At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Job Description
The Vanderbilt Child & Family Center offers quality early childhood education and cares for the children ages infants (6 weeks) to five years old of Vanderbilt Faculty, staff, and students. The Tennessee Department of Human Services licenses the Child & Family Center. We are seeking an Early Childhood Associate that will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment. Additionally, the early childhood associate will monitor the children's behavior and development, utilizing developmental profiles, and in turn, evaluate activities based on the needs of the children.
The Child & Family Center offers quality early childhood education and care for the children of Vanderbilt Faculty, staff, and students. The program serves children age infants (6 weeks) to five years old. The Centers are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services. For more information about VU's Child & Family Centers, please visit http://www.vanderbilt.edu/child-family-center/child-care-center/.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities according to NAEYC guidelines, DOE licensing standards, and center policy
- Maintains a clean, safe, orderly classroom environment that contributes to the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children. (Per NAEYC, DOE, OSHA, Risk Management, and Center policies)
- Supervise personnel assigned to assist with classroom activities (including students, assistants, and volunteers)
- Assesses/prepares plans and curriculum based on children's individual's needs and levels of development
- Prepares and distributes classroom newsletter weekly or bi-weekly
- Submits reports necessary for compliance with licensing agencies, including attendance records and other daily reports
- Monitors classroom and playground for cleanliness and safety according to established policies
- Supervise personnel assigned to assist with classroom activities (including students, assistants, and volunteers)
- Work with supervisors to maintain an inventory of supplies and materials
- Participates in and contributes to staff meetings, parent meetings/conferences, and opportunities for professional development
- Promotes and maintains confidentiality concerning information related to children, parents, and co-workers
Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED is required
- Early Childhood education credentials, such as a CDA preferred
- One year of early childhood education experience is required
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds is required
- Experience working with children in a supervised setting is required
- Strong communication skills are required
- CPR and First Aid certification is preferred
- Ability to interact well with children, families, and campus faculty and staff
- Willingness and ability to learn new skills and be flexible
- Ability to be adaptable to the center's needs and hours; hours required to work are 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.