Early Head Start Teacher

Job Overview

Performs duties planning and implementing educational activities for infants and toddlers in the Early Head Start Program that comply with federal performance standards.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Early Head Start Teacher Assistant candidate MUST have a Child Development Associate (CDA) with an Infant/Toddler endorsement or an Associate or higher degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, or a degree in any field with 15 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.  Two years of experience in teaching infants to preschool-aged children required.  Must be willing to obtain 45 clock hours and Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Infant/Toddlers Course (10 hours) within 90 days of employment.

Salary

Minimum: $34,320.00- $36,440.00

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Plans, develops and implements daily lesson plans that provide for educational and enrichment activities for infants and toddlers that meet federal performance standards.
• Plans and arranges classrooms into distinctive learning areas that promote an effective learning environment.
• Screens and assesses infant and toddler aged children to determine developmental/educational needs and develops and implements individual education plans that comply with federal performance standards.
• Monitors meal and snack periods, classroom and restroom activities for toddlers, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for infants and toddlers.
• Documents children's progress or lack thereof and completes all required manual and computerized forms and reports in accordance with federal requirements.
• Initiates referrals to the appropriate Lead Teacher by submission of required paperwork.
• Plans classroom activities for parent and community volunteers.
• Attends and participates in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information.   
• Communicates with parents through parent conferences, written correspondence, telephone and home visits to apprise them of child's progress, upcoming events, classroom activities, individual education plan changes, and other relevant information.
• Conducts health checks on children for health concerns, including ringworm, head lice or other health conditions, and reports to appropriate nurse.
• Reports suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state agency. 
• Plans, coordinates and oversees field trips for assigned children. 
• Requests supplies and equipment to be ordered for use by children in the classroom.
• Inspects classrooms and grounds to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.
• Discusses plans and coordinates concerns regarding the child and family with other Early Head Start staff.