Head Teacher, Infant Toddler

Position Title:  Head Teacher, Infant/Toddler 

Position Department:  Child Development Center (CDC) 

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt 

Full/Part-Time:  Full-time 

Pay Rate: $23.00 

Reports to:  Program Coordinator 

Click here to apply!

Associated Students Summary
Associated Students’ (A.S.) mission is to support and represent the students of San José State University by continuing the organization’s legacy of student advocacy and leadership; to enhance SJSU students’ education through high-quality programs and services, and to prepare students as they move towards a thoughtful and purposeful life after graduation.

A.S. is a non-profit auxiliary corporation serving the students of San Jose State University whose primary source of funding is from mandatory student body fees. A.S. Departments include the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center, Child Development Center, General Services Center, Human Resources, Information Technology, Events, Marketing, Print & Technology Center, Student Government, and Transportation Solutions.

Position Summary
The Head Teacher is responsible for providing a warm, caring educational environment in which young children (4 months- 3years old) and their families will thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In our Reggio Emilia-inspired program, the Preschool Head Teacher will conduct child observations, support the learning and interests of children, create documentation of children’s work, and develop an age-appropriate emergent curriculum. The Head Teacher will build strong relationships with the children in his/her classroom and their parents based upon the practices of the Teaching Pyramid. The Head Teacher will supervise and mentor SJSU student assistants who directly work in the classroom to meet ratios. This position requires great energy, self-motivation, and enthusiasm, as well as the ability to lead, innovate, communicate, and cooperate with others.

Essential Functions
Build positive, respectful relationships with the children and families.
Develop flexible curriculum plans for indoor and outdoor activities that meet the individual needs of each child based on observation, Reggio Emilia principles, Desired Results, and Developmental Profile goals, QRIS, and NAEYC best practices.
Be available to communicate with parents daily.
Complete the DRDP for each child in the class twice yearly, utilizing observations and individual portfolios of child progress.
Listen to children intently, respond, ask open-ended questions, and maintain a receptive and respectful attitude in communication.
Maintain accurate attendance and meal count records, keeping an accurate count of the number of children present at all times.
Supervise and train student assistant teachers, student interns, and volunteers.
Use positive, supportive guidance and discipline methods at all times using the Teaching Pyramid.
Work collaboratively with members of the leadership team to create a high-quality program, especially when issues surface with children or parents.
Keep abreast of new developments and research in the field of early childhood education and apply what is learned.
Complete at least 21 hours of professional development outside work time each year.
Attend weekly staff meetings with teaching staff, Program Coordinator, and Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of emergent curriculum, NAEYC best practices, licensing requirements, California Department of Education requirements (Title 5), Bloodborne Pathogens universal precautions, child observation and assessment (DRDPs, ECERs, and ITERs), and unique learning styles.
Knowledge of cultural inclusiveness
Ability to work in an independent manner, without undue supervision.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate best practices in early childhood education and the ability to implement those practices in day to day tasks/interactions.
Ability to maintain professionalism at all times while providing positive customer service to students, faculty, and staff.
Ability to determine the cognitive, social, and physical needs of children.

Work Environment, Hours, and Physical Demands
This job operates in a child care center environment with indoor and outdoor activity spaces.
The CDC business hours are 7:15 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Some overtime or weekend work may be required.
Must be able to operate a computer, including a keyboard and mouse, and a phone.
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