The Family Services Teacher works in collaboration with the Team Leader and Classroom Assistants to ensure the classroom provides an educational environment that is developmentally and linguistically appropriate. The person will promote parent involvement through collaborative partnerships which encourage the educational, social and emotional development of all Head Start families. Engage in regular communications with parents and children; provide education, information, and support using home visits, parent contacts, parent meetings and monthly newsletters. Ensure that all work is done in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, USDA requirements, state licensing requirements and agency policies and procedures.
Responsibilities:
o Assist parents to transition in and out of the EPIC program in conjunction with team members.
o Provide written and verbal translation for families, as needed.
o Teach in assigned classroom on a daily basis. Administer developmental assessments and health screenings for children. Plan and implement classroom activities and prepare materials and supplies.
o Implement, support, and promote policies and procedures for Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Guidance and Active Supervision.
o Conduct child observations and input data as assigned. Maintain all required written and electronic documentation.
o Schedule and conduct parent teacher conferences and home visits.
o Provide assistance to classroom volunteers and parents to help them feel comfortable and successful in the classroom by providing guidance and direction to them during the classroom session.
o Use practices that value cultural backgrounds, special needs, and developmentally appropriate practices.
o Assist families to obtain a well-child exam and complete dental exam for the enrolled child(ren), completing the necessary paperwork to assure that copies of such are placed in the file as Performance Standards.
o Be committed to applying EPIC’s Core values to daily work by maintaining professionalism, accountability, consistency with program standards, and promptly reporting observed concerns through appropriate channels and following our Speak Up, Speak Out guidelines.
o Maintain a safe, healthy and sanitary environment, indoors and outdoors, ensuring that children are supervised at all times; respond quickly to crisis or emergency situations that may occur; provide first aid, CPR, and access emergency services as needed.
o Proactively generate and document in-kind contributions.
o Actively participate in professional development/coaching to improve student learning and performance.
o Actively participate in center family nights, parent meetings, staff meetings, professional development opportunities and all relevant center activities.
o Assume all Team Leader responsibilities in absence of Team Leader.
Working Conditions/Physical/ Mental Abilities and Processes:
Work requires daily standing, sitting, walking, stooping, kneeling, lifting, twisting, turning, pushing, pulling, speaking, hearing, seeing and the ability to articulate clearly; use of hands to finger, bending and reaching.
Ability to feel or operate objects and equipment; reach with hands and arms.
Ability to work with personal computer for long periods of time.
Some travel to and from main office and training sites
Benefits:
- Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans
- Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)
- Paid Holidays (9)
- EPIC Scholarship Available
- Employee Assistance Program
- Basic Life Insurance
- 403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)
- As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.
Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) in Merit.
Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
Current Food Handlers card
Current First Aid/CPR card
Prior to first day complete Health & Safety training certificates through DCYF student training portal.
Complete Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training within 3 months of hire
Meet the minimum education requirements within the timeframe as stated in the performance standards.
Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
CEO Approval.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. ECE State Initial Certificate or equivalent &/or willingness to work towards AA in ECE.
2. Childcare Basic 30 hours STARS training or educational exemption in MERIT.
3. Two years or more classroom work experience in a preschool setting.
4. Demonstrated ability to work closely with other team members, ability to grasp a team-centered approach to delivery of services for children and families.
Preferred Qualifications:
- AA in Early Childhood Education
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
