Bright Beginnings, Inc. is a non-profit organization that operates early childhood and family learning centers for families in Washington, DC. Using a two-generation approach, Bright Beginnings Inc. works to ensure every child experiencing housing instability is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged; develop school-ready and kindergarten-prepared children; support families in breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty; and partner intentionally to eradicate disparities and remove obstacles to economic mobility.

Summary: Responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing activities that promote the social, emotional, and physical development of each child enrolled in a group following Head Start Performance Standards and Title 29: District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). The duties and responsibilities will be carried out under the direction of the Lead Teacher.

Essential Duties:

• Assist the lead teacher in maintaining records on each child’s progress and development for planning and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist the lead teacher in implementing with fidelity High Scope, an evidenced-based curriculum according to policies and procedures.
• Assist the lead teacher with the full implementation of Head Start, NAEYC, and Title 29: DCMR performance standards, policies and procedures, regulations, and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of an early childhood development center, including developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist the lead teacher in reviewing the progress of each child and developing child portfolios and individual plans to promote each child’s growth and development.
• Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth.

• Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline.
• Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at the Center.
• Assist the lead teacher in conducting home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Assist the lead teacher in fully implementing Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs.

• Assist the lead teacher with the maintenance a well-organized, safe and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.
• Assist the lead teacher with classroom maintenance, ensuring safe and sanitary conditions by completing daily health and safety checklists in the classrooms and playground.
• Ensure universal precautions are kept at all times, including washing hands upon entering the classroom, after diapering, toileting, before and after meals, and after contact with bodily fluids.
• Assist the lead teacher with implementing health procedures daily, including following medication administration procedures, tooth brushing, sanitation, and administering First Aid/CPR.
• Assist with evacuation of children during fire drills, natural disasters, and any other emergencies.

• Attend all staff meetings and professional learning provided by Bright Beginnings.
• Keep abreast of current knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Education.

• Maintains confidentiality of children and families at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Mission and culture alignment;
  • High school diploma or GED with a CDA or 15 credit hours in Early Childhood Education AND one year of teaching experience can be substituted for CDA;
  • Must demonstrate experience and interest in working with young children, parents, and volunteers;
  • Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of appropriate practices in early childhood development, including working with parents;
  • Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team;
  • Must have effective and strong communication skills (orally and written);
  • Must demonstrate the ability to work well with young children;
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the program;
    • Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred;
    • Strong computer skills with expertise in Windows-based programs, such as the Microsoft Office Suite;
    • Must have DC local and Federal criminal record clearance, Child Protective Register check status, and substance abuse testing; and
    • Documentation of Tuberculin-free condition and health screening on an annual basis.

Physical Demands:

• Be able to lift 25-50 lbs.
• Be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on the floor, see, hear, and speak.
• Be able to raise objects from a lower to a higher location or move objects horizontally from one location to another.