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Form of workSummary:
The Early Head Start Teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities for children from birth to age 3 in the areas of social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development according to federal, state, and local mandates. Provides supervision and instruction to young children while utilizing respectful and responsive care-giving practices. Communicates positively with children, families, and colleagues to meet the individual social, emotional, health, and educational needs of each child. Performs the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and the component plans; and a thorough knowledge and application of appropriate child development practices. Meets all applicable HS/EHS standards and requirements.
Position Responsibilities:
- Implements Early Head Start curricula in the classroom
- Provides learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy and phonemic, print, numeric awareness, and language-including English as a second language, if applicable
- Guides and facilitates activities of the children, including: daily activities, field trips, selecting and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom
- Maintains a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including weekly observations in each area, examples of the child's work, and developmental assessment completed according to Early Head Start procedures
- Conducts a home visit and at least one parent conference to discuss the child's individual development and progress; assists the parents in developing observational skills and solicits parent observations
- Eats with and assists children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices
- Meets regularly with appropriate staff members to exchange information pertinent to the identification of services to meet the needs of each child
- Meets with mental health consultant monthly to discuss mental health needs of children
- Guides children's acquisition of social skills, and those marked by the Head Start Standards
- Attends staff training and meetings, and board and parent meetings as requested
- Works with the other classroom teacher and collaborates to apply skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities
- Maintains a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored
- Uses the playground as an extension of the classroom; assures that the playground is safe;
- Assists in conducting the daily health and environment check list
- Assists in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood
- Assists in recruiting and orienting volunteers, providing them with guidance as needed
- Completes and submits required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, e.g., lesson plans, portfolio forms, assessment, time sheets, meal reports etc.
- Actively assists in transition activities
- Distributes newsletters, flyers, and other information to families as instructed by the supervisor
- Assures that files are complete, accurate, and confidentially maintained
- Other duties as required
Position Qualifications:
Required
Required
- Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Birth to Kindergarten
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in direct services to children in a childcare setting
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between various agency sites, community resources, and home visits
- Meet federal and state background check and drug screen requirements
Preferred
- Proficient in conversational Spanish
- Experience in a Child Development, Head Start, or Early Head Start organization
- Infant/child first aid/CPR
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Exceptional customer service, and interpersonal skills
- Effective problem-solving and influencing skills
- Strong organizational, self-motivation, and decision-making skills
- Proficiency using Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and using the internet
- Proficiency using PC, mobile devices, scanner, copier, multi-line phone system, and other office equipment
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as needed
- Understanding and acceptance of regional cultural, religious and economic differences.
- Demonstrated ability to articulate ideas clearly (both written and orally), listen accurately, and establish personal rapport with people from a variety of backgrounds
- Ability to maintain dignity and self-control in stressful situations; objective about personal strengths and limitations
- Proven logical, systematic, integrative, conceptualizing thought process.
- Ability to work outside regular business hours to meet Agency needs
Essential Physical Functions:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Activity
- Carrying, Writing, Bending, Stooping, Grasping
- Standing, Twisting, Sitting, Lifting, Walking
- Filing documents
- Communicating with internal and external stakeholders
- Using computers, telephone, mobile device, and fax machine keyboards
Physical Requirements
- Push, pull, lift or carry up to as much as 25 pounds frequently
- Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time
Visual/Audible Acuity Requirements
- Must be able to read and distinguish small print
- Must have depth perception and be able to distinguish basic colors
- Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise
- Must be able to speak clearly and make self understood while also understanding others using the English language
Family Services, Inc. is committed to a diverse and drug-free workforce. EOE
Family Services, Inc. values flexibility and the willingness to take on new challenges. As opportunities arise and work responsibilities change, your job description will be adjusted to meet the organization’s needs.
