Role Overview:
The Infant Teacher creates a warm, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment for children ages 0–18 months. This role emphasizes responsive caregiving, attachment-based interactions, individualized routines, developmental observation, and safe exploration. Infant Teachers support early communication, emergent motor skills, social-emotional development, and secure relationships with families and children.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create a safe, emotionally supportive, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants.
- Implement predictable routines that promote comfort, security, and early learning.
- Provide individualized care, including feeding, diapering, safe sleep, and soothing.
- Support sensory exploration, tummy time, fine and gross motor development, and early communication.
- Use responsive caregiving, labeling emotions, modeling empathy, and co-regulating with infants.
- Observe and document developmental milestones and adjust support based on individual needs.
- Maintain daily communication with families regarding routines, behaviors, milestones, and concerns.
- Prepare individualized care plans and update them as children grow.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation guidelines, including diapering, bottle prep, and safe sleep practices.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked classroom environment.
- Engage in meaningful, warm interactions that support attachment and trust building.
- Collaborate with co-teachers to plan curriculum, maintain consistency, and support classroom flow.
- Participate in required training, professional development, and staff meetings.
Curriculum & Early Development:
- Implement age-appropriate activities focused on sensory development, motor skills, early language, and attachment.
- Support early communication through talking, singing, reading, mirroring, and responsive interactions.
- Provide exploration opportunities that promote safe curiosity and foundational learning.
- Scaffold emerging self-help skills such as grasping, reaching, responding to cues, and early independence.
- Encourage early social engagement through guided peer interaction and modeling.
Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance
- Follow all Title 22 licensing requirements and site-specific health and safety policies.
- Practice safe sleep procedures such as placing infants on their backs and ensuring crib safety.
- Maintain hygiene routines including proper diapering, sanitizing surfaces, washing bottles, and safe food handling.
- Monitor infant health and behavior and report concerns to leadership and families.
- Maintain accurate documentation including attendance, incident reports, and medication logs.
- Follow emergency procedures and actively participate in safety drills.
Family Engagement:
- Build trusting and supportive relationships with families.
- Provide daily communication about routines, developmental updates, and care notes.
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
- Support families with resources and developmental guidance as needed.
Qualifications:
- 24 ECE units including Infant/Toddler coursework required.
- 16 GE units preferred; AA or BA in ECE or related field preferred.
- California Child Development Teacher Permit preferred.
- Experience working with infants ages 0–18 months.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain after hire).
- Strong understanding of early childhood development, health, and safety practices.
Physical Requirements (ADA-Compliant):
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 35 lbs.
- Frequent bending, sitting on the floor, standing, holding infants, and active movement.
- Ability to safely navigate classroom and outdoor spaces.
- Reasonable accommodations available upon request.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees (35+ hrs/week):
- Comprehensive benefits package with 50% employer-paid medical insurance premiums.
- Paid professional development and training.
- Eligibility for up to $10,000/year in government stipends through ELFA.
- Childcare discount for employees.
To Apply:
Submit your resume or a brief message describing your interest in early childhood education and your availability. We look forward to supporting your growth at Meaningful Beginnings!
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Paid training