Floater Teacher

The JCP Early Childhood Center (ECC) fosters the growth of each child in a nurturing environment that supports all areas of development (including cognitive, social and emotional) and encourages emerging independence. We believe in flexibility within structure allowing children a great deal of opportunity for exploration and discovery as they seek meaning in the world, while feeling the security of appropriate boundaries. With a low student to teacher ratio, we work hand in hand with parents to form partnerships of trust and to set appropriate goals for children. The uniqueness of each child is respected as well as the importance of community.
The following job description briefly outlines some of the basic job responsibilities. This description is not meant to be all inclusive. Additional responsibilities may be assigned from time to time by the Director. All teachers are expected to be familiar with the JCP ECC Staff Manual as well as the JCP Employee Handbook and to follow the procedures and expectations therein.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• To substitute as needed when classroom teachers are absent, filling in for head, associate or assistant teachers.
• Rotate among classes that need extra support throughout the day, taking direction from the classroom teachers. Floater teachers may work in more than one class in a school day.
• Help classroom teachers to observe and evaluate the progress of each child and develop strategies for helping children build on their strengths, develop independence and enhance new areas of development.
• Follow the lead of the classroom teachers to use appropriate, positive discipline techniques for guidance and group management. Help implement and reinforce behavior management strategies consistent with our school philosophy and guidelines.
• Contribute to a harmonious atmosphere in the entire school and organization.
• Be flexible and work cooperatively with all staff and to share materials and expertise.
• Attend staff meetings and training as scheduled.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Attend and participate in ECC provided trainings to comply with state regulations for childcare professionals.
• Able to clearly communicate including reading, writing and verbal skills.
• HS Diploma or GED
• Successful completion of DOH required trainings, as well as other trainings required by JCP Downtown.
• Subject to successful completion of DOH required background checks, reference checks, as well as JCP required background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to meet the physical demands of staying in proximity of children to be within arm’s reach.
• Lift, carry, and move children weighing up to 50 pounds including lifting children onto a changing table to a height of 4-5 feet, or lifting children from play equipment.
• Participate in safety drills by following the established guidelines which includes moving children from one location to another. This may involve carrying multiple children to designated locations.
• Frequently get up and down from the floor and bending while interacting with the children.
• Stand and sit for extended periods of time interchangeably throughout the day.
• Climb and descend 1 flight of stairs (while helping children safely navigate steps).
• Withstand outdoor temperatures and conditions for extended periods of time during all seasons.
• Frequently experience a noisy and loud environment including children laughing, talking, shouting, and crying.
• Ability to be incidentally exposed to common childhood illnesses and other common colds/flus/viruses.
• Use ECC provided cleaning solutions and products to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for children and staff. Perform minimal cleaning tasks (wiping tables, sanitizing changing table, etc).

The details:

• This is a full time salaried exempt position.
• Position hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM-2:30PM, and Friday 8:30 AM-1:30PM.
• Salary Range: $40,000-$65,000 commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, FSA, pre-tax transit benefit, short term and long term disability insurance, and tuition discount.
• Time off: Paid sick days, US holidays (incl. Fri after Thanksgiving) and a number of Jewish holidays.
• JCP Downtown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.