Early Childhood Educator - Lead Teacher Qualified

Job Summary:
Puffer Child Care Center is seeking a qualified Lead Teacher to join our team! Prioritizing applicants with at least two years of prior ECE classroom supervision and management experience and those with ECE related degrees. Bonus if you have your pre-k teaching license or are near completion! PCCC is looking to find someone with previous Lead Teaching experience in an ECE setting and who is able to create and provide a positive atmosphere while supporting all areas of development.

We are a 5 STAR and Specialized Care Center with three classrooms with ages 6 weeks to 6 years. This role has been known to entail a fast-paced environment and involves being on your feet often. Someone who is able to react promptly to situations and the ability to adapt to the needs of the students and environment is a must. Ideally this candidate will enjoy interacting with children under the age of five and will work closely with their co-teacher(s) to ensure consistent quality interactions and communication.

Teachers at Puffer Child Care Center are a group of highly passionate and fun-loving individuals. We are team orientated and support each classrooms equally. We strive for a supportive workplace that fosters growth.

*Pay is based on experience and qualifications

We are looking to fill two of the following shift:

Monday-Friday

• 7:00AM - 3:30/3:45PM
• 7:30AM - 3:45PM / 4:00PM
• 7:45AM-3:45 / 4:00PM
• 8:00 AM - 4:30PM

Responsibilities:

The Teacher Associate is Lead Teacher qualified and may work with and supervise a Teacher Assistant or a Trainee and may Co-Lead a classroom with another Teacher Associate or Teacher. You will work closely with your teaching team to plan age and developmentally appropriate curriculum that is connected to VELS. Teacher Associates must have strong classroom management skills and must be comfortable managing a classroom by themselves (while in ratio) when necessary. Teacher Associates are responsible for implementing a daily classroom routine and responsible for assisting in the daily center routines. The Teacher Associate is expected to model appropriate language and classroom expectations for students and other employees. The Assistant Teacher will also develop positive and respectful relationships with families and co-workers.

Essential Duties or Tasks

• Supervise children at all times by sight and sound. Children are NEVER to be left alone or permitted to leave the classroom without an adult. Classrooms must maintain VT teacher to child ratio at all times.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment by monitoring classrooms/playground regularly for hazardous materials and correcting problems immediately or removing children until hazards can be corrected: All employees must inform the Director of these issues, regardless of them being fixed. This includes classrooms/playground toys, Center equipment such as sinks, doors/doorknobs, windows, anything that is considered splintered,chipped, cracked, or otherwise broken. Playgrounds must be free of trash.
• Guide children using positive discipline techniques - See Employee Handbook on Positive Discipline.
• Adhere to Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum, focusing on child-centered interests. See Employee Handbook for information regarding Reggio Emilia Curriculum.
• Plans and implements weekly curriculum following Vermont Early Learning Standards. Lesson plans should be submitted by Friday for the following week, or may be submitted as a monthly lesson plan by the last Friday of the month to the Director. All lesson plans should include each learning domain of VELS and should be age and developmentally appropriate. See Employee Handbook for VELS Curriculum Standards.
• Keep the classroom looking organized, inviting, and should rotate artwork, projects, materials and toys regularly within each learning domain/center.
• Incorporate outdoor learning into weekly/monthly curriculum and plan for daily outdoor play (or indoor gross motor play) for a minimum of 60 minutes a day, per licensing standards. Teachers should bring proper attire for all types of weather exploration.
• Be mindful of outdoor safety such as extreme hot/cold temperatures including the humidity/UV. Use the weather chart located in the classroom as a reference.
• Observe, document, and assess each child’s development throughout the year using TSG or ASQ. See Employee Handbook on Documentation/Assessment Requirements.
• Modify activities to meet the needs and interests of each child, based on observations and assessments, or student IEP’s.
• Develop and maintain a positive and respectful working relationship with other employees and families by communicating regularly via ChildPilot, in person check ins, journal entries, incident reports, or phone calls. Refer parents to the Director upon questions, concerns, or commentary regarding scheduling, billing, or classroom transitions. Concerning behavior and or of the development of a student should be addressed through the Director BEFORE bringing it to the parents. This information is sensitive and must be communicated professionally. We are not here to “diagnose” or place labels on a child.
• Maintain an accurate and timely record of incident reports, medication, attendance, and behavior tracking if applicable. If ABC charts are used, forms must be turned into the office after parent has read and signed it.
• Model, support, and assist students with proper hygiene habits such as toileting, handwashing and blowing nose. Assist students in developing these skills and modifying the level of support until they are able to do so independently.
• Work as a team with other staff members to ensure the smooth operation of the center. If applicable: aid in supervision, training, and evaluation of assistant teacher or trainee.
• Prepare a substitute classroom folder, including favorite classroom activities, routines/schedule, rest mat locations, IEP plans if applicable, allergies if any, etc.
• Prepare for, participate, and attend Parent Teacher Conferences with teaching team, twice a year.

Other Duties and Tasks

• Assist in maintaining the appearance of the center, both inside and outside (Following employee bathroom cleaning checklist, shoveling outside sidewalk/emergency routes, raking or other necessary yard work to ensure safety and cleanliness of playgrounds).
• Maintain supply areas in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Notify the director of materials/cleaning supplies that need to be reordered, before they’re out.
• Answer the phone in a pleasant and professional manner, write any message and place it in the Directors mailbox.
• Assist children with meals, toileting, napping.
• Participate in staff surveys and program assessments.
• Actively encourage families to participate in classroom and center-wide activities.
• Perform miscellaneous job - related duties as assigned.

Other professional responsibilities

• Maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification and other necessary trainings,
• Must pass a background check.
• Update IPDP annually. See Employee Handbook for requirements.
• Ensure that all Vermont State Child Care Regulations are followed throughout the day.
• Obtain 30 hours of training, annually.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift children up to 45 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, or kneel to achieve eye-level with children
• Ability to sit on the floor and/or a child sized chair.
• Ability to at minimum spend 1-hour outside in all kinds of weather, including, heat, cold, rain and snow.
• Ability to react quickly.
• Ability to communicate effectively and calmy with parents & staff.

Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED

Must be minimum 21 years of age

Associates or Bachelors in ECE or a minimum of 21 related ECE credits / Minimum Level 3B Certificate w/ Northern Lights Career Ladder

Other requirements for this position include:

• Excellent communication skills with both young children and adults.
• Demonstrated competency in engaging in effective, nurturing interactions with children.
• Ability to plan and implement appropriate, child-centered learning experiences.
• Familiarity with community resources and supportive services.
• Positive regard for and ability to engage with diverse populations and people with low incomes.
• Attend monthly staff meetings
• Attend most to all center-wide events
• Ability to pass background and fingerprinting
• CPR and First Aid Certification obtained within the first three months of employment

SOME of our Benefits Include:

- 2 Mental Health Days after 6 month employment

- Generous Sick Time and Vacation PTO Offered, plus increase yearly!

- Paid Time offered to complete college coursework and flexible scheduling to accommodate

- 11 Major Holidays paid, plus a generous Winter Break for those employed over 6 months

- Paid Snow Days and delays due to weather

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives while fostering their academic and personal growth. If you are dedicated to shaping the minds of tomorrow's leaders, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding Educator position.

***Puffer Child Care Center is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity and equal treatment to all persons in all employment matters without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, ancestry, disability, or any other protected category.***

Pay: $23.00 - $29.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person