Infant Care Specialist

Are you a nurturing individual who has a lot of experience working with infants? Would you enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment in a values-driven organization that cares deeply for its employees? The Mandel JCC Early Childhood Center is seeking a compassionate, reflective and intentional individual who understands child development, believes play is the work of children, and is inspired to create positive change in our local community. 

Full-Time Position – Employment begins May 31, 2022.

Expectations of Employees:

• Support the mission of the Mandel JCC.
• Ensure the highest quality of program and services.
• Positively represent the agency.

Essential Functions:

• Provide general care for infants (8 weeks to 18 months) including changing and feeding
• Plans for and provides developmentally appropriate experiences for young children. 
• Facilitate environments that allow the space and time for playful learning such as engaging with toys and reading
• Ensures classroom is stocked with materials appropriate for children’s age.
• Makes phone calls to parents at the start of the school year, during fall conferences and periodically throughout the year on an as needed basis. 
• Responsible for setting up the classroom each morning and cleaning up throughout and at the end of the day. Cleaning protocols and procedures will vary based on the current health climate and health and safety concerns. 
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of each child. This includes ensuring each child is never left alone.
• Attends staff meetings, special school events and professional development training throughout the school year. 
• Completes mandated professional development requirements in a timely manner and remains up to date and knowledgeable of the evolving field of early childhood. 
• Collaborates to complete two assessments of each child throughout the year, maintains ongoing records, and prepares for the parent-teacher conference using relevant information. Meets with parents on the designated conference day as well as maintains steady and frequent communication with families throughout the year. 
• Consistently observes and documents what is taking place in the classroom. Uses these observations to evaluate and reflect on current teaching practice and future planning. 
• Through daily notes, class newsletters, picture and video updates, maintain ongoing written and verbal communication with parents.
• Adheres to current licensing, Step Up to Quality and other accreditation requirements.
• Meets periodically and collaborates frequently with colleagues in classroom, age group and school wide. 
• Embraces Jewish traditions and values, and integrates an overall culturally-responsive teaching practice in daily interactions with children and their families. 
• Completes other duties assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree or higher in early childhood (preferred) or a related field 
• Experience working with infants 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to lift and move up to 30 lbs. 
• Demonstrates ability to be physically engaged with children. i.e., standing, sitting, running.