University of Oklahoma Lab School Lead Infant Teacher

Norman, OK
United States

Join OU’s Early Childhood Program as a Lead Infant Teacher at the Institute of Child Development this January 2024!

The Institute of Child Development at the University of Oklahoma is pleased to invite passionate and creative Early Childhood Teachers to be part of our growing school. We are seeking applications for a temporary (Jan-May) full-time Lead Infant Teacher position with possibility of extended contract in the fall of 2024. Please note that the salary listed is from January to May 2024.

The ICD serves children ages 6 weeks until age 5. It has three primary goals. The first is to provide a developmentally appropriate environment for undergraduate and graduate students to observe and interact with young children. The second is to serve families of the university and the community and provide young children with high quality care and education. The third is to provide a site for research and educational innovation. The teacher's role at the ICD is to serve as a guide, a resource, and a facilitator for the child. By this we mean the teacher facilitates a child-centered environment by initiating activities and projects for children that are developmentally appropriate, purposeful, meaningful, and foster learning through self-selected play.

Teachers receive a competitive salary and OU benefits. Review of completed applications will begin as soon as possible. Applicants are welcome to share 2-3 items of supporting materials if so desired (e.g., video of teaching, lesson plans, classroom website, family communication or newsletter, etc.) along with the required Resume and Cover Letter when they apply.

Applicants should contact Ashley Jones via email at anjones@ou.edu for information on how to apply directly through The University of Oklahoma Job Board.

Required Education:
• Earned bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and/or child development, or in the related field.

Job Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Infant Lead Teacher consist of, but are not limited to:
•Teaching full-day infant class (Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:25 PM) during the OU Spring semester (January through May);
•Creating a physically and psychologically safe and positive learning environment for young learners that is intentional, culturally responsive, equitable, and supports student autonomy;
•Providing high quality care and education to facilitate children’s learning and development.
•Establishing and implementing evidence-based practice for infant toddler care (e.g., primary caregiving system, continuity of care, sensitive and responsive care for infants)
•Respecting and maintaining all classroom and ICD properties in a good condition.
•Assessing children using tools provided and discussed by the program director;
•Planning weekly lessons based on early learning standards and best practices in infant/toddler care;
•Serving as a cooperating/mentor teacher for OU Early Childhood Education preservice students placed at the ICD;
•Establishing and maintaining positive and collaborative relationships with families, which includes daily/weekly communication with parents;
•Collaborating respectfully and communicating promptly and effectively with other teachers, families, OU faculty, and other community members, and participating in staff meetings;
•Understanding and respecting differences in children and colleagues and embracing a practice of inclusion.
•Taking part in professional development experiences (attending or presenting);
•Supporting research endeavors consistent with preschool laboratory classrooms;
•Modeling reflective practice (i.e., self-reflection on teaching) and being open to mentoring and feedback from supervisors/others;
•Maintaining up-to-date CPR and First Aid Licensing;
•Maintaining up-to-date Professional Development Hours and actively seeking your Professional Development Ladder through CECPD;
•Completing annual OU OnPoint training to stay up-to-date on best workplace practices and laws;
•Maintaining confidentiality for all enrolled families, only discussing students appropriately as needed with school directors with the goal of supporting children and families;
•Being willing to provide professional development to other educators when the opportunity arises.
•Maintaining DHS STARS requirements in your classroom for hand washing, diaper changing, and classroom maintenance; and
•Participating in other activities as appropriate.

Advertised Physical Requirements:
Supervise a classroom of eight students (ages 6 weeks to 12 months) – which includes:
•Being able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
•Bending, kneeling, and getting up and down from a seated-on-the-floor position.

Departmental Preferences:
•Experience teaching infants and strong content and pedagogical knowledge of working with infants; familiarity with early childhood standards, theorists, and effective practices in early childhood education; and experience working as part of a dynamic and collaborative team.