Early Head Start Teacher

Job Summary Under the direction of the Site Manager the Teacher will have the responsibilities of being the primary caregiver for one group of children in the Porter-Leath Early Head Start facility. Qualifications Qualifications HSD or GED with a Certified Development Associate Certification with Infant Toddler Endorsement is required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred. Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience with infants and/or toddlers age (0-3) is required. CPR and First Aid certification is preferred. Experience working in non-profit is preferred. Supervisory Responsibilities There are no supervisory requirements for this position. Essential Job Functions Perform according to the standards set forth by Head Start, the NAEYC, CWLA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, CACFP and Porter-Leath. Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children that includes children with special needs. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities of enrichment and care for one classroom of children according to the standards set forth by Head Start, the NAEYC, CWLA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter-Leath standards on a daily basis. Work cooperatively with program staff to provide a continuum of health, education and support services to children and their families. Cooperatively work with other staff members in creating a positive environment for children, families and staff. Assist in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports. Serves and supervises meals in accordance with CACFP requirements. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring a coordinated plan of care for each family. Act as mentor to families of children in group. Support and teach good parenting practices. Conduct regular parent conferences, contact and home visits with families. Conduct Parent Involvement activities. Maintains a healthy classroom environment by following health and safety precautions and sanitation procedures. Keep Supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner. Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups. Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills. Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs. Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children. Possess an attitude of continuous improvement. Possess a commitment to continued education to include regular participating in workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc. Ability to provide a continuum of care to pregnant women and children ages birth to 3 years old. Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity. Ability to follow through on given directives in a timely manner. Flexibility in scheduling. Ability to develop trusting relationships within a client's home. Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary. Possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families, conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change, the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families. Physical Demands Performs essential job functions in established office environment under normal lighting and climate control tolerance. Regularly required to stand, walk, touch, handle, feel, reach, see hear and speak, and sit. Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This is a non-smoking workplace/smoke free environment. Special Conditions Maintains an operable vehicle with valid registration, valid driver's license, and good driving record with an appropriate level of insurance. Must be able to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid training/certification within 90 days of employment NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.