Group leader at Playful Minds LLC – Chicopee, Massachusetts

Job title: School-Age Group Leader

Position summary: To provide the best possible environment for children assigned to their classroom. Work cooperatively with the Site Coordinator in teaching, program planning, and general operation of the center. Provide training and leadership to staff in cooperation with the Site Coordinator and assume responsibilities for the daily operation of the program. Continue to work on maintaining and improving the program as well as be current regard standards updates and changes.

Reports to: School-Age Lead Coordinator, Site Coordinator
Supervisory responsibility: Assistant Group Leader
Salary range: $17 to $20 per hour
Required education and experience:
Education:
1. Bachelors Degree or Associates degree AND 3-months experience working with school-age children; OR
2. High School diploma OR GED AND 6-months experience working with school-age children, 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.
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 1-year 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 self-esteem, self-expression, autonomy, social competence, and school readiness.
• Be nurturing and responsive to children.
• Support children in the development of self-esteem, independence, and self-regulation.
• 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 Sign-Off sheet.
• Never allow unauthorized persons on the grounds.