POSITION SUMMARY:

The toddler teacher strives daily to bring the love of Christ through nurturing toddlers and building strong relationships with families. The toddler teacher works diligently to model classic moral training for young toddler children, between the ages of 12-24 months, consistently giving them the spiritual, educational, social and emotional tools needed to grow in the knowledge of Christ. The incumbent participates with the director and other teachers in the planning, supervision, and implementation of an age appropriate curriculum that agrees with the school philosophy and includes the total development of the child in a loving Christian atmosphere. The toddler teacher is responsible for the needs of up to 4 toddlers, 8 toddlers per room with 2 teachers.

This is a full time, twelve month position and the toddler teacher operates in accordance with Rock Church & Academy policies, procedures and state licensing standards to provide and educational, nurturing, and safe environment for children.

Professional Growth:

• Responsible for furthering one’s growth and knowledge in Early Childhood Education by continuing education, readings, or attending workshops and seminars.

Job Skills:

• Read, write, spell, and communicate in English.
• Work productively, both independently and collaboratively with others.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office for MAC (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint).
• Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and provide excellent customer service.
• Administrative and operational duties appropriate to maintain quality preschool program.

NON-NEGOTIABLES:

• Comply, and implement Title 22 state licensing regulations.
• Constant supervision of children at all times.
• Compliance with Title 22 teacher/child ratios at all times.
• Ensuring the health and safety of the children at all times.
• Respect and follow guidelines and leadership of administration.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for being in attendance on the designated and assigned days and hours.
• Responsible for respecting each toddler as an individual, making them feel important, and assessing their needs.
• Responsible for assuming an equal share of joint housekeeping responsibilities as outlined for personnel for both inside the building and the playground.
• Responsible for communicating with personnel and working as a team to ensure the high quality of care given at the school.
• Responsible for being submissive to authority.
• Responsible for participating and attending meetings, curriculum planning and other school sponsored programs.
• Responsible for demonstrating professional attitudes and demeanor.
• Responsible for maintaining professional attitudes, confidentiality, and loyalty to the Rock Academy Preschool.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability.
• Highly service-oriented and creative with enthusiasm for the children and preschool.
• Ability to maintain professional attitude and appropriate dress.
• Possess the personality and ability to provide leadership and stability for the program continuity, especially in the director’s absence.
• Fast learning and good problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, self-motivated, and shows initiative.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate with a diverse population of children and staff.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy and demanding environment.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

• A documented, verbal evaluation will be done whenever deemed necessary.
• A written self-evaluation will be done by the employee at the end of the year or sooner if deemed necessary.   
• The evaluation will be discussed with the employee and the Director, signed and dated.
• A copy will be given to the employee and one will be put in the employee's personnel file.
• A written evaluation will be done by the Director at the end of the year or sooner if deemed necessary.
• The evaluation will be discussed with the employee and the Director, signed and dated.
• A copy will be given to the employee and one will be put in the employee's personnel file.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Spiritual:

• Has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
• Regularly attend Rock church or church of like faith.
• Actively involved in church activities.
• Must believe that the Bible is God’s Word and the standard for faith and daily living.
• Be a Christian role model in attitude, speech, and actions that represents Jesus.
• Demonstrate Christ-centered behavior at all times by treating people with dignity, respect, compassion, and integrity.
• Utilize the principles of Matthew 18 and Ephesians 4:15 to resolve differences of opinions with others.

Education & Experience:

• Must have one of the following:
• Bachelors of Science degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related field. 12 completed unit minimum requirement:  3 units in each of the following:  Child Development; Child, Family, and Community; Curriculum; Infant & Toddler.
• Completed a minimum of 15 units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, along with at least one year experience working with toddlers in a licensed child care facility. Twelve of the 15 completed units in each of the following:  Child Development; Child, Family, and Community; Curriculum; Infant & Toddler.
• An AA degree with at least 15 units being in the field of Early Childhood Education, along with at least one year experience working with toddlers in a licensed child care facility. Twelve of the 15 completed units in each of the following:  Child Development; Child, Family, and Community; Curriculum; and Infant & Toddler.
• A valid Children’s Center Permit issued by the California Commission for Teaching Preparation and Licensing, along with at least one year experience working with toddlers in a licensed child care facility.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification.

Licensing & Rock Academy Personnel Requirements:

All required state Department of Social Services Community Care licensing forms must be filled out and returned.  These forms include:

• Health Screening report
• Personnel Record
• Proof of negative TB skin test
• Form 1-9
• Child Abuse Index Check
• Official College Transcripts
• Live Scan Fingerprinting – cleared  Employee Rights
• Criminal Record

Comply with, and implement Title 22 state licensing regulations.

