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"We do not teach children merely for the years during which they are under our care, but to benefit their whole lives."
-Rudolf Steiner
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SUMMARYAdministrator, EC Lead Educator, EC Mentor Educators, EC Master Educators, Assistant Directors, and Directors of The Birds Nest are expected to lead by example. The following expectations are in addition to the ALL STAFF Job Description.
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPlan the calendar of activities for the school year and adjust as needed to meet the needs of the classroom. Assure that all licensing regulations and STARS regulations are adhered to. Complete applicable self-assessments at least annually. Partner with Owner to: o Identify staffing needs, interview, hire, train, and guide ECTs. o Create, adjust, communicate, and reinforce policies/procedures with all audiences. o Develop, implement, and track a proposed budget each year. o Identify student openings, Interview/tour, enroll, and build supportive relationships. o Schedule staff and adjust student schedule as needed. Provide day-to-day management of the program, including but not limited to speaking with parents, issues with students, classroom logistics, and maintaining ratio. Create newsletters at least monthly and distribute to families.
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BASIC QUALIFICATIONSAbility to proficiently communicate in written and verbal form. Interpersonal skills. Practitioner Registry Level 4 or above (level 2, working towards level 4 for Admin).
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BEHAVIOR REQUIREMENTSDemonstrate flexibility and patience with students, parents, and staff. Handle multiple responsibilities at once and have a good understanding of what is going on in your program(s) at all times. Be able to guide staff and/or students in a supportive and respectful manner.
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTSEnsure all state-mandated, as well as STARS- required training has been completed and is up-to-date for all staff. Host team meetings monthly to collect feedback, address challenges, discuss curriculum, boost morale, etc. Partner with Owner to address any corrective action needs for attendance / behavioral reasons.
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NON-DISCRIMINATION & CONFIDENTIALITYChild Care Non-Discrimination Statement: In accordance with state family child care licensing regulations, child care services are available without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry. Disability Non-Discrimination Statement: Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified children with disabilities upon request, as specified under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Food Program Non-Discrimination Statement: The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Confidentiality Statement: TBN is committed to keeping information about your child and your family confidential. No information will be released unless TBN is required to do so under state law or if permission is given to do so. Contact information will never be shared, last names will never be used in public, and photographs or information about your child will never be sold. TBN will abide by our state’s privacy law. TBN will only share information with child care licensing, law enforcement agencies, child protection agencies, and government health officials when required. If a family transfers to another program, TBN may be contacted for certain information about the child’s enrollment. TBN will only confirm dates of enrollment and whether the child would be re-enrolled. TBN will keep all records and information about your child and your family private and confidential unless written permission is given to release specific information. The following situations are exceptions to this general rule – your child’s snapshot: may appear in child care areas that may be seen by prospective families and other visitors. may appear in portfolios, newsletters, advertising materials, and professional development material. and first name may appear on artwork, cubbies, in portfolios, in newsletters, and along with any posted snapshots. and/or first initial may appear on TBN’s website and Facebook page/group. If a provider/parent cross paths in a public setting, either party may initiate contact that acknowledges their relationship. To maintain confidentiality for all enrolled families, we ask that you refrain from sharing any information you learn about the other families (including your provider’s family) enrolled at TBN without their explicit permission.
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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSNo experience or education required; we will pay for your associates in Early Childhood Education (with 5 year teacher employment contract upon completion)! Registered through mtecp.org upon being hired. Must be willing to complete a minimum of 16 hours of annual training. Must be at least 16 years of age and pass annual background checks (starting at the age of 18). Must obtain Infant, Child, and Adult CPR/First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire. Must complete Infant Safety Essentials training within 30 days of hire. Must complete all state required training hours within 90 days of hire. Must complete all STARS required training hours within 2 years of hire.
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ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIESProfessional ethics of confidentiality, discretion and good judgment. Work closely with other team members in the development of a comprehensive children’s program in accordance with The Birds Nest, Inc philosophy, policy, and procedures. Provide individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs and interests of each child. Assist in planning and implementing program- sponsored family celebrations and classroom parent meetings.
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LEADERSHIP & SUPERVISIONAssume the role of Head ECT when she/he is absent or out of the classroom. Maintain written records and observations of assigned children, noting their development and behavior in all aspects of the program. Assist in the interview and orientation process of new ECTs and families. Assist in creating a warm, nurturing, and respectful atmosphere for the children to be encouraged to learn and grow. Participate in the planning / implementation of team / agency meetings, staff in-service training days, early childhood education and supervisory courses / workshops for professional growth.
