Head Start/Early Head Start SubstituteTeacher

The job of Assistant Teacher is done for the purpose(s) of assisting the Head Start Teacher in providing quality, comprehensive child development services and selected health services to preschool children and their families; and encouraging parental involvement in educational planning, goal setting and center activities.

REPORTS TO: Education Specialist/Center Director

Assistant Center Director

PAY GRADE: 4A HS Substitute Teacher

ED0001 HS Assistant Teacher I (No Credentials)

ED0001 HS Assistant Teacher II—FCCPC (AKA: CDA-Equivalency) (Level II: starts five percent (5%) more than Level I

ED0003 HS Assistant Teacher III (Infant/Toddler CDA National)

ED0005 HS Assistant Teacher IV (Associate’s Degree Out of Field)

ED0006 HS Assistant Teacher IV (Associate’s Degree in Field)

ED0007 HS Assistant Teacher V (Bachelor’s Out of Field)

ED0012 HS Assistant Teacher V (Bachelor’s Degree in Field)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Takes direction from the Lead Teacher and assists the Lead Teacher with weekly lesson plans.

2. Assists the Lead Teacher with setup and maintenance of an appropriate classroom environment including organization of space of material storage.

3. Observe - collect data and enters data into Galileo system on a daily basis.

4. Helps supervise field trips.

5. Works in a team setting with all staff to determine individual needs of the children.

6. Participates in all staff meetings and in-service trainings.

7. Maintain accurate child attendance records, in-kind reports, and parent contact logs. Keep records up to date regarding classroom operations for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

8. Recommend ways of utilizing parent volunteers in the classroom.

9. Greet parents and children in a pleasant manner to ensure smooth transition in the classroom. Provide activities parents can do at home with their children to support the curriculum and the child’s learning. Encourage parents to become involved in workshops training and other Head Start activities.

10. Report to work at scheduled time. Maintain good attendance. Perform all duties in a safe, timely, and professional manner. Participate with a positive attitude and behavior in all program activities.

11. Accepts and takes responsibility for being a mandated child abuse/neglect reporter.

12. Continue professional growth by participating in ongoing ECE education, training programs, workshops as budget allows.

13. Ensure quality service is provided at all times, even during the absence of the Head Start Lead Teacher.

14. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. A minimum of six months previous experience working in a childcare setting, preferably with preschoolers. For Substitute Teachers work experience preferred.

3. Possess Pre-SchoolCDA National certification or obtain the Pre-School CDA National certification within the first year of employment.

4. Current certificate in First Aid and Infant/Child CPR (or enrollment in course within 90 days of hire).

5. 45 hour State Mandated Child Care Training (includes 20 hour and 10 hour observation; or enrollment in courses within 90 days of hire).

6. 10 hour Preschool Appropriate Practices State Mandated Training for Head Start (or enrollment in courses within 90 days of hire).

7. 5 hour State Mandated Literacy Training (or enrollment in appropriate courses within 90 days of hire).

8. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Bi-lingual skills are preferred.

9. Ability to lift children/equipment up to forty pounds. This also includes bending, pushing, pulling, twisting, stretching, and pushing a stroller loaded with six children, etc…

10. Ability to get on the level of the children (sitting on the floor, playing on outdoor equipment, etc…)

11. Ability to move quickly in emergency situations involving the safety of the children. (Ex: running across the playground to get to an injured child.)