Early Head Start Center Based Teacher - Indiana

Early learning connections

Job Description

Position

• Early
• Head
• Start
• Center
• Based
• Teacher
• Reports to:
• Program
• Director
• JOB
• SUMMARY: Provides quality primary care giving for infants or toddlers in a safe and supervised early care and education setting; Promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Early Head Start children enrolled in the program; Develops individual goals for children; Provides screenings and on-going assessment; Follows all Head Start Program Performance Standards, and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provide for the educational and developmental needs of the individual child, and the classroom as a whole, according to mandated performance standard and established curriculum. Develop and utilize integrated curriculum plans, which reflect mandated elements and components, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of infants and toddlers. Assess individual and group needs, attending to differences in needs and disability issues, specific interests, strengths, and concerns. Daily use of computer to input data and information as required by program. Basic knowledge about common computer programs such as word and email. Supervise activities of children in an environment which is safe, healthy, enriching, and conducive to the maximum social and cognitive development of each child. Document developmental baselines, ongoing assessments according to program benchmarks. Plan and supervise the classroom day for the most effective use of classroom staff and volunteers. Conduct the required parent/teacher conferences and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support, and to share information on classroom progress and educational strategies at school and at home. Document all significant classroom issues, parent contacts and home visits. Effectively communicate with parents on an ongoing basis, including face-to-face communication, development of newsletters, phone calls, etc. with documentation of all communication. Individualize services to meet the needs of each child and family in an appropriate manner, regarding all component areas of Head Start/Early Head Start (nutrition, health, dental, education, development, family services, mental health). Submit reports and records in a timely manner. Participate in pre-service, in-service/staff meetings, other training as required. Assist families in assessing strengths and needs. Help families use the results of the assessment to develop a goal or goals. Follow up and support family efforts to achieve these goals. Access community resources to meet the individual needs of children and families. Assist in family meetings, parent/child interactions and parent education activities as needed. Work in conjunction with other staff to ensure a quality child development program that is responsive to each child's social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. Promote good health and nutrition and provide an environment that contributes to the prevention of illness. Support development of healthy eating habits for children and families through modeling, education, and encouragement. Uses space relationship materials and routines as resources for construction an interesting, secure, and enjoyable environment that encourages play, exploration and learning. Maintains accurate attendance and meal counts. Make decisions based on knowledge of early childhood theories and practices. Maintains, evaluates, and updates each child's developmental files. Promote Butler County Children's Center in the community by commonly sharing the responsibility of active recruitment of children. Support the program-wide adoption of the teaching pyramid model to promote the development of young children's social-emotional competence and address challenging behavior. Create and maintain a positive organizational culture by demonstrating the program-wide behavioral expectations in their social interactions with children, families, community members and colleagues. Other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to communicate with classroom staff and parents, must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Must demonstrate evidence of strong organizational skills. Must be able to demonstrate effective communication skills. Must have computer and other technology skills. Must have the ability to supervise staff. Must have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Minimum of an Infant/Toddler CDA (Child Development Associate) an associate degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education is preferred. Prefer two years' experience in preschool (infant/toddler) classroom. Experience should include the ability to adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all children including at risk, special needs, and culturally diverse populations. Knowledge of community resources and referral experience assisting families in need of services is highly desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to frequently move about inside the office to access file cabinets and office machinery. Ability to operate a computer or other office equipment such as a calculator, copy machine or computer printer. Ability to move and lift children or items weighing up to 25 lbs. Ability to observe staff and child behavior in a classroom setting. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.