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COMMUNICATIONWork cooperatively with parents, staff and third- party consultants to meet the individual needs of children and their families. Maintain positive communication regarding The Birds Nest, Inc to parents, other staff members, and the surrounding community. Meet regularly with the director, parents, teachers, and others regarding the developmental progress of children and interpretation of The Birds Nest, Inc policies.
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PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIONEnforce all Licensing Regulations set forth in the Department of Public Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing Division, including, but not limited to, ensuring that appropriate staff-child ratios are maintained and children are supervised at all times. Maintain appropriate documentation on all children in the class, and on the material needs of the classroom for supplies and maintenance. Report all injuries/other health concerns to the Director, administer pediatric first-aid when necessary, and as mandated by state law, report any suspected child abuse/neglect. Assist Director in all matters pertaining to the effective and efficient running of the program.
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSAbility to speak, read, and write the English Language fluently. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the cultural background of the children and families being served. Ability to relate to children and adults in a positive, respectful manner. Ability to lift and/or carry children up to 50 lbs. Ability to interact at the child's level and move quickly as needed. Ability to work with a staff of varying educational and experiential backgrounds.
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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSBilingual in Spanish (or other language) Dialects and able to incorporate the language into the program. Have your CDA or other early childhood education certification or degree OR be willing to obtain an associates degree within your first 3 years of employment. Two years’ experience. Achieve a Practitioner Registry Level 2 within the first 18 months.
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WAGESThe Birds Nest offers competitive compensation, averaging 40-75% higher than Montana Licensed/Registered Child Care Programs. Wages are based on position and practitioner registry level. Bonuses and other benefits are based on performance, experience, and teaching contract terms. The following hourly wage ranges apply to the corresponding position: Early Childhood Class Aid $17.60+ Early Childhood Assistant Educator $18.65+ Early Childhood Lead Educator $20.17+ Early Childhood Mentor Educator $22.90+ Early Childhood Master Educator or Assistant Director $23.59+ Assistant Nutrition Specialist $17.50+ Lead Nutrition Specialist $19.50+ Program Director $24.62+
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BENEFITS - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTPlanning Time and Curriculum Resource Room Annual Paid Professional Development Opportunity for Professional Growth Paid AAS in Early Childhood Education thru FVCC, Western, and/or Dawson (to achieve a PR Level 4 or higher) must be completed within 10 semesters (7 fall/spring semesters and 3 summer semesters) must achieve a "C" or higher for all classes and take a minimum of 6 credits per semester up to $5000 total paid by The Birds Nest (prepaid each semester to cover costs not covered by mtecp and the DIL from the previous semesters reimbursement) up to $2000 reimbursed by MTECP.org and the Department of Industry and Labor, per semester (postpaid) if a degree is not obtained or a PR Level 4 is not achieved (for staff with an existing bachelors degree in a relevant field), all prepaid funds must be repaid to The Birds Nest requires a 2 year teaching contract upon graduation
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BENEFITS - HEALTH & WELLNESSMedical, Vision, and Dental Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Flexible Scheduling Life Insurance Retirement Matching Fitness Membership (with proof of attendance) Benefits coverage, matching, and/or accrual paid for by The Birds Nest is based on level of Teaching Contract signed (one-year, two-year, or three-year).
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BENEFITS - OTHERDiscounted Child Care Tuition Teaching Contract Completion Bonuses Attendance and Performance Incentives/Bonuses Supportive Leadership Team Strong Work-Life Balance Culture
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BENEFIT QUALIFICATIONAll employees go through an initial 3 month probationary period. During the probationary period, the employee must complete all requirements to become approved by State Licensing and the Practitioner Registry. If attendance and/or performance are unsatisfactory during the initial 3 months, the probationary period will be extended to a 6 month period. Upon satisfactory completion of the 3 or 6 month probationary period, the employee will be offered a Teacher/Employment Contract for a 1, 2, or 3 year term and a corresponding benefits package. The longer the contract, the better the benefits (ie with a 3 year term, 95% of the medical benefits premium is covered vs with a 2 year term, only 85% of the premium is covered). Employees must work a minimum of 35 hours per week to qualify for benefits.
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