Are you a nurturing individual who has a lot of experience working with children within the ages of Birth – Five years old? Would you enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment in a values-driven organization that cares deeply for its employees? The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center is seeking a compassionate, reflective and intentional individual who understands child development, believes play is the work of children, and is inspired to create positive change in our local community.

Full-Time Position (Part Time Negotiable) – Employment begins as soon as a mutual date is agreed upon.

Expectations of Employees:

• Support the mission of the Mandel JCC.
• Ensure the highest quality of program and services.
• Positively represent the agency.
• Passion for a career not just a job

Essential Functions:

• Plans for and provides developmentally appropriate experiences for young children.
• Maintains accurate records of each child’s progress and development
• Arranges and updates classroom to create a learning environment appropriate for children’s age.
• Ensures classrooms are stocked with materials appropriate for children’s age.
• Prepare bulletin boards and wall presentations outside of the classroom to greet parents and children.
• Communicates regularly, respectfully, and effectively with families and at a minimum makes phone calls to parents at the start of the school year, during fall conferences and periodically throughout the year on an as needed basis.
• Responsible for setting up the classroom each morning and cleaning up throughout and at the end of the day. Cleaning protocols and procedures will vary based on the current health climate and health and safety concerns.
• Fostering a sense of community in the classroom by encouraging interaction, empathy, connectedness, and independence.
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of each child. This includes ensuring each child is never left alone.
• Attend staff meetings, special school events and professional development training throughout the school year.
• Completes mandated professional development requirements in a timely manner and remains up to date and knowledgeable of the evolving field of early childhood.
• Completes two assessments of each child throughout the year, maintains ongoing records, and prepares for the parent-teacher conference using relevant information. Meets with parents on the designated conference day as well as maintain steady and frequent communication with families throughout the year.
• Consistently observes and documents what is taking place in the classroom. Uses these observations to evaluate and reflect on current teaching practice and future planning.
• Through daily notes, class newsletters, picture and video updates, maintain ongoing written and verbal communication with parents via the Kaymbu App.
• Adheres to current licensing and Step Up to Quality requirements by following all relevant ethical standards and professional guidelines
• Meets periodically and collaborates frequently with colleagues in classroom, age group and school wide.
• Integrates culturally responsive teaching practice in daily interactions with children and their families.
• Maintains professional boundaries and upholds confidentiality in relationships with staff, children and families
• Create, maintain and value relationships with all stakeholders, parents, children, co-workers and agency staff.
• Works cooperatively with co-teacher or others in age-group team.
• Is knowledgeable about Conscious Discipline and how it is an integral part of our center.
• Is knowledgeable about Reggio Approach, or seeks education on the approach, as this is the philosophy we base our classrooms around.
• Is joining with the Jewish Educator on adding content to our classrooms for holidays and customs.
• Is beginning to learn and adopt to the new Creative Curriculum
• Completes other duties assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a High School Diploma required
• Experience working with young children anywhere between the ages of 6 weeks – 5 years old
• Excellent knowledge of child development and educational methods
• Passion, patience and genuine love for working with young children
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must be adaptable, flexible and able to handle change
• Must be able to lift and move up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to sit on low chairs and on the floor to communicate with children at eye level
• Demonstrates ability to be physically engaged with children. i.e., standing, sitting, running.

***COMPENSATION COMMESURATE WITH EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION***