"Child Care Teacher"

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Child Care Teacher (Job Code: 4909) provides oversight, routine training and guidance. Develops and implements daily lesson plans to support and advance physical, social, emotional, and intellectual competence of children. This includes maintaining an attractive, safe, and healthy learning environment that allows children's active participation, independent choices within the context of a structured curriculum meeting child care licensing standards. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with families and provides timely communication in regards to child's development progress and concerns. Assesses, identifies, and communicates with families level of accomplishment and needs for the individual child against the background of norms of attainment for a developmental stage and individual history.

This position will participate in staff development opportunities and support and advance the program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position is based on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus at the Early Childhood Development Center. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. This position reports to the Program Director, is a 100% position, and holds a 12-month appointment. The hours vary according to the needs of the program between 7:30 am - 5 pm.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Teacher (80%)

• Establishes and maintains an inclusive, professional and safe learning space for children of all backgrounds, identities, abilities and developmental stages in compliance with MN DHS licensing, as well as relevant federal laws.
• Plan and execute a consistent daily visible schedule of routines and activities.
• Conduct daily checks of the environment; assign, monitor, and follow up on the health and safety of the children and ensure the supervision of children are within sight and sound as per MN DHS Licensing (indoors and outdoors).
• Maintain and secure the confidentiality of information and records regarding staff, children, and families.
• Participate in on-going reflection (monthly and yearly) on evaluation of the program and personal professional development aligning with performance and job responsibilities.
• Plan and Implement emergent curriculum for children in a developmentally appropriate and inclusive environment.
• Use small groups, reflective practice, and observations when planning and implementation of learning experiences.
• Support the development of the child’s role as an integral member of their learning community through developing the child’s self-image and competence.
• Prepares materials required for daily instruction and classroom environment for the children.

Communication/Family Relationships (8%)

• Maintain an open verbal and written communication with parents regarding child development, behavior issues, parent education, and other child related issues.
• Regularly communicate parent, child, and/or staff issues with the Program Director (i.e., concerned parents, a child’s behavior problems, or an employee’s performance issues).
• Regularly communicate and collaborate with fellow teachers.

Supervising Student Staff & Lab Students (7%)

• Regularly communicate and collaborate in supporting the children’s overall healthy development. This includes assessments of lab activities implemented by the education student.
• May provide directions in the care, education, and supervision of children, including changing, toileting, feeding, naptime, and playground supervision. This also included preparation and cleanup of educational materials.

Documentation and Assessment (5%)

• Assess the individual children’s learning and development.
• Maintain accurate documentation and anecdotal records on children.
• Review assessments and documentation of children’s learning to revisit, reflect, and extend emergent curriculum, investigations, and small group explorations.
• Update and extend documentation to reflect children’s work, processes, questions, and dialogues between teacher to child, child-to-child.

Required Qualifications

• A combination of education, work/intern experience that meets State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 3 (9503.0032) requirements for Child Care Centers.
• Have or be willing to obtain within 90 days, 8 hours approved first aid training, Infant CPR.
• Pass background fingerprint study and reference verification that meets requirements of State of MN State Human Services Licensing Act, Rule 11.
• Must be able to repeatedly perform each of the following: Physically supervise young children, protecting and preventing harm to them. Immediately respond to emergency situations. Visually and aurally observe children in their environment. Communicate with children and their parents/guardians. Move quickly. Move between floor and small chairs. Bend, stoop, stand, reach, squat, sit (on floor and/or child size chairs). Carry and lift children weighing between 30-50 pounds. Push 4-6 seat strollers while walking with children.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in providing daily care, developmentally appropriate education, supervision of young children from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and communities.
• Ability to observe children and adapt curriculum based on their developmental needs and interests.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with people from a variety of backgrounds and identities.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate an understanding of child development and best teaching practices.
• Strong collaboration skills to effectively partner with colleagues, parents, and children in a professional manner.
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and prioritize.