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/ACCOUNTIBILITY:
The Substitute Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. With support from the Teacher or Assistant Teacher, the Temporary Assistant Teacher assists in implementing the curriculum and providing active supervision for the children.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Create and maintain a clean safe, healthy, and developmentally focused learning environment.
- Supervise and monitor children at all times and respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations as they occur.
- Implement program-sanctioned active supervision and health and safety practices that ensure children are kept safe at all times.
- Establish a positive classroom climate.
- Guide the behavior of children in positive, effective ways.
- Follow a consistent schedule that includes small and large group experiences, work time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities.
- Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice-making; ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions to promote further thinking skills.
- Use outdoor time as an extension of the classroom, ensure the playground is safe.
- Promote English language acquisition for children who are English and dual language learners.
- Release children only to individuals with appropriately assigned permission.
- Eat with and assist children in the development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
- Assist with the sanitation of classroom equipment and toys, and the daily classroom health and safety checklist.
- Support the role of families as the first and primary teachers of their child.
- Assist in adapting lesson plans to meet the individual goals for children as identified in their Individual Learning Plan (ILP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
- Monitor for and report all instances of child abuse and neglect.
- Assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
- Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
- Ensure all developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment.
- Use appropriate observation and ongoing assessment; track to ensure positive child outcomes.
- Maintain ongoing anecdotal notes to monitor children’s individual development.
- Input COR notes into the database system within the 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 participating in grantee-sponsored training. center pre-service and in-service training, and other continuing education, career, and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources.
- Provide for the physical needs of preschoolers, including diapering and potty training.
- Must be willing to fill in where needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma.
- CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential is preferred, although enrollment in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire is acceptable.
- One-year experience working with children and families preferred.
- Personal qualifications include emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities.
- Knowledge and experience with the basic principles of child development.
- 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 the 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.
