Early Head Start Co-Teacher

Carry out the mission statement of BRAD Child Development Programs:
Close the achievement gap by focusing on positive child and family outcomes; resulting in a better future for children, families and communities. Instruct children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for later success in life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. (Other duties may be assigned.)

Education:

• Plan, implement and individualize learning experiences that advance the development of the whole child using the Creative Curriculum in a nurturing, learning environment.
• Improve school readiness for children in literacy and math with classroom experiences that enrich social, cognitive, physical and emotional development utilizing appropriate early childhood education practices.
• Utilize the online Teaching Strategies Gold platform for documenting and assessing each child’s development to ensure that appropriate activities are planned and executed to meet individual needs.
• Maintain an environment that allows children to explore and learn by utilizing lesson plans and creating meaningful experiences.
• Use provided professional development opportunities to grow teaching practices in addition to working with assigned mentor coaches.
• Create a partnership with families that allows for learning opportunities to occur in the home.
• Conduct and document developmental, speech, behavioral, and growth screenings for children.
• Develop an understanding of the assessment tools used to monitor classrooms at the state and federal level.
• Plans, schedules and conducts parent conferences and home visits.

Health & Safety:

• Follow Mandated Reporter protocols in an effort to protect young children from suspected neglect/abuse
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children’s health at all times
• Prioritize the safety of children using active supervision at all times
• Maintain and follow Emergency Healthcare plans for children
• Complete required protocol for health practices with and for children.
• Extend learning opportunities in small groups about health and safety
• Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment through cleaning & sanitation

Family Services/ERSEA:

• Serves as the Family Advocate for the four children on assigned caseload.
• Collaborate with families in a partnership that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, services and resources that support family well-being
• Encourage attendance and participation in Parent Meetings and Parent Engagement Activities
• Track Volunteer hours for non-federal match
• Encourage parents to read at home and track lending library books
• Recruit and promote regular attendance
• Maintain accurate daily meal count records according to Child Adult Care Food Program
• Assist children and model family style dining (setting the table/ serving)
• Encourage healthy food habits among children.
• Extend learning opportunities at meal times by engaging children in conversation
• Maintain and monitor accurate height/weight charts for all children

Mental Health:

• Implement trauma-informed social-emotional curriculum, Conscious Discipline, in the classroom setting.
• Conduct social-emotional assessments per agency regulations.
• Provide positive support in teaching practices with children and families.

Professional Development:

• Complete and/or maintain all applicable certifications as required for the position
• Provide guidance to volunteers and other classroom personnel.
• Actively participate in center-based meetings, as applicable.
• Attend workshops and training programs to improve skills, increase awareness and enhance knowledge.
• Participate in cross-training initiatives for various roles to promote a well-rounded understanding of departmental functions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

To…