Job Description

General Function:

The individual selected for this position will be responsible for the general supervision and management of the Preschool Classroom.

Requirements:

The person selected must be professionally prepared as an experienced teacher of young children, especially in the field of early childhood education and must be able to meet the requirements of the Office of Licensing for the state of New Jersey. This person must be sensitive and mature and have the ability to relate well to both children and adults. This person must have the personality, patience, creativity and the ability to provide leadership and stability for program continuity. This person must have evidence of training of First Aid and Infant-Child CPR (or willingness to be trained). Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is preferred.

Principle Activities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Planning, supervising and implementing the program in accordance with the philosophy and policies of The Learning Gate, Office of Licensing and Grow NJ Kids
• Being responsible for the safety, security, and nurturing of the children assigned to the classrooms at all times.
• Gearing the program to the needs of individual children, recognizing their differences, special interests, handicaps, abilities and individual styles and pace of learning socialization skills
• Effectively creating and executing developmentally appropriate activity plans on weekly or monthly basis, reflecting consideration for individual children\xe2\x80\x99s needs, interest, and abilities.
• Documenting attendance, accident reports, medication waivers, and daily care sheets for each child in compliance with The Learning Gate and licensing regulations.
• Treating all children at all times with dignity and respect, recognizing that each has his/her unique qualities, gifts, and needs. Giving personal attention to each child, each day, at the child\xe2\x80\x99s eye level, and with a pleasant, respectful tone
• Greeting every child, parent, fellow staff and visitor with a smile and friendliness. Interacting with children on their eye level, using calm, natural and respectful tones of voice.
• Being responsible for the ordered arrangement, appearance, d\xc3\xa9cor and learning environment for the classrooms. Assuring safe and sanitary use and maintenance of all classroom equipment and supplies.
• Conducting parent conferences on children\xe2\x80\x99s adjustment to the classroom and appropriate Center behavior on an as needed basis, and in a professional manner.
• Preparing bi-annual progress reports for each child in his/her classroom.
• Preparing and submitting monthly newsletter entries and weekly lesson plans.
• Assisting the Site Director in explaining your classroom program to visitors.
• Assisting the Site Director in supervising the teaching staff and ensuring a smooth coordination of all classroom activities as well as staff to student interrelationships.
• Assisting the Site Director in obtaining appropriate and informative teacher training activities.
• Building and maintaining effective communication lines with the children, parents, fellow staff and the Site Director.
• Assisting the Site Director with the ongoing Center evaluation process regarding the procedures needed to assess the developmental levels of the children we serve.
• Attending all staff meetings and conferences of professional organizations appropriate for Early Childhood educators, occasionally as a representative of the Center. Attending child care family events (i.e. Holiday parties, Back to School Night, etc...) Volunteering, when possible, for Learning Gate-sponsored events.
• Assuming any other duties as requested by professional staff of The Learning Gate
• Will oversee as needed and the parent requested feeding of every infant and toddler in a clean, sanitary and safe manner, so that every child has clean hands and face following every feeding. Each child should have a clean face and hands when leaving the Center.
• Will oversee the practice of a regular schedule and as needed diapering procedures so that no child is allowed to be wet or soiled for more than 5 minutes. Every child should leave the Center with a clean diaper.
• Must model the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility.
• Function as a cooperative, productive member of The Learning Gate team.

Essential Functions:

Job requires assistance with toileting, feeding, cleaning and personal hygiene assistance. Pushing a buggy, lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, stooping, sitting on child sized chairs, changing diapers, toileting children, climbing, reaching, carrying, or holding children up to 50 lbs. Must be able to visually supervise children and staff. Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing and in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff and parents. Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

The Learning Gate