Associate Teacher

JOB SUMMARY

Works under the administrative supervision of the Master Teacher – Mentor/Coach and day-to-day task supervision of the assigned Teacher (III/IV).  Responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations as defined in HSPS 1302 and any regulatory standard regarding classroom activity, this position is assigned to a classroom and is responsible for the total classroom operation when a Teacher (III/IV) or Associate Teacher –R is absent.  Responsible for providing day-to-day task supervision for the assigned classroom staff or volunteer and responsible for involving the classroom staff person in the execution of daily classroom activities.

ESSENTIAL jOB FUNCTIONS

The functions outlined in this job description are examples of the general nature of those performed by employees in this position. Any combination of these functions and responsibilities may be performed.  The list is descriptive only and should be used for no other purpose.  Management retains the right to revise job functions at any time.  These functions are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

COMPLIANCE (EDUCARE LEARNING NETWORK, DHS, OHS, NAEYC)

• Use research based strategies from LEP evaluation information and accredited organizations to drive program practices (Ex: safe sleep).
• Understand and support core features of Educare Learning Network (ELN)
• Ensure compliance with the health and safety content mandates of the Head Start Performance Standards, program assessment and workplans, as well as NAEYC accreditation standards and DHS licensing requirements
• Comply with the educational content mandates of the Head Start Performance Standards, program assessment, and work plans as well as NAEYC accreditation standards and DHS licensing requirements
• Ensure that the Basic Environmental Checklist is met and consistently maintained
• Administer Ages and Stages Questionnaires for initial and continuous developmental screening
• Complete required documentation including, but not limited to:  Attendance, Meal Count, Family Contacts, Accidental Injury Reports, ASQ and Internal referrals, emergency contacts, infant/toddler daily sheets, file sign in/out sheets etc
• Ensure that the environment displays include pictures representative of families in the classroom, non-stereotypical roles (Ex: male nurse, female firefighter) and people with disabilities
• Attend and assist with home visits and parent conferences as assigned

HIGH QUALITY TEACHING PRACTICES

• Utilize Teaching Strategies to track each child’s ongoing developmental skill level in the eight domains as required by the Head Start Performance Standards
• Utilize Conscious Discipline theory and application to promote child social emotional development and well-being as well as classroom management
• Utilize data provided by our Local Evaluation Partners (LEP) to build on and improve classroom practice
• Provide enhanced focus on language and literacy to promote school readiness for children and families
• Provide enhanced focus on problem-solving and numeracy skills to promote school readiness for children and families
• Integrate the arts into the program to strengthen social-emotional development, language and literacy
• Ensure rituals and routines are understood and followed
• Ensure all lesson plan materials and specific required materials (Ex: ITERS/ECERS) are accessible to children
• Assist in the daily operations of the classroom as assigned

TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION

• Build and maintain good relationships to encourage collaboration, reflection, family engagement, high quality teaching practices and community relations with peers, families, volunteers and community partners
• Attend pre-service and other workshops that may include overnight and out-of-area travel as requested by TEI management
• Implement an interdisciplinary approach to build effective teams
• Provide relevant information for Family Child Review meetings once a month or as required
• Complete classroom responsibilities in the absence of the teacher
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

Works under the administrative supervision of the Master Teacher – Mentor/Coach and day-to-day task supervision of the Teacher (III/IV). No supervisory responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Must have proven successful interpersonal relationship skills to maintain effective and satisfactory working relationships with intra-department and inter-department staff, vendors, clients, visitors, and contractors.  Ability to follow oral and written instructions with ability to read, interpret, and present information efficiently and effectively.  Must be able to accurately audit records and ensure compliance with written or oral guidelines.  Ability to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure.  Must maintain strict confidentiality of extremely sensitive data, records, files, conversations, etc.  Must adhere to TEI’s ISMART shared values: I-Integrity, S-Shared Purpose, M-Mutual Respect, A-Accountability, R-Reflective Practice, and T-Teamwork. 

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or Associate’s degree in Family Relations/Child Development or a closely related education-based discipline with 4 college courses that equal 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.  Must have a valid food handler permit, Pediatric first aid and CPR certification.  Experience working with infant, toddler or pre-school children.

OTHER

Classroom position with some local travel (exposure to normal traffic hazards).  Work requires bending, stooping, lifting, squatting, kneeling, crawling, stretching, pushing and pulling throughout the day.  Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.  Regular and reliable attendance required