All Rock Church & Rock Academy personnel forms must be filled out and returned.  These forms include:

• Signed acknowledgement of Rock Academy Statement of Faith
• Signed acknowledgement and adherence to Rock Church and Rock Academy policies, procedures, and employee handbook.

Pre-employment references & background check which includes: 

• Social security verification
• Local, state, and federal criminal conviction record search
• National security database
• Sex offender registry

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

• Responsible for making daily health observations of the toddlers and reporting conditions needing attention.
• Responsible for ensuring the safety of the toddlers through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, and proper set-up and of equipment.
• Responsible for ensuring the toddlers diapering needs are taken care of in a timely manner.
• Responsible for ensuring that proper hygiene in regards to diapering, handwashing, sneezing, coughing, wiping faces, and eating is implemented.
• Responsible for documenting daily individual needs, strengths, interests, service plans, attendance, and meal counts for each toddler. 
• Responsible for preparing meals according to instructions provided by parents.
• Responsible for following appropriate safety guidelines for the proper preparation and care of formula, breastmilk, toddler food, and bottles.
• Responsible for feeding toddlers in accordance to the Needs & Service Plans that the parent fills out which outlines the feeding & care schedule.
• Responsible for ensuring that all toys provided are clean and safe for toddlers to use.
• Responsible for filling out "Accident" reports whenever administering first aid to a toddler.
• Responsible for understanding the school's disaster procedures and moving toddlers whenever needed.
• Responsible for keeping emergency information and supplies up to date.
• Responsible for being informed and instructed on any medical alert situations with toddlers in regards to toddler's food or medication allergies and making sure precautions are taken.
• Responsible for ensuring that surfaces are sanitized before and after diapering and eating.
• Responsible for ensuring that the diaper changing surfaces are cleaned and sanitized before and after each diaper change.
• Responsible for ensuring that the classroom and playground arrangement prevents accidents and that all equipment is in good repair.

TEACHER & CURRICULUM RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible to ensure that all activities support and align with the biblically-integrated and educational philosophy of the Rock Academy Preschool.
• Responsible to ensure the biblically based philosophy is visible and apparent through classroom displays, words used with children, curriculum planning, and actions portrayed.
• Responsible for caring for the needs of up to 4 toddlers, maximum 8 per room, 2 teachers in a self-contained classroom that is in compliance with Title 22 teacher / child ratios.
• Responsible for preparing the toddler learning environment for toddlers to learn through active exploration and interaction with adult caregivers. 
• Responsible for introducing toddlers to activities and toys aimed at physical and cognitive development.
• Responsible for managing and stimulating the toddler’s social, emotional and physical needs.
• Responsible for implementing physical and verbal contact through holding, rocking, singing, laughing, talking, to communicate and comfort toddlers and build relationships and trust.
• Responsible for using a gentle voice.
• Responsible for managing positive interaction activities targeted at providing stimulus, growth and development.
• Responsible for being involved in the physical development of the toddler by being vigilant for signs of developmental milestones. 
• Responsible for encouraging the toddler to formulate and express sounds, words, recognize pictures and mimic sounds and songs. 
• Responsible for providing stimulation through sensory activities, such as reading manipulative books or touching fabrics of varying textures.
• Responsible for promoting the social development of the toddler by greeting the toddler with smiles and reacting to achievements with genuine enthusiasm. 
• Responsible for portraying nurturing attitude, shown through hugs and cuddling and help the toddler feel secure and develop trust.
• Responsible for completing lesson plans which will include activities based on the domains of learning, the themes set forth and the expected outcomes as listed in the curriculum which cover areas of: preparing the materials required to implement them in accordance with the curriculum guidelines of the school and presenting them to the director for review.
• Responsible for planning and implementing creative daily activities for the toddlers based on the philosophy and goals of the school.
• Responsible for ensuring the biblical curriculum is integrated, presented and followed.
• Responsible for preparing the classroom environment to support the lesson plans for each given day.
• Responsible for preparing the environment for the daily schedule that allows for child-directed and teacher-directed activities, free choice, outside time, meals, and rest. The daily schedule will include:
• Responsible for collaborating in team teaching situations to provide quality activities and opportunities for learning.
• Responsible for implementing observations and documentation for assessing toddler’s growth.
• Responsible for helping to maintain the ordered arrangement, appearance and learning environment of the classroom and outdoor play areas.
• Responsible for organizing creative activities for the outdoor play time that incorporate and support skills in the physical, social and creative arts domains.
• Responsible for providing daily biblical integration. 
• Responsible for adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet toddlers varying needs.
• Responsible for communicating any concerns of an toddler’s development or behavior to the director and parent.
• Responsible for providing opportunities for the toddlers to learn Bible stories, age-appropriate biblical principles, and Christian songs.
• Responsible for decorating and changing the bulletin boards and other classroom space once a month in accordance to the monthly curriculum themes and using infant's art work.  
• Responsible for supervising and participating in meal times, using these occasions to demonstrate and encourage positive hygiene, manners, nutrition, and social skills.
• Responsible for providing a calm, quiet, and restful nap environment where toddlers have the opportunity to relax and rest their bodies.

