Position Overview
Ensures the implementation of the Head Start program in a safe environment for children in accordance with the performance standards by meeting the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and cultural needs of each enrolled child in partnership with parents.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities may include but not limited to the following:
Developing Curriculum
- Develop curriculum and implement developmentally appropriate activities in all Head Start domains according to the individual needs of children as written in daily lesson plans
Documentation
- Conduct agency screenings and assessments • Responsible for children’s assessment data in online assessment tool
- Coaches staff in PFCE efforts, especially implementing the Relationship-Based Competencies.
Classroom Responsibilities
- Implement positive redirection and behavior guidance
- Instruct children in practices of personal hygiene and other self-help skills
- Prepare meals and snacks for children
- Works one on one with children who need individual attention
- Leads individualized routines and classroom activities alongside the other Teachers
- Responsible for training all Education new hires in designated training classrooms
Working with Parents
- Empower parents by enhancing parenting skills and parent/child relationships
- Attend parent meetings to actively support parent participation in program implementation
- Conduct a minimum of two home visits and two Parent Teacher Conferences per program year
Recruitment/Enrollment
- Assist in recruitment, enrollment, and orientation of Head Start families
Guidelines and Procedures
- Responsible for being familiar with the Agency’s school readiness goals and how to apply them to the classroom lesson plans and individualization
Required Education and Experience
- Minimum Associate Degree (Bachelor Degree preferred) with stated major in ECE (Early Childhood Education) or (CD) Child Development (or) an Associate Degree in any field with a minimum of twelve (12) credit hours in ECE/CD with emphasis on infant/toddler development.
*Requirements are based on the Head Start Reauthorization Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-134) and the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers (2006 MR 11, Eff. Dec. 7, 2006) and are subject to change.
- Related Field means child guidance/counseling, child psychology and family studies. 2006 MR 11, Eff. Dec. 7, 2006; R 400.5103(a) Note: at the time of this revision, U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services has the definition of “degree in related field” under review. OHS-PCJ-001.
- Child Care Administration means child care administration, education administration or business administration. 2006 MR 11, Eff. Dec. 7, 2006; R 400.5103(b).
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Attention to Detail
- Emotional Control
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
Physical Requirement
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time while performing work duties.
- Physical ability to effectively and efficiently operate keyboard and other work related tools and equipment.
- Visual acuity to effectively read computer screen, reading material, and reports or documentation required per Head Start guidelines.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, pull twist and turn with sufficient manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, to file, retrieve supplies, perform light cleaning of classroom/office, etc.
- Ability to squat, crawl, kneel and bend in order to speak to children at the child’s eye level, to play with the children and to pick up toys and equipment from the floor.
- Ability to raise arms above head and extend arms and legs beyond body.
- Ability to sit in 15 inch chairs.
- Ability to lift and carry twenty-five to thirty (25-30) pounds, if you are required to lift over this amount in a non-emergency situation, you are required to ask for assistance.
- In some emergency situations you may be required to lift over thirty (30) pounds.
- Ability to hear and listen when a child or another individual is speaking to you both in a calm and excited environment.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
