Early Head Start Teacher

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum educational requirement of an Infant /Toddler CDA. Preferred: An Associate's Degree in early childhood education or Associate’s degree in a related field that includes 6 classes focusing on early childhood education/development.

2. Experience in infant/toddler classroom is required, two years is preferred.

3. Diploma will be required to validate Early Childhood Education degree or transcripts to validate 6 related classes if related Associate’s Degree.

4. If driving for work related activities and or mileage reimbursement must have valid Alaska Driver's License and proof of auto insurance.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Excellent communications skills, especially good listening & writing skills.

2. Ability to apply Early Childhood Development theory in daily classroom activities, and adapt to the individual needs of infants/children.

3. Working knowledge of available community resources and Early Head Start program components.

4. Knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of birth to three year old children

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

1. Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.

2. Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.

3. Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow.

4. Participate in monthly staffing of children with all staff as appropriate.

5. Work with and encourage parent and community volunteers.

6. Integrate all Early Head Start components into classroom time.

7. Utilize lesson plans which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and self-help development of Early Head Start children.

8. Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.

9. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making, ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.

10. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.

11. Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.

12. Assist with meal service as needed while following CACFP guidelines.

13. Monitor and manage behavior of infants and toddlers.

14. Secure infants and toddlers in age/weight appropriate restraints.

15. Communicate with families and build meaningful relationships.

16. Assist in emergency evacuation.

17. Maintain accurate written records, including: assessments, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.

18. Other duties as assigned including childcare and social events that may require evening attendance.

19. Advocate for successful child and family development experiences.

20. Communicate with children and family members with respect and honor.

21. Support child and family development goals.

PROGRAM DESIGN & MANAGEMENT

1. Practice family centered and relationship-based philosophy.

2. Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.

3. Attend meetings, trainings, and appropriate professional development activities.

4. Participate during program self-assessment and evaluation processes.

5. Participate during Thrivalaska community assessment activities.

6. Support, implement and participate in program goal setting process to include strategic planning.

BUDGET & FISCAL

1. Continually seek out and process in-kind opportunities to include services and supplies.

2. Follow procurement and accounting procedures.

3. Actively seek out ways to reduce program cost whenever possible.

4. Report all suspected fraud activities.

SUPERVISION & TRAINING

1. Participate in developing and accomplishing staff development goals.

2. Meet and actively pursue the minimum yearly training required for your position, 24 hours.

3. Support program supervisor in attainment of program goals and mission.

4. Attend NIA AEYC yearly conference, when possible, share knowledge through hosting a workshop.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

1. Actively seek out partnerships with community members and agencies to enhance program services and resources.

2. Enthusiastically promote Thrivalaska programs.

PROGRAM GOVERNANCE

1. Support and provide assistance for the work of the Board of Directors, Policy Council and advisory groups.

2. Provide childcare, meals and transportation for Board of Director and when appropriate attend Policy Council and advisory group meetings.

3. Follow the chain of communication.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY & WORK HABITS

1. Support the mission and goals.

2. Promote teamwork concept in relationship and strength-based organization.

3. Promote a positive wok environment.

4. Project professionalism in conducting daily activities.

5. Provide outstanding customer care to staff and community partners in a positive professional manner.

6. Flexible, adaptable and able to adjust to a variety of change and situations.

7. Follow all guidelines and procedures on confidentiality.

8. Observe good housekeeping and safety practices, maintain cleanliness and orderliness.

9. Can be relied on regarding task completion and follow up.

10. Use logical and sound judgment, applies common sense.

11. Make timely decisions and maintain composure under trying circumstances.

12. Enhance job growth through continuing education, as required or necessary.

13. Promote quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability and thoroughness of work performed.

14. Is punctual and reliable.