Positive Guidance:

• Responsible for ensuring that each toddler is respected and that children’s rights outlined in Title 22 are abided by.
• Responsible for implementing appropriate positive guidance guidelines of discipline and order based on the school’s philosophy.
• Responsible for ensuring that the expectations of toddler’s behavior is age appropriate.

Parent – Teacher Interaction:

• Responsible for respecting the God-given role of parents.
• Responsible for team partnering with parents to provide quality care and opportunities for their toddler to grow.
• Responsible for developing a relationship with the family and showing interest.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining good communication with parents, using Christian principles, professional attributes, and sensitivity.
• Responsible for communicating kindly, respectfully, and patiently with parents, along with partnering with them in the understanding of their toddler’s growth and development.
• Responsible for establishing open communication with parents therefore creating an environment where their toddler’s growth and interests can be discussed, along with any concerns.
• Responsible for interacting appropriately with parents, who often need reassurance about their toddler's development and progress. 
• Responsible for providing parents daily reports about the toddler's food consumption, bowel movements, emotional state, sleep patterns, daily activity interest.
• Responsible for implementing observations and documentation for assessing toddler’s growth.
• Responsible for scheduling parent conferences to discuss their toddler’s progress and needs, determine their priorities for their toddler, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.

Co-worker Interaction:

• Responsible for demonstrating Christ-like behavior at all times by treating individuals with respect, dignity, compassion, and integrity.
• Responsible for utilizing the principles of Matthew 18 and Ephesians 4:15 to resolve differences of opinions with others.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining good communication with staff, offering encouragement and working as a team player.
• Responsible for the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands: the nature of physical effort leading to physical fatigue

• Caring for toddlers can be physically demanding. The toddler teacher must be able to:
• Lift, pull, carry or push 50 pounds without assistance and/or have the ability to assess the weight in order to ask for necessary assistance or to determine a safer method of moving the load.
• Must be able to move with agility over and under toddlers and objects.
• To get down to an toddler’s level by either kneeling, sitting, crouching, or stooping.
• Sufficient eye hand coordination and manual dexterity.
• Sufficient visual acuity to recognize words, letters, numbers along with speech and hearing ability to carry on conversations in person or over the phone.
• The toddler teacher will be expected to move about easily throughout the community with children which may require:
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling of equipment, twisting, reaching, stooping, and bending.
• The toddler teacher may come in contact with children who are ill and/or contagious, and must take precautions to ensure the health and safety of all children, parents, staff and themselves.

Environmental Conditions: the nature of adverse environmental conditions affecting the incumbent

• The toddler teacher will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment, must be able to tolerate constant noise made by toddler such as crying, screaming, yelling, and laughing.
• There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the toddler teacher will have to supervise the proper ratio of children at all times.

Sensory Demands:  the nature of demands on the incumbent’s senses

• The toddler teacher may experience smells associated with diapering, spitting up, and toddlers who are ill. There may be times when the environment is noisy and busy.

Mental Demands: the nature and conditions that may lead to mental or emotional fatigue

• Caring for toddlers can be stressful. The toddler teacher must ensure that toddlers are:
• Supervised at all times
• Respond to toddlers sensitively and appropriately
• Toddlers are involved in safe and appropriate activities
• There may be a number of activities happening at once, and the toddler teacher must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled, as defined under the American with disabilities Act, must be able to perform the Essential Job Functions either unaided or with the assistance of a “reasonable accommodation”, if such is determined, on a case by case basis.

EMPLOYEE AT WILL:

Employment at the Rock Church and Academy is “At-Will,” meaning either the Rock or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at anytime, for any reason, with or without advance notice.  

Nothing contained in this job description or any other communication (written or verbal) the employee received is intended to be, nor should it be, construed as a guarantee that employment or that any benefit will be continued for any period of time. Compensation information provided to an employee, whether stated in hourly, bi-monthly, annual, or other terms, is not intended nor does it constitute an employment contract or agreement for any specific period of time.

No manager, supervisor or employee of the Rock Church and Academy has any authority to enter into any agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make any agreement for employment other than at-will.