Head Teacher, Infant and Toddler Rooms

The JCP Early Childhood Center (ECC) fosters the growth of each child in a nurturing environment that supports all areas of development (including cognitive, social and emotional) and encourages emerging independence. We believe in flexibility within structure allowing children a great deal of opportunity for exploration and discovery as they seek meaning in the world, while feeling the security of appropriate boundaries. With a low student to teacher ratio, we work hand in hand with parents to form partnerships of trust and to set appropriate goals for children. The uniqueness of each child is respected as well as the importance of community.

The following job description briefly outlines some of the basic job responsibilities. This description is not meant to be all inclusive. Additional responsibilities may be assigned from time to time by the Director. All teachers are expected to be familiar with the JCP ECC Staff Manual as well as the JCP Employee Handbook and to follow the procedures and expectations therein.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

? Plan, execute, and assess developmentally appropriate curriculum and experiences in harmony with the school’s philosophy and mission.
? Differentiate instruction to assess and support the progress of individual children.
? Ensure positive guidance of children’s behavior and group management.
? Ensure that the children’s environment is healthy and safe, in compliance with the DOH guidelines
? Ensure positive communication with parents and outside professionals of related services.
? Contribute to the ongoing operations of the school by helping to create a harmonious atmosphere, working collaboratively within a teaching team, and carrying out additional responsibilities to the school community in a positive, collegial manner.
? Supervise, mentor and provide feedback to Associate and Assistant teachers.
? An excellent understanding of developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum and pedagogy.
? An understanding of the developmental issues that affect children and their families and an appreciation for the diversity of families.
? Experience implementing positive discipline strategies.
? Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
? Mature and responsible attitude towards work.

Qualifications and requirements:
? Attend and participate in ECC provided trainings to comply with state regulations for childcare professionals.
? Able to clearly communicate including reading, writing and verbal skills.
? A Bachelors or Masters degree and NY State Certification in Early Childhood Education either completed or in progress OR a high school diploma/GED plus five years of experience as per the New York City Health Code Article 47 legal and safety rules for Child Care Programs and Family Shelter-Based Drop-off Child Supervision Programs
? Successful completion of DOH required trainings, as well as other trainings required by JCP Downtown.
? Subject to successful completion of DOH required background checks, reference checks, as well as JCP required background check

Physical Requirements:
? Able to meet the physical demands of staying in proximity of children to be within arm’s reach.
? Lift, carry, and move children weighing up to 50 pounds including lifting children onto a changing table to a height of 4-5 feet, or lifting children from play equipment.
? Participate in safety drills by following the established guidelines which includes moving children from one location to another. This may involve carrying multiple children to designated locations.
? Frequently get up and down from the floor and bending while interacting with the children.
? Stand and sit for extended periods of time interchangeably throughout the day.
? Climb and descend 1 flight of stairs (while helping children safely navigate steps).
? Withstand outdoor temperatures and conditions for extended periods of time during all seasons.
? Frequently experience a noisy and loud environment including children laughing, talking, shouting, and crying.
? Ability to be incidentally exposed to common childhood illnesses and other common colds/flus/viruses.
? Use ECC provided cleaning solutions and products to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for children and staff. Perform minimal cleaning tasks (wiping tables, sanitizing changing table, etc).