GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction and general supervision of the Center Director, has primary responsibility for providing quality early childhood education experiences through a center-based program for a diverse population of infants and toddlers. Provides support, guidance and leadership for assistants and volunteers. Participates as a member of a teaching team which implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum and assists in maintaining support services for special needs children. Maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and families. Follows all Head Start Performance Standards, Agency and Program policies and procedures and other applicable Federal and State regulations to successfully accomplish Agency and Program goals and objectives. Adhere to Agency confidentiality policy with respect to information and records concerning children, families and staff. Maintain professional and ethical standards in accordance with Agency policy, code of conduct and legal requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Direct Services -Classroom (100%)
- Acts in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Federal, State and Local regulations pertaining to the safe and healthy operation of a child care center.
- Ensures that the classroom/play yard environments meet health and safety standards established by the program and is in compliance with State and Federal regulations.
- Facilitates and participates in implementation of curriculum and in development of activities.
- Individualize activities based on child’s strengths and areas of growth.
- Conducts four educational conferences, two in the home and two at the site during program year.
- Encourages parent participation and engagement in the classroom.
- Acts as a mentor to classroom support staff and to I/T Teacher/Family Advocate.
- Administers developmental screenings and assessments, conducts observations, maintains portfolios and shares outcomes with families.
- Develop mutual expectations with parents for the experience’s children will receive in the classroom.
- Through screening process assists with identification of possible special needs and/or mental health support. Implements Individualized Family Services Plans and/or Child and Family Consultant recommendations.
- Provide developmentally appropriate activities and designs classroom interest areas that promote language and literacy, physical, social/emotional and cognitive growth for children which enhances overall approaches to learning.
- Models successful early childhood teaching strategies and techniques and encourages positive interactions among staff, children, parents and with community members.
- Provide education to parents on child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Responsible for supporting parents in documentation and collection of educational and classroom in-kind and submits to supervisor.
- Attends and participates in agency trainings, workshops, in-service and staff meetings.
- Participate in setting and achieving professional career development goals.
- Participate in mentor/coaching process including videotaping by supervisor of classroom instruction.
- Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification.
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
- Compile observations and work samples and update children’s portfolios.
- Ensures sanitation of classrooms materials and equipment.
- File education related materials in files.
- Maintain and update parent bulletin boards.
- Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Associate Teacher Permit Credential (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing) or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
- Minimum of one-year classroom experience (minimum 3 hours/day for 50 days within a 6-month period qualifies as one-year experience).
- Positions assigned to work with infants and/or toddlers are required to complete a minimum of three additional units of Early Childhood Education course work with a C grade or better relating to Infant and Toddler development.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
- Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents or employees of organization.
- Bilingual/biliterate (English/Spanish) and/or other language ability may be required based on program needs.
- Ability to problem-solve and be proactive.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compare rate, ratio and percent.
- Ability to understand and use a variety of computer applications and appropriate software, including spreadsheets, word processing; and workplace electronic technology, including internet access, networking and email.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized or not standardized situation.
- Possession of a valid drivers' license; current personal vehicle insurance or safe driving record sufficient to ensure insurability through Agency policy.
- Possession of or ability to obtain Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification within first sixty 60 days of work; must maintain current status.
- State regulations require a physical examination, current tuberculosis test, and verified fingerprint and criminal record clearance before beginning work.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity and understanding the needs of families from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Knowledge of sound medical, dental and nutritional practices for young children.
- Awareness of community resources and services.
- Effective organizational and time management skills including ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers, parents, children and members of the community.
- Ability to travel occasionally within and outside the Head Start service area.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for parent trainings, parent center committee meetings and recruitment events.
- Ability to learn and comply with Head Start Performance Standards, Federal, State and local laws concerning the operation of child care centers.