Lead teacher

Title: Lead Toddler Teacher

Reports to: Early Childhood Education Director

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:30 pm

Status: Full-time hourly, non-exempt

An exciting opportunity awaits as a full-time Lead Toddler Teacher at the Binghamton JCC! The Lead Toddler Teacher plays a crucial role in guiding the day-to-day care, development, and education of our curious and energetic toddlers. We are seeking a nurturing, knowledgeable, and compassionate individual who is dedicated to creating a safe, engaging, and stimulating learning environment for toddlers.

The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of a high-quality toddler program that aligns with the goals and values of the school. The Lead Teacher will provide leadership, plan engaging activities, and foster a love of learning in toddlers while supporting the Early Childhood Education Program's philosophy and the mission of the Jewish Community Center.

Key Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Early Childhood Education Director, the Lead Toddler Teacher will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the toddler care program. This includes planning activities that promote toddlers' social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development, following best practices and developmental guidelines.

Candidates must be dedicated to:

• Creating a secure, warm, and nurturing environment that fosters toddlers' growth, exploration, and independence.
• Responding sensitively to toddlers' needs and behaviors, using positive language and guidance techniques to support their emotional and social skills.
• Planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes structured and unstructured play, language enrichment, creative arts, motor development, and social-emotional learning.
• Maintaining proactive, open communication with families about their child's progress, daily activities, and milestones.
• Ensuring adherence to ethical standards and guidelines set by the Office of Children and Family Services, including Developmentally Appropriate Practices for toddlers.
• Leading and mentoring teaching assistants with professionalism, offering guidance and feedback to support a collaborative team atmosphere.
• Promoting a classroom culture that encourages curiosity, interaction, empathy, independence, and responsibility.
• Participating in ongoing training and professional development to remain current with early childhood education best practices.
• Maintaining accurate records of each child's development and other required documentation.

Principal Activities

• Overseeing daily routines, including snack times, naps, and toileting/diapering, to promote health, safety, and well-being for all toddlers.
• Planning, organizing, and leading engaging and developmentally appropriate activities that support toddlers' social, emotional, and cognitive growth.
• Observing and documenting toddlers' progress, creating individualized plans to support their development.
• Effectively communicating in oral and written English with staff, families, and other caregivers, including conducting regular parent-teacher conferences as needed.
• Lifting and carrying toddlers up to 45 pounds as necessary and sitting on low chairs or the floor to engage with toddlers at their level.
• Participating in active physical activities with toddlers, such as outdoor play, movement activities, and arts and crafts.
• Maintaining cleanliness, organization, and safety of toddler areas, and promptly reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisors.
• Meeting New York State DCC Licensing Regulations, ECC Handbook policies, and upholding standards for NAEYC accreditation.
• Completing a minimum of 15 hours of additional training per year.
• Participating in and supporting all childcare responsibilities and other JCC activities as assigned by the Early Childhood Education Director.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Associate's degree in Early Childhood or a related field, CDA, or at least 9 Early Childhood credits.
• Experience in working with toddlers or young children in an early childhood setting desired.
• Strong understanding of toddler development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to work well with toddlers, parents, teachers, and administration.
• Patience, compassion, and a genuine love for leading a team that works with toddlers.
• Ability to lift and carry a toddler up to 45 pounds when necessary.
• Ability to sit on low chairs or the floor to engage with toddlers at their level.

Benefits

• $18/hour with a 40-hour work week.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic organization.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and respect.
• Access to JCC facilities and programs for employees and their families.
• Discounts on JCC offerings such as personal training, swim lessons, preschool, and camp.

Since its inception in 1927, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Binghamton, NY has grown to become an essential part of the Broome County community. As a full-service, non-profit organization, the JCC provides educational, cultural, recreational, and physical fitness programs to enhance the quality of life for all ages, from infants to senior citizens. As a non-sectarian United Way partner, the Center welcomes participants regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ability to pay.

The JCC's facility houses a natatorium with a 2250 sq. ft. pool, gymnasium, small fitness center, men's and women's health clubs, steam, sauna, a fitness loft with spin bikes and Pilates reformers, stage, auditorium, and more. Over 200 children are served daily at our award-winning Early Childhood Center. Our year-round educational childcare includes UPK, after-school program, summer camp, and youth sports offerings.

The 8-acre land also features outdoor tennis/pickleball and basketball courts, pavilion, nature preserve, soccer field, and three age-appropriate playground facilities.

If you are passionate about working in a community-based organization and have a strong desire to contribute to the success of the Binghamton JCC's Early Childhood Education Center, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and cover letter to Toni Dougherty at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!