lead toddler teacher
caterpillar care ® is concerned with the: safety, love, & education of all children. our nursery & day care centers are focused on the critical care & educational needs of infants “caterpillars” (6) six weeks of age – toddlers “butterflies” (35) thirty-five months of age. caterpillar care ® is a nursery & day care. we're the step before pre-school. it is our company’s initiative to put young and working parents at ease, while their little ones are safe in our care.
our schools offer professional ‘year-round’ and/or annual day care services for clients: monday – friday, from 6:00 a.m. cst – 6:00 p.m. cst. (*center locations officially open/close between 6:00 a.m. cst – 7:00 p.m. cst, which may vary by day – in conjunction with official center closure: guidelines, policies, & procedures).
position description
this is a full-time salaried position, in where an eligible candidate is responsible for working under the direct supervision of the regional director & center director, while employed in union with all other center: executives, partners, directors, managers, employees, clients, contractors, vendors, sponsors, & affiliates – and performing their necessary day-to-day functions/duties at caterpillar care ®.
working for caterpillar care ® is rewarding in a numerous amount of ways. in order to discover these rewards though, eligible candidates need only consider this position if they’re looking for a career in child care.
furthermore, eligible candidates should appreciate working closely with the founders of the company, as they will need to report directly with them from time-to-time. eligible candidates may learn of the details entailing this position below:
essential duties
interactions with children
the daily-goal for all teachers at caterpillar care ® is to provide a: safe, warm/nurturing, and loving environment in where: self-concepts are enhanced, independence encouraged, and individuality respected. to this end, this position’s specific responsibilities are included& listed, but not limited to the following:
- protects the safety of all children in the center.
- directly supervises children (group of five) at all times. toddler ratio [1:5].
- uses positive phrasing with children. (no: cussing, swearing, screaming, or yelling).
- communicates frequently with children throughout the day in: naming objects, actions, and; who, what, when, where, & why (open-ended questions).
- exhibits behavior management consistent with caterpillar care ® philosophies & methodologies including: reflecting on children’s feelings, approaching children to speak with them, directing comments toward children’s behavior - and not at the children themselves, etc…
- co-plays/interacts with children during play activities both indoors & outdoors.
- treats each child with sincerely genuine and thoughtfully delicate - quality care. each care taker must provide each child with dignity & respect, recognizing the: traditional, cultural, religious, spiritual, ethical, moral, and socio-economic diversities within the population.
- responds to the individual needs and learning styles of children.
- responds to children in distress promptly, efficiently, and appropriately.
- is responsible for all meal-time activities of their designated group. assists children in serving themselves in an individual and/or family-style fashion, and sits with children; preferably eating with them when possible. monitors children closely during meals.
health & safety issues
- complies with ‘all’ applicable universal precautions and infection control: guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- displays familiarity with and follows the caterpillar care ®: guidelines, policies, & procedures.
- reports any needed facility repairs immediately to both the regional director & center director.
- is responsible for the: welfare, health, & safety of the children in our centers.
- ensures that children are supervised at all times, even when children are in the restroom.
- in the event of an evacuation of the center and/or building, eligible candidate will be responsible for calmly assisting in said emergency and in-practice drills. eligible candidate is able and willing to respond to any form of distress and/or emergency.
- cleans and disinfects: ‘mouthed toys’, toys, chairs/tables, mats/floors, cribs/cots, & various objects/spaces (daily).
- checks on sleeping infants every (5) five minutes, and toddlers every (15) fifteen minutes.
planning
- plans and follows activities reflecting the anti-bias philosophy of caterpillar care ® with age- appropriate and individualized activities. provides a well-balanced schedule of individual/group activities, and active/quiet activities - with variations in structure.
- plans open-ended activities with an emphasis on process orientation and developmentally appropriate curriculum within the parameters/guidelines of “the creative curriculum.”
- plans supervised activities for indoors & outdoors involving “gross motor play” during severe and/or inclement weather, which may prevent outdoor play (at least (1) one hour per day).
- keeps informal classroom notes on children’s progress on an on-going basis.
- develops and maintains portfolios of children’s developmental progress; keeping: records, work samples, & other evidence of growth/development.
- reads to children daily.
- plans & follows circle-time schedule, which will include hands-on, interactive activities.
interaction with parents
caterpillar care ® establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with each child’s family in order to foster children development. these relationships are sensitive to family (client): composition, language, & culture:
- acknowledges parent and child with a greeting at drop-off & pick-up.
- communicates with parents daily, and reports at least (1) one positive event (i.e. accomplishment, amusing anecdote, etc...) about each child to the parent.
- owns an apple iphone device model (11) eleven or higher, in good working order, which will always be charged and brought with candidate to work daily for regular company communication.
- prepares daily digital diaries or end-of-day reports for parents, highlighting children’s experiences - each and every day.
- treats each parent with sincerely genuine and unforgettable experiences. each care taker must provide each parent with dignity & respect, recognizing the: traditional, cultural, religious, spiritual, ethical, moral, and socio-economic diversities within the population.
- inform parents of classroom and center activities, while encouraging family involvement.
- brings any parent feedback and/or concerns about children, or our operation in general, etc...to the attention of the regional director & center director immediately, first before discussing a resolution with the parent, and documents all such parent communication and correspondence.
- insures that ‘all’ items: (paperwork, dirty clothes, & miscellaneous items) are taken home daily by parents, and follows-up with parents on items needed to be brought to the center. (we are ‘not’ a storage facility and/or personal shoppers).
- respects the confidentiality of our families, and takes care not to speak in-front of the children about any said child, or any other parents/children – without having considered these issues. (privacy & discretion go a long way in our business).
- participates in parent conferences as needed.
