Temporary Lead Early Childhood Teacher - Infant Toddler Center

Department

Job Family

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu.

Job Description

Schedule:  Full Time, 37.5 hour week

8am - 4pm (4 days per week)

9am - 5pm (1 day per week)

Position Summary

Reporting to the Site Director of the Infant Toddler Center, the temporary Teacher provides direct care to ten toddlers (age range 6 weeks – 3 years old). This position provides nurturing and responsive care giving and engages in consistent and ongoing interaction and developmentally appropriate practices with infants and young toddlers throughout the day. The Teacher is responsible for being aware and complying with licensing, health and safety regulations at all times. 

This is a temporary position with an immediate start and potential for conversion to a permanent role.

Responsibilities

• Develop trusting relationships with children and families.
• Have a well-articulated philosophy regarding child social-emotional development, discipline, and guidance, and understand the principles of responsive caregiving.
• Plan and implement a daily curriculum in accordance with developmentally appropriate practices.
• Meet with parents regularly, assess and document child progress.
• Organize and arrange the classroom environment and materials with care.
• Manage and lead reflective team meetings.
• Mentor and supervise others, and support a positive team teaching approach.
• Participate and help plan school events such as parent night and teacher reflections.
• Teach outside in all seasons and weather.
• Participate in reflective practice, documentation, and ongoing professional growth opportunities.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Hold an AA degree in early childhood education while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in  early childhood education or equivalent degree type that meets OCFS requirements for being a lead teacher.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working collaboratively in an early childhood school or childcare center with children ages 6 weeks  – 3 years old.
• Demonstrated understanding and practice of the Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators (NAEYC) as guidelines for responsible and professional behavior with children, colleagues, employer, and families.
• Experience with guidance/social coaching and conflict resolution for young children.
• Experience with child assessment and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ability to act as a leader in modeling collaborative communication, dialogue, and feedback for reflective teaching and mentoring in the classroom and throughout the school.
• Ability to perform emotional labor for children who are discovering their feelings and navigating new social contexts, and care for children’s physical needs.
• A willingness to grow and increase knowledge in the field and seek innovative approaches.
• Exhibit joy in working with children and families.
• Embrace the school’s mission and practice ITC  values.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared with a background check through the NY State Office of Children and Family Services.
• Ability to interact with children on their level; frequent bending, squatting, reaching, and sitting on the floor.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Must remain alert and productive for ongoing active supervision of children and must be able to see and hear children at all times.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

• 5 years of experience managing and leading a teaching team and mentoring others.
• Master’s degree.
• Ability to take on multi-year projects, such as but not limited to curriculum leadership, professional development coordination, and committee work.
• Understanding and interest in the RIE philosophy for infants and toddlers.
• Interest in supporting the continuity of care model for infants and toddlers.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is $44,500- $57,850 per year.

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.