearance through the Office of Early Childhood’s Background Check Information System (BCIS)
• Signed Health statement dated within one year of start date, and maintained every three years thereafter
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• ·        Ability to use technology to communicate with families.

Nice to Have

Infant experience

Knowledge of the Reggio Emilia philosophy

Benefits