Early Head Start: Associate Teacher I-III - Floater

Head Start Child Development Program

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Pay Differential is available.
Current Driver's License and Insurance is required.
Hours: 22 hours/week, 12 months/year.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Acts as an integral part of an Early Head Start (EHS) classroom. Performs various duties related to the education, care and supervision of children and assists with the planning and implementation of Early Head Start curriculum. Primary role is to provide support to other classroom staff to enable them to take breaks and access office time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the health and safety of infants and toddlers enrolled at the site while under our care.
• Assumes the responsibilities of a non-floating Associate Teacher or the primary teacher whenever needed.
• Participates in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development.
• Contributes to team development of lesson plans; assists with organizing program materials and environment to support planned classroom activities.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of individualized curriculum for infants and toddlers according to Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start designated curriculum, and State guidelines.
• Responsible for recognizing signs of early disabling conditions (exceptional needs); follows HSCDP special education procedures implementing as needed special goals and objectives for each child.
• For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and HSCDP staff.
• Participates in the daily cleaning and sanitizing of the classroom including for example, sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming rugs and sanitizing bathrooms.
• Provides childcare during parent meetings and activities.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings, in-service trainings, and conferences, as necessary.
• Responsible for generating, collecting, and documenting Non-Federal Share Match.
• Aligns work behaviors in conformance with NCO’s Purpose, Vision and Values.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with Head Start STRONG Culture and NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level:
  • Level I - 12 Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) core units including 3 Infant/Toddler (I/T) units required.
  •  Level II - 24 ECE/CDV units required, must have 12 core units including 3 Infant/Toddler (I/T) units.
  • Level III – Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) or in a related field which includes 24 ECE units (12 core units required). Six months of early childhood classroom experience is required.
  • (Core courses include child/human growth & development; child/family/community or child and family relations; and programs/curriculum.)
• Must hold and maintain a current California Department of Education Child Development Associate Teacher Permit** or higher or hold and maintain current a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
• Must have a minimum of 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired.

**Must apply for an Associate Teacher Permit within 3 months of being hired and provide verification.

Knowledge of:

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
• Computer operations as related to the position including Microsoft Outlook, Word, as well as general use of the internet and cloud-based applications.
• The Head Start Performance Standards (preferred).

Ability to:

• Motivate, engage, and work effectively and professionally with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner.
• Maintain professional, cooperative relationships with others.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in writing in English (required); bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Work independently with minimal direction or as a collaborative member of a team.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Work flexible hours for scheduled weekend or evening activities as needed.
• Be flexible and meet the changing needs of the program.

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly.
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is an occasional aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones, and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The employee may occasionally use kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot or sharp; as well regularly use cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The environment at the assigned sites can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note:  This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.