Infant Teacher

Description

This is a non‑exempt professional teaching and supervisory position responsible for child development and school readiness, center management, social services, and family engagement activities, as well as supervision of center staff (teacher assistant, cook, special services aide, volunteer, etc.). The Center Teacher is directly responsible to the Education Specialist.

Full‑time

• Plans, executes, directs, and evaluates developmental experiences of the children.
• Manages operation of the center within authority delegated by the Program Director.
• Orients, trains, and supervises all center staff members and classroom or center volunteers.
• Authorizes commitment of project funds for operation of the center within authority delegated by the Program Director and certifies receipt of items and services for which payment is requested.
• Maintains or supervises the maintenance of records which pertain to the center or to the program and are located in the center.
• Manages project property located in the center.
• Engages in learning and developmental experiences with parents, and otherwise participates with parents in center and program‑related activities.
• Publicizes and explains the Head Start Program to citizens, organizations, and agencies in the county in which the center is located.
• Identifies and refers to appropriate officials children who may need individualized professional consideration beyond that available at the center.
• Makes visits at the home of each child to increase his/her understanding of each child’s family and home environment, and to increase parental understanding and engagement in the child’s developmental experiences and the Head Start Program (minimally 2 visits per family per year).
• Provides opportunities for parent participation in Family Day activities, Policy Council, parent‑developed activities, etc.
• Presents philosophy and nature of the Head Start Program to Head Start families and citizens, agencies, and organizations in the community.
• Provides comprehensive services to limited English‑proficient children and their families (including services to promote acquisition of the English language).
• Identifies prospective program participants.
• Assists in the recruitment and selection of program participants.
• May enroll or assist in the enrollment of program participants as directed by the Education Specialist.
• Assists Head Start families to obtain goods and services which they need to improve their family's life or standard of living.
• Establishes and maintains strong, positive relationships between Head Start families and the Head Start center staff and program.
• May assist in establishing and maintaining a volunteer worker program.
• May assist families and the Head Start Health Specialist in ensuring Head Start children receive proper medical and dental care.
• Engages in pre‑service and in‑service training as directed by the Education Specialist, Professional Development Specialist, or Program Director.
• Needs to be able to lift 40–50 pounds.
• Required to obtain/maintain a CDA (Child Development Associate) or the equivalent as determined by the Director.
• Required to maintain current health requirements of an annual T.B. test and physical exam.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Education Specialist or the Program Director.
• Ability to work independently and in partnership with team members.
• Ability to set limits and boundaries that maintain the helping role of a practitioner and assist others with setting healthy boundaries.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, co‑workers, volunteers, and supervisor.
• Seek to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities in related service areas.
• Must have necessary skills to communicate with children and families using kindness and respect; practice positive behavior support techniques effectively.
• Must have necessary skills to manage time appropriately; work as a team with adults; utilize curriculum to fidelity; manage assessments and electronic recordkeeping.

• A minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or comparable Credential, and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant/toddler development.
• An associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework related to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool children.
• Must have strong skills in the following: verbal/written communication, computer applications, time management, organization, recordkeeping, and teamwork. Must be willing to continue formal education, as necessary.
• Must be able to successfully pass criminal background screening.