Child Development Teacher

Job Summary:

To assist in executing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood program for children from 6 weeks to 59 months. Assists with the care, safety, and well-being of the children, prepares lesson plans, completes assessments of children, and conducts parent teacher conferences.  To serve as a member of the family support team assisting with the planning and carrying out of various programs. This position relates to people of diverse educational, cultural and economic backgrounds.

Essential Functions:

• Implements developmentally appropriate programs for children birth-59 months.
• Facilitates the smooth flow of the child development program and ensures its adherence to stated philosophy.
• Oversees the care, safety, and well-being of children enrolled in the center.
• Maintains a high-quality early childhood classroom including routine cleaning and rotating of toys and decorations.
• Communicates with parents; coaches them how to nurture and interact with their babies and child(ren).
• Evaluates and observes child participants to identify needs.
• Participate in community networking and outreach. Ability to plan and organize use of resources effectively.
• Attends trainings required by sponsoring agency and Maryland Family Network (MFN).
• Performs other duties as required including driving center van.

Supervision:

The position reports to the Child Development Specialist with additional guidance from the Director. The position does not supervise department staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

• Demonstrates understanding of child development and best practices in early childhood,
• Ability to read and write in English to record documentation of children’s development and create lesson plans,
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with families, staff, and community members
• Represents the department professionally and effectively in both internal and external interactions. Manages difficult, sensitive or challenging situations successfully. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of cultural background, status, or position. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.
• Demonstrates ability to create and work in a team-oriented environment. Builds morale and group commitment to goals and objectives. Demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Displays original thinking and creativity. Develops innovative approaches and ideas.  Presents ideas and information in a manner that is easily understood.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in related field or High School diploma with 90 hour Child Care certificate or Infant-Toddler CDA. Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Minimum of one year supervised classroom experience with children age zero through three years.
• Or equivalent technical training, education or experience.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Work is conducted in a normal classroom setting which provides comfortable lighting, temperature, and air conditions.
Occasional light lifting may be required, such as three to four reams of paper, four or five books, or other materials (up to 50 pounds).

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations.

Benefits:

• This position is eligible for Health, Dental, and Vision benefits at a Cobra Rate,
• This Position is eligible for Annual, Sick, and Personal Leave.
• This position is required to contribute to the Maryland State Pension.

Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.