The Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher assists in the daily operation of the infant or toddler classroom in a daycare setting. This person works under the direction of the lead Infant/Toddler Daycare Teacher and is responsible for sharing in the planning and daily programming for children in care. The Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher cooperates with the Infant/Toddler Daycare teacher to ensure a nurturing and developmentally appropriate atmosphere that is responsive to children’s needs and supports children’s growth in all developmental domains. The Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher is equally responsible for the safety and well-being of children in the infant or toddler daycare room.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain a nurturing, orderly, predictable and safe classroom and center environment
- Assist with the planning and implementation developmentally appropriate activities for both inside and outside (weather permitting) the classroom and that promote the physical, intellectual, social, cultural and emotional well-being of the children
- Maintain awareness of and responsibility for the ongoing activity of all children in the room at all times
- Actively engage with children through conversation and play at all times of the day, in a way that is developmentally appropriate and on their level (e.g., on the floor)
- Complete all daily functions of the classroom, including, but not limited to, setting up of activities, feeding, toileting, and cleaning
- Utilize positive behavior management strategies for effective functioning of the daycare room
- Develop professional, positive, and productive relationships with children, families, agency staff, visitors, outside agencies, and the general public
- Express a supportive and caring demeanor to relate sensitively to children, families, and program staff
- Assist the lead Infant/Toddler Daycare Teacher to monitor children’s development with periodic developmental assessments, and to identify any concerns about development that may arise
- Communicate effectively with parents with regular feedback regarding their children, through daily contact, written correspondence, and/or parent conferences
- Complete paperwork in a timely manner as required for OCFS Daycare regulations and program procedures, including health monitoring and attendance
- Cooperate with other staff members to maintain standards of professionalism throughout the center
- Attend training/conferences for continuing professional development
- Follow all State Education regulations and OCFS Daycare licensing regulations, as well as Elmcrest program policies and procedures
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Early Education Program Administrator
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalency required
Ability to present with warmth, nurturing and kindness a necessity
Knowledge of child development helpful
Knowledge of OCFS Daycare regulations helpful
