Job Summary

Provide for the health, safety and well being of the young children enrolled in the Children’s Center. Assist in the planning and implementation of a well balanced program of age appropriate experiences and activities designed to meet the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of the children in his/her classroom. This person must be able to work well with others and be willing to fulfill their responsibilities in accordance with the Center’s mission, goals and philosophy.

Job Description

POSITION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be familiar with and act in accordance with the school's philoso­phy and policies as stated in the Parent and Employee Handbooks, and the following description of Performance Criteria.
• Assist and take initiative in the following:
• The supervision of children indoor and outdoors to ensure their safety and well being, moving with children as they change location (maintenance of a clean and safe environment, staff lounge as well as classroom and schoolyards).
• The development and implementa­tion of an anti-bias, emergent type curri­culum which provides a safe, secure, and stimulating learning environment that meets the entirety of children's individual needs, including areas of social, emotional, cognitive, physical development, and creative expression.
• Meet the maintenance needs of the individual child (i.e. feeding, diaper-changing, hand washing, nose blowing).  Plan and provide snack/nutrition in accordance with the school's policy.
• Notify the lead teacher or associate teacher of needed supplies. Communicate effectively and cooperating with other staff members. Attend scheduled staff meetings and other center functions or activities.  Becoming familiar with routine room paperwork (i.e. medical sheets, sign in sheets, activity sheets) and assist in completing monthly status reports in a timely manner.
• Set regular job related goals and objectives, in cooperation and coordination with supervisors, to further personal and professional growth.  Follow through on self initiated and assigned tasks.
• Be responsive to lead teachers (and teachers acting in their stead), taking and following through on requests and direct­ions in a cooperative manner.  Pass on information from parents to the lead teacher (e.g. medication, absences, general information), and referring parents to lead teacher as appropriate.  Provide supportive assistance to new substitutes and volunteers, as well as other new staff.
• Be flexible to meet program needs, including assisting teachers and children in other groups as needed.
• Able to respond quickly when a situation warrants immediate action.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 12 units completed in Early Childhood Education or the equivalent (as stipulated by Department of Social Services State Licensing), including 3 units in Infant/Toddler if working with children under the age of 2.
• Minimum 1-2 years work experience in a licensed Child Care Center or comparable group Child Care Program. Infant/Toddler experience preferred. Minimum 18 years of age.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of: early childhood education, child growth and development, and basic health and safety standards.  Some knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and NAEYC Accreditation criteria helpful.
• Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral) and a demonstrated ability to understand and balance the needs of all of the center's primary clients: children, parents, teachers and the LMU community.
• Highly developed organizational and leadership skills. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; nurturing, supportive, compassionate, responsive and conscientious.
• Demonstrated computer competency and preferably knowledgeable of photoshop/zoombrowser systems.

Hiring Salary Range 

$25.19 - $26.00 hourly. This position is non-exempt.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Typically a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Maintaining a physically healthy condition to be able to pick up children weighing up to 45 pounds as needed, and to play actively with them.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop; occasionally run or crawl; speak clearly; see both near and far with depth perception; and hear at a conversation level.