THE POSITION:
Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Infant/Toddler Teacher shall be responsible for the daily operation of the Head Start classroom. This includes, but is not limited to, curriculum development and implementation, promotion of a positive self-image for each child, the assurance of the safety of all children, child assessment, home visits and the supervision of the Teacher Assistant.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design and implement daily classroom program, in conjunction with other education staff and parents that enhances the positive self-image of each child.
Design a positive classroom environment. Be able to score positively on all the required measurements annually.
Comply will all Community Care Licensing Regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
Prepare weekly curriculum plans for daily lesson plans.
Make at least two visits to each child’s home per year, and participate in parent conferences as needed.
Complete individualized assessments on each child followed by parent conferences.
Conduct monthly child observations and prepare individual education plans ongoing
Complete specialized screening of children as required and refer children suspected of having special needs or challenging behavior.
Promote positive, professional relationships with staff and all parents.
Coordinate activities for and supervise parents and other volunteers in the classroom .
Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards and all other applicable standards of regulatory agencies (i.e. Community Care Licensing).
Supervise the activities of the Associate Teacher or Teacher Assistant, and in conjunction with the Site Supervisor prepare a written performance evaluation on the Associate Teacher.
Conduct emergency and earthquake preparedness drills.
Mobilize within different classrooms or to a different site in order to meet ratios, or as needed.
Assist in center food preparation and food services including clean up.
Assist in the general clean-up and packing of furniture as needed.
Help maintain a clean, safe and healthy classroom environment.
Assist in maintaining an attractive and stimulating learning environment that encourages children’s independence and self-selection of activities.
Assist in any hygiene needs of the children.
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.
Promote positive, professional relationship with children, staff and parents.
Coordinate activities of parents in the classroom and on
Participate in various in services and trainings to upgrade skills necessary
Maintain the required files; monthly/quarterly reports, assessments. Ongoing documentation shall be in accordance with established timelines
Participate in relevant collaborative meetings with community, and trainings with county agencies as required.
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, previous experience preferred. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Knowledge of Head Start Act, 2007 and Performance Standards
Knowledge of child development- Typical and Atypical.
Knowledge of instructional materials, methods, and age appropriate assessment tools.
Knowledge of individual differences, learning styles, cultural needs, child development and community needs in setting up and implement curriculum for the year.
Ability to effectively communicate with school personnel, students and parents.
Ability to clearly communicate and implement educational plans and timelines.
Communicate educational goals and outcomes to parents.
Assess and diagnose educational deficits and growth.
Maintain a cooperative working relationship with staff and clients.
Maintain acceptable work habits (attendance, punctuality, time management, teamwork, etc.).
Travel to homes, community, or other work related sites.
Resourceful in teaching methods and classroom environment.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:
A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood education or related field with an Associates Teacher Permit or higher is highly preferred; An Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with an Associates Teacher Permit or higher is highly preferred; A High school Diploma with an Associates Teacher Permit or higher is required.
A minimum of 3 Infant & Toddler units is required.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
REQUIREMENTS - CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification desired
Preventative Health & Safety EMSA training desired
Valid California Driver’s license or California ID
Department of Justice/FBI/ Child Abuse Index Clearance upon hire
Health/Immunizations: Physical, TB Test, Covid-19 Vaccine, Tdap, MMR & Influenza required upon hire.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand for long periods. The employee frequently is required to lift up to 25 lbs, and reach with hands and arms.
