Multiple locations throughout Detroit
Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit.
Operating multiple programs in more than 35 Detroit locations, Matrix provides services to more than 25,000 individuals and families annually and operates the largest Head Start program in Detroit serving more than 1,900 children.
CORE VALUES:
- Being of Service
- Building Relationships
- Always Learning
- Committed to Results
JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
The EHS Teacher provides a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. They plan for, assess, and meet the general and individual needs of children. The Teacher plans specific activities that reinforce the program philosophy, promote developmentally appropriate activities, and insure children are School Ready. The EHS Teacher also works with a co-teacher and volunteers in the classroom to build a team approach to educating children. At all times the EHS Teacher provides active supervision for all children.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain a safe, healthy classroom environment appropriate for infants/toddlers, and cleanliness of the facilities
- Respond swiftly and appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or crisis situation
- Implement active supervision health and safety practices that ensure children are kept safe at all times, as determined by program policy
- Work in collaboration with families to develop individual goals for all children
- Gear the program to the needs of individual children with concern for their developmental level, interests, special needs, special talents, and individual style and pace of learning
- Provide for the physical needs of infants/toddlers, including diapering and feeding
- Supervise, guide and facilitate learning for infants and toddlers
- Ensure that all Early Head Start component areas are included in planning of daily lessons and classroom/outdoor environment: physical, cognitive, social/emotional development; health; safety; nutrition; and culture
- Treat children and families with dignity and respect
- Encourage and support family involvement in all aspects of the Early Head Start program
- Help children develop social awareness appropriate for their age and developmental level
- Follow a consistent schedule that meets the individual needs, including small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, small and large motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities
- Complete the daily sanitation log and classroom health and safety checklist
- Conduct two parent conferences and two home visits to share information with families on all areas of their child’s development
- Ensure that all developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment
- Use appropriate observation and ongoing assessment, and tracking to ensure positive child outcomes
- Maintain ongoing anecdotal notes to monitor children’s individual development
- Input COR notes into data base system within timeline set by the program
- Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information
- Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner
- Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources
- Must be willing to “fill in” where needed
- Perform other duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- A minimum of Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential, and trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.
- Associates or higher in early childhood education or child development preferred
- One year experience working with infants and toddlers preferred
- Able to assist and supervise infants/toddlers and ensure a safe learning environment, including the ability to monitor and respond at all times in the classroom and outdoor play areas. This includes the physical ability to move quickly, keep in visual contact, and assesses situations with good judgment
- Knowledge of Birth-to-Three Early Childhood Education and Development
- Strong working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations
- Effective in an environment of cultural diversity; comfortable in a collaborative, team-based work setting
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Reliable transportation is required
- Follow appropriate chain of command for all conflict situations.
WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues; Possible exposure to communicable diseases; Job may require lifting up to 45 pounds, sitting, standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and bending for periods of time.
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:
- All staff will use data to help achieve program goals; apply techniques and strategies that promote a culture of learning; identify and address gaps that continuously improve our programs.
- All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance.
- All Head Start employees must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Program Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and the NAEYC Code of Conduct
- Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services.
Matrix Human Services is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Matrix Human Services is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@matrixhs.org. Michigan law requires that a person with a disability or handicap requiring accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job must notify the employer in writing within 182 days of the date that the need is known or should have been known.
