OBJECTIVE:
Administers the Early Head Start center-based program at the classroom level. Responsibilities encompass fulfilling Head Start Revised Program Performance Standards in providing developmentally appropriate early education and care of children from six (6) weeks to three (3) years of age which is culturally sensitive and stress positive relationships, responsiveness to the child, and continuity of care. In the classroom, the teacher will integrate health, safety and parent involvement as well as educate and support the parents about the development of their child. Responsibilities also include supervision and mentoring of volunteers and student teachers along with maintenance and security of the classroom.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- CDA in infant toddler or comparable credential and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development plus exp. in working with infants/toddlers in a group setting or an AA in Early Childhood Educ. with a focus in infant toddler and development.
- Ability to establish an effective professional manner in all dealings with clients and the general public.
- Ability to exhibit emotional maturity and good judgment, to include high standards of morals and speech.
- Must be dependable and flexible with regard to working hours.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Inclusive):
- Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate classroom environment and experiences for infants and toddlers based on early education principles, best practice, and the Head Start philosophy.
- Implement and comply with Head Start Revised Performance Standards.
- Implement state Child Care Licensing requirements in the classroom.
- Participate in on-going development assessment of each child using the curriculum of parents’ choice.
- Teach and assist parents to evaluate and assess their child’s development.
- Make relevant referrals to appropriate person/agency.
- In cooperation with parents and Family Development Facilitator, participate in developing and implementing Individual Education Goals or Individual Family Service Plan for each child/family.
- Develop and implement written daily lesson plans to meet the individual developmental needs of children in the classroom.
- Integrate health, safety, nutrition, education, consistency and responsiveness to child, and relationship-building aspects into daily schedule and routines in the lesson plan
- Perform daily health checks of children and report health and other needs of children to appropriate person/agency.
- Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with community volunteers, students, and service learners in the classroom; supervise, coach and mentor them.
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with parents/guardians.
- Model appropriate and constructive interactions with infants/toddlers while coaching and encouraging parents in interactions with their own child.
- Encourage parent/guardian involvement in the education of their child, both in the center and at home, including providing ideas for developmentally appropriate home activities.
- Educate parents about the development of their children.
- Conduct periodic home visits and parent/teacher conferences in accordance with schedule in Performance Standards.
- Attend center parent meetings as assigned.
- Complete/maintain/submit all records and reports needed from the classroom including, but not limited to 1) children’s files (daily sheets, anecdotal records, health forms, 2) attendance records, 3) meal counts, 4) In-Kind documentation, etc.
- Communicate/meet/plan/confer frequently with Family Development Facilitators and other professionals working with children in your care to coordinate services.
- Attend staffing as requested.
- Work as a team member with co-teacher and other staff in planning and implementing all aspects of program in the classroom.
- Participate in regular job performance assessments including development and implementation of individual professional development plans.
- Comply with all programs, agency, local, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Carry out all job-related duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner (refer to Head Start Employee Code of Ethics and NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment).
- Other duties as assigned.
JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is a professional position which requires organizational and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact and diplomacy in contacts with Head Start employees, community residents, parents and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.
Background investigation to include fingerprinting will be required. Physical required at time of hire and may be required every five years. TB Test may be required. Travel may be required. Must submit valid driver’s license and proof of satisfactory car insurance under NM Motor Vehicle requirements.
Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Direct supervision is provided by the Center Director.
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
Classroom supervision of Teacher Associate (and others assigned).
