ABOUT JEREMIAH PROGRAM

Jeremiah Program (JP) is a nonprofit organization helping single mothers invest in themselves so they can thrive and take steps towards economic mobility by helping them access higher education, affordable childcare, housing, skills training and career development. JP envisions a world where poverty is no longer feminized; where race is not divorced from gender; where career and financial opportunities are not gentrified; and where women who experience poverty not only hold a seat at the table but hold the mic and curate the agenda. 

Jeremiah Program offers one of the nation’s most successful strategies for disrupting poverty, two generations at a time. At JP, we believe that no mother should have to make the untenable choice between investing in herself or supporting her children. Our holistic approach invites single mothers into the leadership tent and encourages families to bring all of their identities to bear in achieving their goals in pursuit of economic mobility. 

Founded in 1993, this year JP is supporting over 1,000 moms and kids across nine residential and non-residential campuses: Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Fargo, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester. JP Currently has an operating budget of 18.2M with 157 budgeted FTE for FY 2022. Learn more about JP and our work here. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Infant Teacher is responsible for caring for the youngest children within the Child Development Center, maintaining their overall health, safety and growth while reflecting the Jeremiah mission, encompassing the values, vision, and purpose of the program. Responsibilities include developing the intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of children; ensuring the physical and emotional safety of the center; maintaining records as required by DHS, and collaborating with parents and cross-team members to ensure the growth of children.

While this role will be primarily assigned to the infant room, we staff the center from a holistic perspective therefore from time to time, the selected candidate may be asked to fill in other classrooms as needed.

Jeremiah Program maintains a collaborative team-based work approach where teachers work together to create lesson plans and activities that brings together the strengths of each team member in service of our children.

Teachers work closely and collaborate with the Family Services Team to ensure families are getting all of the support they need.

Our centers provide formula, diapers, and wipes for all children.  Therefore, there is no need to remind parents about bringing these items.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Classroom Management

• Create and maintain a classroom environment that stimulates and is conducive to learning.
• Maintain accurate and complete files for children as required by DHS (emergency cards, field trip, and conference forms, attendance, CACFP, accident/incident reports, ).
• Implement, and post cross-cultural, developmentally approved curriculum for children.
• Maintain order within the classroom, storage areas, changing room, indoor and outdoor play areas, so they are attractive, sanitary, orderly, and in compliance with governing bodies.
• Manage classroom supplies and materials and report needs to CDC Manager/Director.
• Understand State Licensing requirements to operate and maintain a childcare program.
• Serve meals according to USDA/CACFP meal portion guidelines.

Direct Services

• Develop lesson plans through an approved curriculum to ensure the progress of the entire class. For curriculum requiring notes be kept, assure up to date notes are taken.
• Develop and maintain positive, respectful relationships with parents, working with them to enhance their child’s education and development and providing resource referrals for parental questions and concerns.
• Ensure children are supervised at all times in the classroom, hallways, and offsite activities.
• Demonstrate positive interactions with parents through Family Goal Planning meetings and Parent-Teacher conferences.
• Encourage and participate in center wide parent involvement initiatives. (e.g., Preschool graduation).
• Communicate classroom activities daily with parents regarding changes in their child’s development, behavior, and well-being by completing daily written reports.
• Develop growth plans regarding child’s development and other support resources in collaboration with parents, co-teacher, and the Family Coach when necessary.
• Administer child assessments using the ASQ tool and Teaching Strategies GOLD ;conduct parent-teacher conferences bi-annually.

Program Support

• Maintain compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., CACFP and state licensing requirements).
• Always provide and promote healthy boundaries and confidentiality.
• Leverage volunteers and interns to increase organizational capacity within Child Development Center.

Other Duties as assigned

• All Jeremiah Program employees are mandated reporters and are legally required to ensure a report is made when abuse or neglect is observed or suspected.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Meet and maintain teacher qualifications and state quality system rating requirements (Required hours vary by state).
• CPR and First Aid certified (preferred or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Ability to problem solve, multi-task, complete work on time, and work independently.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current child development practices.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
• Proficiency in computer skills, (i.e., Microsoft, SharePoint).
• Passion for the Jeremiah Program mission and values.