Associate Teacher - SCC

Associate Teacher - SCC

Associate Teacher – SCC

This position works as part of a teaching team to assist the Teacher in the preparation, planning, and execution of the daily operations of the Head Start classroom, including building relationships with families, taking on the Teacher role during planning and absences, and implementing the Head Start Performance Standards. The Associate Teacher works with families to promote parent involvement. Additional duties may be assigned based on program needs and areas of expertise.

The position may be reassigned to various classrooms or centers as needed.

The duties of the position are described in the major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

• Attends all required training and workshops, including online training and cluster meetings, as required by Head Start and Michigan State Licensing.
• Maintains Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and works toward obtaining an Associate’s degree.
• Remains up-to-date on information that pertains to the needs of the children in the program, including Head Start Performance Standards, childcare licensing regulations, and other applicable regulations and practices.
• Keeps up to date on Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
• Maintains knowledge of the regulations associated with occupational disease and injury prevention.
• Can work with children at all levels of development.
• Maintains professional certification that the employee was hired with or obtains to meet Head Start and ISD standards.
• Successfully completes and maintains basic First Aid, CPR certification, and required licensing training.
• Actively participates in opportunities for continuous professional development.

• Assists in all aspects of the classroom and other service areas of the program.
• Participates in recruitment activities and transportation services.
• Assumes the role of Teacher when required, implementing all aspects of the program.
• Assists with Head Start services as defined by Head Start Performance Standards and Saginaw ISD Head Start Operational Procedures.
• Establishes a safe, healthy, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children aged birth to five years, including all abilities.
• Ensures learning environments are safe from hazards using the Daily Health and Safety Checklist.
• Fosters self‑esteem, self‑direction, self‑control, and school readiness skills with preschool children by using positive methods and modeling, and participating in curriculum development and implementation.
• Supports social and emotional development and provides positive guidance and discipline, including support for children with challenging behaviors using developmentally appropriate practices.
• Complies with program curriculum, curriculum overlays, supplemental curriculum, State of Michigan licensing for child care centers, and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Assists in screening, observing, and assessing children’s development, analyzing data, and making plans or referrals specific to each child’s needs.
• Assists with collecting monthly in‑kind records from parents and community members.
• Assists with kitchen duties as needed, e.g., warming food, dishing food into bowls, taking food temperatures, and cleaning refrigerator and warmer.
• Assists with bus aide duties as needed, e.g., riding the bus, completing bus paperwork, and buckling children in seats.
• May be asked to cover other classrooms to meet licensing ratios.

• Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA, and other legal requirements.
• Uses Active Supervision strategies to keep children safe.
• Can work with children at all levels of development and relate sensitively with them.
• Knows basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation procedures.
• Can follow directions and take initiative.
• General knowledge and skills in early childhood development.
• General computer knowledge of Word and Excel, and ability to access e‑mail and Teaching…