GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor, the Early Head Start Teacher will support the administrative and day to day operation of the Early Head Start classroom. This includes, but not limited to: curriculum implementation, school readiness goals, coordination of volunteers in the classroom, promotion of a positive self-image for each child, the assurance of the safety of all children, child assessments and home visits. The Early Head Start Teacher child ratio is 1:4 and classroom enrollment is from eight (8) to sixteen (16) children.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Design and implement the daily classroom program, in conjunction with other education staff and parents that enhances the positive self-image and promotes feelings of security and trust in each child.

2. Organize each day’s activities to provide the children with a variety of experiences and opportunities that allow them to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving skills, creativity and feelings of belonging to the group.

3. Prepare the children’s classroom environment for learning through active exploration and interaction with others.

4. Assure that each child is warmly greeted upon arrival; and gradually assisted to become a part of the small group.

5. Responsive care giving: Respond quickly in a soothing and tender manner to a child’s cries or calls of distress. Respond consistently to each child’s needs for food and comfort. Respond promptly to diapering/toileting needs of the child using self-talk and encouraging participation.

6. Prepare weekly and daily lesson plans, individualized to meet the on-going development of the child.

7. Make at least two home visits to each child’s home per year.

8. Complete individualized assessments on each child followed by parent conferences.

9. Support families and maintain open communication with FSTs to follow up on health and dental screenings, immunization updates, and family goals. (Maintain confidentiality of family records).

10. Complete specialized screening of children as required and refer children suspected of having special needs or challenging behavior.

11. Complete transitioning packet for EHS children moving on to Head Start or other childcare accommodations.

12. Promote positive, professional relationships with staff and all parents.

13. Coordinate activities for parents and other volunteers in the classroom and on field trips.

14. Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards and all other applicable standards of regulatory agencies (i.e. Community Care Licensing).

15. Assist in center food preparation and food service including clean-up as needed.

16. Assist in the general clean-up as needed.

17. Attend center staff meetings, staff in-service and all other required meetings and training.

18. Conduct emergency and earthquake preparedness drills.

19. Attend not less than 15 clock hours of professional development per year. Such professional development shall be high-quality, sustained, intensive and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction.

20. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Knowledge

Understanding of Infant / Toddler:

1. Developmentally Appropriate Practices

2. Developmental Milestones

3. Developmental Disabilities

4. Social / Emotional Behavior

5. Positive Parenting

6. Child’s Health

7. Child’s Well-being

Interpersonal

1. Effective communication techniques both oral and written.

2. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff and other members of the organization.

3. Sensitive towards multi-cultural beliefs and practices.

4. Ability to relate to children of high-risk families and their parents.

5. Involve parents in daily classroom activities to increase their understanding of child development

Skills

1. Interpret program policies, rules, regulations and procedures and implement them.

2. Analyze problem areas of work and recommend solutions

3. Ability to maintain accurate records and submit in a timely manner

4. Ability to use Microsoft Office, Outlook and other data entry programs as require by the organization

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

AA Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or Child Development (CD) or related field, including 6 college units in Infant/Toddler Development /Curriculum. Experience working in an Infant/Toddler childcare setting a plus.

OR

24 ECE/CD Units including three (3) Infant/Toddler units and an additional three (3) Infant/Toddler units completed within one year of date of hire. Experience: minimum six (6) months experience in an Infant/Toddler preschool classroom environment

LANGUAGE:

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

OTHER/SPECIAL:

Must be at least 18 years of age. Excellent oral and written skills. Ability to pass a physical examination and tuberculin skin test. Meet the State of California immunization requirement for employees of day care centers, immunization proof against influenza, pertussis and measles. Fingerprint clearance and criminal record check required. Verification of current driver’s license and insurance required for personal car usage. Must be able to obtain a California state teacher permit within 90 days of hire.

PHYSICAL:

Lifting Requirement: Up to 25 pounds