What are the responsibilities and job description for the Child Development Associate Teacher (CDAT) - Childcare Services position at Polk County Public Schools?
Custom Job Purpose :
This position exists to plan, implement, and assess student growth and compliance with federal performance standards, Department of Children and Families state standards, and developmentally appropriate classroom activities and direct classroom activities under the supervision of the Resource Teachers. The Child Development Associate Teacher (CDAT) will implement services to support the preschool child and the family. Complies with state and federal standards and Department of Children and Families.
Essential Functions of this Job
Plays a lead role in planning, teaching, and organizing classroom activities for infant / toddlers. Functions as a team when partnered with another CDAT or Pre-K para-educator. Is responsible for the total infant / toddler classroom operation. Is responsible for the preparation and implementation of all curriculum activities. Assists in the assessment of children's educational, social, and emotional needs. Promotes feelings of security and trust in infants and toddlers. Talks, sings and reads to infants frequently. Responds quickly in a soothing and tender manner to infant cries, needs for food or calls of distress. Organizes and maintains daily schedule, and staff / student ratio to meet DCF requirements. Takes part in staff development activities. Complies with program rules including family contacts. Maintains a cooperative attitude of working together with other I / T teachers, the center Director, the Senior Coordinator Teen Parent Program / Childcare Services, parents and volunteers in planning and implementing activities for the program / classroom. Conducts developmental screenings and ongoing assessments of infants and toddlers to determine motor, language, social, cognitive perceptual and emotional skills. Completes timely, neat, accurate documentation of screenings, assessments, individualized health plans, attendance, daily health checklist, feedings, daily activity logs for parents, inventories, and other documentation as may be deemed necessary for proving quality childcare services. Supports monthly parent involvement opportunities to encourage nurturing skills and establish rapport between school and family. Serves as a liaison between school based personnel and Preschool parents during the transition to Headstart, VPK and / or School Readiness.
Non-Essential Functions of this Job
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
Knowledge of purpose and appropriate practice for quality early childhood programs. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. Knowledge of appropriate strategies for observation and assessment of young children. Knowledge of Department of Children and Families, Rules and Regulations. Demonstrate ability to relate well with people of varied socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Excellent communications skills. Well organized. Ability to model appropriate behaviors within a variety of settings. Able to provide own transportation with reimbursement according to School Board policies. Bilingual / biliterate a plus.
Education, Experience and / or Certification / License Requirements
The minimum qualification is a combination of education and experience, with a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an AA or AS degree in Early Childhood, or a CDA equivalency (FCCPC) with a minimum of 18 college credit hours in Early Childhood. Must be Voluntary Prekindergarten credentialed by Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) certified to instruct. Actual work experience should be in nursery school teaching, child care, or other preschool program, kindergarten, or other relevant experience, preferably with preschool economically disadvantaged children and their families.
Work Context :
Be physically, mentally and occupationally capable of performing the following actions with infant / toddlers without endangering self / and or infant / toddler's health :
a). Reach an infant / toddler child 25 feet away within 10 seconds or less,
b). Hear an infant / toddler call for help from at least 50 feet away
c). Comprehend and react to dangerous situations involving infant / toddler without hesitation
d). Crouch to an infant / toddler child's height and maintain eye contact
e). Reach children on the highest piece of play equipment
f). Lift a minimum of 40 pounds,
g). Sit on the floor and interact with children for an extended period of time.
h). Preparation of food - Includes the selection, measurement and combining of ingredients in an ordered procedure to create a meal intended for consumption. This definition is not limited to cooking. Bottle preparation is included in this definition.
Also requires standing, walking and moving about to coordinate this work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones, and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with students, individuals and / or teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and with the public.
Physical Environment :
Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. May require working outdoors as well, with exposure to outdoor elements including weather changes, foliage, insects, etc. Requires sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to lift, carry, move and / or position objects infrequently weighing up to 50 pounds and / or 20 pounds of force frequently and / or 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects. Requires travel to schools and worksites within the district.
