Group Leader

Experience:

1. 3-months experience working with school-age children (with Bachelors Degree); OR

2. 6-months with 3-month direct supervision working with school-age children, OR INCLUDING 3-months of supervised experience at a school-age childcare program; OR

3. 9-months experience working with school-age children, INCLUDING 3-months of supervised experience at a childcare program (with High school Diploma).

Additional eligibility qualifications:

• 21 years of age or older.
• Evidence of medical physical within 1year of employment and a statement from a physician that the applicant can do the job.
• Evidence of mandatory vaccinations or immunity to communicable diseases (including TB).

On-going education, training, certification:

• Annual CPR and First Aid, Infant & Child.
• Maintain certification with MA EEC and/or CT OEC.
• Participate in required professional development annually.

Responsibilities/Core Functions:

• All staff serve as mandated reporters as stipulated under state laws governing center locations.
• All staff ensure all needs of children are met.

Classroom oversight:

• Ensure the health and safety of the children in the classroom.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with MA EEC or CT OEC laws and regulations at all times.
• Ensure classroom practices are consistent with all Playful Minds policies and procedures.
• Manage classroom such that it maintains MA EEC or CT OEC required child:staff ratios at all times. Never leave the room out of ratio or unattended.
• Maintain daily classroom safety, organization, and cleanliness: includes washing, vacuuming floors, and other general light housekeeping tasks.
• Ensure all dangerous material, equipment or cleaning supplies are not within reach of children.
• Report all incidents and accidents to the Program Director, and complete all documentation.
• Notify the Program Director immediately in case of unreasonable behavior from staff, children and parents, or of any parent complaints received.
• Care for room and equipment (report repair or replacement needs).
• Document all incidents and accidents.

Staff:

• Implement classroom policies as outlined in each years’ Staff Handbook.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development.

Administer medication to children as prescribed by their physician and in complies with EEC or OEC regulations.

• Plan with and clarify expectations with the assistant teacher, aide or volunteer who may be assigned to classroom.

Children:

• Direct child guidance to the goal of maximizing the growth and development of children and protecting the group and the individuals within it.
• Be responsive to children’s individual needs and support the development of selfesteem, selfexpression, autonomy, social competence, and school readiness.
• Be nurturing and responsive to children.
• Support children in the development of selfesteem, independence, and selfregulation.
• Support children in the development of social competence.
• Provide guidance to children in a positive and consistent way based on an understanding of the individual needs and development of children.
• Have a method of communicating effectively with each child.
• Maintain required child:staff ratios at all times. Never leave the room out of ratio or unattended.
• Know the whereabouts of every child.
• Prepare regular progress reports and submit to Program Director for review as scheduled.
• Maintain individual records for each as specified by EEC or OEC requirements.
• Use proper handwashing before handling food, after diaper changing, blowing noses, using bathrooms, caring for a sick child, and handling of animals, etc.
• Apply the systems of reward charts.
• Never allow anyone to pick up a child from the Center that does not have the proper identification.
• Escort transportation children to and from vans/buses. Ensure the driver signs out on the SignOff sheet.
• Never allow unauthorized persons on the grounds.

Parents:

• Create monthly newsletters for families (Project Director review 1week in advance.)
• Available for parent conferences as needed and requested.

Curriculum:

• Make daily plans in keeping with the philosophy of the program and the needs of the children.
• Create monthly bulletin boards.
• Supervise appropriate use of educational materials and supplies.

Other responsibilities:

• Cooperate with the Site Coordinator and other staff in those activities involving the while Center.
• Greet and treat parents, children, and staff with kindness and respect.
• Arrive in the classroom on time, as scheduled, and remain with the group.
• Ensure paperwork is completed and up to date.
• Daily care for room and equipment and report items needing repair or replacement.
• Assist with food program (preparation, setup, and cleanup) as needed.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Program Director.

Skills/Competency:

• Enjoy working with children.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Cultivate and maintain an atmosphere of teamwork.
• Genuine enjoyment when working with children.
• Comfortably engage with students, staff, and parents.
• Easily and compassionately address student’s needs and engage/counsel parents.
• Quickly and effectively problem solve complex situations.
• Contribute to program growth.
• Maintain sound working relationships with staff.

Other performance indicators:

• Cooperate with the Director and other staff in activities involving the whole Center.
• Great and treat children, parents, and staff with kindness and respect.
• Engage with children and staff to maintain positive relationships.
• Be professional.
• Refrain from gossip.

Work environment: Office work. Classrooms. Outside play areas.

Physical demands: Lift children weighing up to 75 lbs. Bend and sit on the floor. Run, skip, and hop.

Expected hours of work: 8.5 hours per day with an unpaid 30-minute meal break.