Best Practices, Budget Management, Budgeting, CPR Certification, Child Development, Child and Youth Services, Childcare, Communication Skills, Conferences, Documentation, Documentation Plan, Early Childhood Education, Faculty Administration, First Aid, Lead Management, Medication Administration, Mentoring, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Newsletter, People Management, Problem Solving Skills, Regulations, Staff Training, Support Documentation, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum, University/School Regulations
The Syracuse University Child Care Center is seeking qualified candidates for Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher positions. Both roles involve supervising and teaching children using developmentally appropriate practices, observing and documenting children's behaviors to support individual learning needs, maintaining daily communication with families, and coordinating bi-annual parent conferences and reports. The Head Teacher additionally mentors and supervises Assistant Teachers and student staff, leads curriculum planning and classroom programming in collaboration with the center director, maintains a classroom budget, and assumes operational responsibility in the director's absence. All candidates will be considered for both roles; placement will be based on qualifications, experience, and center needs.
Education and Experience
Head Teacher
A combination of education and experience working with children ages birth to 5 is preferred. Minimum qualifications include one of the following:
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
- Four-year degree in Early Childhood Education
- Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education plus classroom experience
- 9 college credits in Early Childhood Development, Human Development & Family Science, or a related field, plus 2 years of experience in a childcare setting
Assistant Teacher
- Previous experience working with children birth to five years is required.
- A Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or Human Development & Family Science is preferred.
Skills and Knowledge
Required of All Candidates
- All NYS required clearances must be obtained prior to start: State Central Register clearance, Fingerprint clearance, and Staff Exclusion List clearance
- Physical exam and TB test required by the NYS Office of Children & Family Services
- CPR & First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Head Teacher - Additional Requirements
- Strong knowledge of early childhood education and developmentally appropriate practices for assigned age group
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel
- MAT (Medication Administration Training) certification (or willingness to obtain)
Responsibilities
Responsibilities shared across both roles are listed once below. Role-specific distinctions are noted where they apply.
Teach, Observe & Follow Regulations
- Supervise, care for, and teach children in assigned classroom
- Provide First Aid/CPR as needed
- Head Teacher: As a MAT-certified teacher, administer medication to children as needed
- Observe children and document behaviors to support decisions regarding individual developmental needs across all learning domains
- Head Teacher: Observe and supervise classroom teaching staff, student employees, and field placement students
- Maintain professionalism and collaborate with the teaching team to problem-solve
- Assure compliance with NYS Office of Child & Family Services (OCFS) and Syracuse University rules and regulations
Prepare & Plan
- Head Teacher: Lead curriculum planning, documentation, classroom budget management, and supervision/professional development meetings with Assistant Teachers and practicum students
- Assistant Teacher: Assist Head Teachers with curriculum planning and documentation
- Write classroom newsletters; prepare documentation boards
- Complete daily health checks, injury/illness/incident forms, and other required OCFS forms
- Stay current on NYS regulatory updates and program communications from the director, university staff, and families
Communicate
- Maintain daily communication with parents/guardians
- Write bi-annual parent reports and coordinate parent-teacher conferences
- Refer or advocate for children who may need additional services
- Head Teacher: Facilitate meetings with families when developmental concerns arise
Lead & Initiate
- Attend monthly full staff meetings and regular team meetings
- Head Teacher: Attend biweekly team meetings and head teacher supervision meetings with the director; lead supervision meetings with Assistant Teachers
- Attend center events and professional development trainings
- Stay current on best practices in early childhood education
- Head Teacher: Collaborate with the director and faculty on center projects and research opportunities; seek out development opportunities based on team/peer interest
Organize & Adapt
- Arrange and rearrange the classroom environment to create a workable, inspiring space that supports children's learning
- Rotate materials and equipment to keep the environment fresh and engaging
- Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., move quickly, get up and down from the floor frequently, push, pull, lift and twist.
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.