CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
DEPARTMENT: Macomb Community Action
HIRING AUTHORITY: Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-will per County Human Resources policy
CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Part-time position (up to 29 hours per week). The starting time for this position currently varies.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under supervision, works cooperatively with and assists in the implementation of the Head Start Program; assists in preparing the children and families by meeting program goals, objectives and outcomes to ensure the development of family goals, program health requirements and readiness skills; assists in meeting individual needs of children and families; performs related duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Interacts with children and families throughout the day as directed by the Teacher and management staff; encourages exploration, decision making and language stimulation.
Supports parents in their role as their child's first and most important teacher and provides positive reinforcement while building self-confidence and self-esteem within a healthy classroom environment.
Participates in recruitment, registration and all required screenings for children, along with any assigned classroom activities.
Coordinates with Head Start staff to assist families in the goal setting process by developing and implementing the steps written in the Family Partnership Agreement.
Maintains a clean, safe and healthy classroom and work environment.
Maintains, collects and enters data regarding ongoing child/family services provided, using program specific software.
Works with individual children or small groups, when directed, and/or necessary to meet Performance Standards, program policies and procedures, objectives and child outcomes.
Assists in ensuring compliance with Head Start, Local, State and Federal regulations for early childhood programming.
Must be able to fully participate in all classroom activities, which may include, but are not limited to, bending, reaching, stooping and sitting on the floor.
Maintains and updates knowledge through conferences, seminars and in-service trainings as determined in consultation with Agency leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
- Possession of a high school diploma or a certificate of successful completion of the General Educational Development test
- As a condition of employment, an employee within this classification must be willing to enroll in a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program upon employment and successfully complete the certification within two (2) years of employment, per the Head Start Act, 12/12/07, Section 648Aii.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development or a related field from an accredited college or university
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
- Previous experience working with pre-school age children
- Previous experience with a Head Start Program.
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
- Knowledge of child development techniques and practices
Ability to:
- Understand and follow direction as well as work independently as needed
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, families, outside professionals, agencies and the public
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Work in an environment that embraces the County's Dignity Campaign
- Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
- Speak and understand a language other than English is preferred
- Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
