Head Start Toddler Teacher

Scope:

To plan and provide a program of educational activities that promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of infants and toddlers. Develop individual goals for children, provide on-going assessment on progress, and facilitate transition into Head Start or other educational school settings in partnership with parents.

Essential Functions

• Utilizing the High Scope Curriculum, plan and carry out developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for toddlers to advance children’s development in all areas (social, emotional, cognitive, and physical).
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of daily lessons that incorporate children’s individual goals, parent input, and/or goals identified by an IFSP or IEP.
• Collaborate with teaching partner(s) and program staff to plan for each child’s progress utilizing developmental screenings and assessments, parent input, support strategies, and observations.
• Conduct and record on-going assessment of children through observations, anecdotal notes, and screenings.
• Ensure the health and safety of children, families and staff, per agency, federal, state and local policies, including active participation in agency level Safety Committee
• Ensure no child is left unsupervised at any time.
• Work with and demonstrate a commitment, caring, and respect for children and adults regardless of race, gender, age, and cultural or ethnic background
• A self-starter with the ability to multitask to meet various deadlines and complete tasks.
• Maintain an appropriate and engaging classroom environment. Be actively engaged with children throughout the daily routine. Promote positive adult/child interactions that foster children’s development. .
• Modify the activities and/or environment to meet the changing needs of infants and toddlers.
• Plan and conduct a minimum of two parent/teacher conferences and two home visits in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Establish and maintain a positive communication system with parents using various methods.
• Develop curriculum activities that reflect the ethnic/multi-cultural makeup of the community.
• Promote family and community classroom volunteer opportunities and document participation appropriately.
• Assist each child with diaper changes, toilet learning, feedings, and other personal care tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality of information related to home and school environment.
• Provide activities that foster the development of positive self-image and socialization.
• Conduct and record classroom equipment and supply inventory.
• Work cooperatively as a member of a team with other program and supervisory staff.
• Complete and maintain all required documentation i.e. home visits, parent teacher conferences, CACFP, attendance, developmental screenings, assessments and individual learning plans in a thorough and timely manner.
• Comply with all licensing regulations and performance standards.
• Promote parents as their child’s “first and best teacher” through such means as parent/child activities, child development and child management information, use of classroom observation tools, and parent training.
• Encourage families to attend training, parent meetings, and participate in the Policy Council.
• Assist in enrollment and recruitment activities.
• Actively participate in early childhood program employee talent outreach, recruitment and retention efforts.
• Assist in generating non-federal match value through program activities and collaborations for the Head Start program.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards assigned work, clients, and staff, and a willingness to work with others.
• Further professional development by attending national, state, and local meetings of relevance to program goals and completing a minimum of 15 hours clock hours annually.
• Serve as an advocate for low-income persons in the community through means that may include but not be limited to membership in an advocacy group, participation in a professional organization, and efforts to affect present community services in a manner that would insure their greater availability or efficiency. Act as an advocate for agency clients attempting to secure services or assistance from other agencies.
• Ability and willingness to make home visits.
• Ability and willingness to continue personal and professional growth and skill development.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Schools/Professional: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk, sit, see, talk and hear, and use hands to manipulate. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb steps, stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch. The employee is required to supervise students, requiring the employee to match walking speed that matches the student and may at times require the ability to run to safeguard students. The employee must occasionally lift (up to 50 pounds), carry, and move students. Employees must occasionally move equipment and/or supplies. The job is performed for the most part in a school setting with occasional outside weather conditions. The noise level is that of a typical school setting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• CDA (Child Development Associates) preferred;
• AA Degree in progress Early Childhood/Child Development, within one year of completion and/or 18 credit hours.
• Education coursework that includes at minimum 2 courses in early childhood that address the infant-toddler age group.
• Experience working with infants/toddlers and families preferred.

Minimum Competencies:

• CPR/First Aid Certified or ability to obtain certification.
• Proficient knowledge of internet applications and programs including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel. The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.
• Strong interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability.
• Ability to communicate effectively to individuals and groups both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors, colleagues, and all agency staff. Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, health, age, and educational barriers.
• Ability to work with children and families with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with young children and their families.
• Ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with parents/caregivers.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment (as deemed necessary).
• Perform work in a professional manner that upholds Kristy's policies and procedures, including Head Start Standards of Conduct.
• Comply with all policies/procedures, State licensing regulations and Head Start Performance standards . Perform work in a manner that upholds Kristy's policies and procedures.
• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner.

Licensing and Other Requirements:

• Valid identification and reliable transportation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What is your expected salary?
• How many years of Highscope Experience do you have?

Ability to Commute:

• Detroit, MI 48219 (Required)

Work Location: In person