Summary
Hours: 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Also, additional hours for training/staff meetings as assigned by director.
Hours may vary based on need of center Director.
Scope of position:
The Opener is responsible for opening the building daily and preparing for the arrival of families.
Openers are the first point of contact for families upon arrival and as such, are expected to be compassionate and understanding when the children are left in their care.
Openers are responsible for meeting the needs in various aspects of the facility.
Openers may be assigned to work in the kitchen and/or classrooms as needed.
Openers will promote the school's philosophy and educational objectives and support the mission and goals of the program.
Duties
Specific Duties:
Have a positive attitude each day
Be supportive of the mission and goals of Westminster Preschool
Build strong relationships with children and families
Always maintain adult supervision of children and adhere to child/staff ratios
Attend all required training and events
Demonstrate faith in action and love for children
Upholds Biblical values and principles
Be willing to go in and out of classrooms as needed
Fill in for classroom staff absences
Be willing to do assigned tasks
Demonstrate the ability to manage and respond to emergent needs of classroom staff
Classroom environment:
Maintain a clean and organized classroom and learning environment
Assist lead/assistant teacher in keeping learning centers neat and organized
Follow classroom schedules
Interact with the children during all activities
Step into classrooms to assist where needed
Implement activities as assigned by lead teacher
Assume an equal share of the joint housekeeping responsibilities of staff
Complete and submit the daily cleaning checklist in the absence of the lead/assistant teacher
Curriculum:
Assist in implementing curriculum and lesson plans in the classroom
Participate in mealtimes with children, encouraging them to try new foods, asking open ended questions, urging positive conversations
Safety:
Meet all health/safety standards as outlined in Indiana Childcare Licensing Rules and Regulations for Registered Ministries, CCDF, VCP and Paths to Quality
Adhere to all Safe Sleep guidelines
Observe handwashing policies and procedures for both staff and children
Observe proper diaper and sanitation procedures
Communication with children, families, and staff:
Communicate with children with eye-level, one-on-one attention throughout the day
Positively work with children on conflicts using a problem-solving approach
Communicate with families only through ProCare
Communicate with co-works and administrative staff regarding classroom and work-related needs
Requirements
Qualifications:
Have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency
Ability to learn and utilize specialized software for parent and staff communication
Ability to communicate professionally verbally and in writing
Requirements:
CPR/First Aid/Universal Precautions with annual recertification
Must pass drug screening, criminal background check and FSSA background check
TB testing
Up-to-date physical
Complete trainings in Safe Sleep, Indiana Early Learning Foundations, Child Abuse and Neglect, and Child Safety modules
Maintain and hold 20 hours annually of in-service training on early childhood topics
Attend and participate in all mandatory staff meetings/trainings
Must be in a capacity to independently care for the appropriate number of children in the staff/student ratio required for the age group to which they are assigned
Be familiar with the Voluntary Certification Program, Registered Ministry licensing requirements and Paths to Quality requirements
Physical requirements:
Willing and able to lift a child weighing at least 40 pounds
Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, sit on the floor and rise from the floor without adult assistance.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time
Must be able to move about the building at a quick pace as needed
Must be able to reach overhead