- accommodates special requests from parents whenever possible. (within caterpillar care’s ®: guidelines, policies, & procedures).
classroom appearance
- creates and maintains a classroom environment which reflects the diversity of our children & families, while having considered our children’s interests, including ‘all’ areas of the room; (i.e. art, science, speech, literacy, math, blocks, & dramatic play).
- labels and maintains orderly shelves, including pictures and/or words for easy identification by children.
- displays children’s artwork/projects in an attractive or ‘staged’ manner/method.
- cleans: floors/mats, tables/chairs, sinks (dishes/bottles) after meals, toys, post-incidentals; when spills occur, & after messy events - sanitizes according to infection control: guidelines, policies, & procedures.
- maintains child cubbies neatly, organizing periodically - and sending home, older papers and other child belongings daily.
- leaves classroom at the end of each business day with: floors/mats, tables/chairs, toys, & miscellaneous debris cleaned - daily. (centers must be ‘staged’, as-if ready for a new-client tour at the end of each business day).
- shares cleaning/organizing/staging duties fairly with colleagues, and maintains a: cleanly, safe, & attractive ‘picture-perfect’ center environment.
general/professionalism
- has good work habits, which allow candidate to be in-place and ready to work at scheduled time, and shows no undue tardiness or absenteeism. (a single “no call, no show” occurrence may lead to an immediate employee termination).
- records, documents, and remains current with all state and city requirements for: physical examination, first-aid, cpr, & in-service training, etc...
- tidies and refines children’s appearance throughout the day (often for picture opportunities; seeing that shoes are on children’s proper feet - tied, and that hands and faces remain clean, etc...).
- takes pictures daily, while actively supporting/participating in caterpillar care’s ® social media company profiles/networks, which serve as an online community/forum for parents to interact.
- follows opening and closing: guidelines, policies, & procedures as dictated by work schedule.
- acts as a positive representative of caterpillar care ® with: family, friends, colleagues, parents (clients), communities, & the general public (including ‘all’ media & social media outlets – during: active pre-employment, active employment, & post-employment).
- cooperates with, and shows respect to ‘all’ co-workers, at ‘all’ levels of employment.
- completes classroom attendance on an on-going basis; being aware of the number of children in their care at all times.
- checks company e-mail daily.
- communicates: efficiently, clearly, & often (daily).
- does ‘not’ partake in or condone company gossip.
- does ‘not’ waste any company time (during scheduled work-days) for personal matters. (there is ‘always’ something constructive to do at our day care centers on any given work day).
- comes to work, showered & clean – and made-up in a professional manner. proper hygiene is critical in a business where social interaction epitomizes the experience.
- wears professional work-appropriate attire in accordance to caterpillar care’s ®: guidelines, policies, & procedures. (company apparel will be provided).
administration
- assures compliance of licensing, health, and safety regulation.
- ensures compliance with usda regulations and reporting requirements.
- coordinates with regional director & center director regarding: hiring, training, evaluating, promoting, and terminating staff.
- develops training plans for the program staff.
- schedules staff.
- arranges for substitute teacher coverage, in advance, when possible.
- participates in monthly training and planning meetings.
- develops and inventories a listing of all caterpillar care equipment.
- coordinates with staff to assure that the children enrolled and their families receive services from other agencies as needed.
- performs all other duties necessary to advance the philosophy and goals of the program and caterpillar care as deemed necessary by company leaders.
human relations
- oversees recruitment and on-boarding of potential clients.
- provides orientation to new families & children.
- develops and maintains effective relationships with families.
- creates meaningful roles and opportunities for parents to be involved with the program that build on existing skills and develop parenting techniques.
- prepares and submits reports in a timely manner.
- communicates effectively through parent handbooks, newsletters, and correspondence with families.
- ensures procedures that maintain strict confidentiality of family records.
- prepares and maintains children’s records.
- oversees and facilitates incoming tuition payments.
- maintains parent handbook & child files. keeping child files current with overseeing regulatory authorities.
- maintains employee handbook & employee files. keeping staff files current with overseeing regulatory authorities.
- coordinates contact information and communications with potential family clients.
supervision
- supervises and trains support staff and substitutes.
- resolves day-to-day problems relating to staff, facilities, and requisitions.
- provides new staff orientation.
- oversees teacher interaction with the children in individual classrooms.
- acts as a model in: appearance, speech, and conduct - using eye-to-eye contact.
education requirements
- first aid & cpr certified. (can be completed post-hire within 60 days of hire).
- food service manger certified. (can be completed post-hire within 60 days of hire).
staff shall be able to demonstrate the skill and competence necessary to contribute to each child's: physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social development. factors contributing to the attainment of this standard include:
- emotional maturity when working with children;
- cooperation with the purposes and services of the program;
- respect for children and adults;
- flexibility, understanding, and patience.
- physical and mental health that do not interfere with child care responsibilities;
- good personal hygiene;
- frequent interaction with children;
- listening skills, availability, and responsiveness to children;
- sensitivity to children's socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and individual needs and capabilities;
- use of positive discipline and guidance techniques; and
- ability to provide an environment in which children can feel: comfortable, relaxed, happy - and involved in: play, recreation, and other activities.
child care staff shall generally demonstrate skill and competence necessary to assume direct responsibility for child care including:
- skills to help children meet their developmental and emotional needs; and
- skills in planning, directing, and conducting programs that meet the children's basic needs.
child care staff shall be willing to participate in activities leading to professional growth in child development and education, and in training related to the specific needs of the children served.
i have read, and acknowledge this information. i willingly agree to comply with: these terms & conditions, acknowledge the statements listed, and will perform my essential duties in the position of “lead toddler teacher” to the best of my ability, while looking-out for the best interests of caterpillar care ®.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $36,000.00 - $41,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime
Education:
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 1 year (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
- Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
- First Aid & CPR Certification (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person