Associate Teacher (Eureka)

MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee)•Carlsbad, CA

4d•$23 - $27

About The Position

Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at http://www.maacproject.org/ Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) are comprehensive federally funded school-readiness programs for low-income and special needs children that promote parents as the primary educator of the child. MAAC currently serves a diverse group of low-income children and their families in North County; the majority of the participating families are of Latino/Hispanic ethnicity. These programs ensure that children ages 0-3 (EHS) and 3-5 (HS) and their families are provided with comprehensive services to promote optimum physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. MAAC’s California State Preschool program provides educational and developmental services to qualifying children ages 3 to 5; parents are encouraged to participate with their children and to be involved in their children’s development. Under direct supervision, and the appointed guidance of the Lead Teacher, will assist in planning, supervising, and implementing the education program within the classroom in accordance with the policies, procedures, and philosophy of MAAC Head Start.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Twelve (12) units (including core units) from an accredited college/university in Early Childhood Education OR Child Development
California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or California Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Valid CPR, First Aid and Food Handlers Cards must be obtained within first two months (2) of employment and maintained throughout employment (paid, designated training available through MAAC). In the event employees do not attend the scheduled training, they must obtain the cards through outside resources and costs will not be reimbursed. The cards must be obtained and maintained within prescribed timelines.
Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.
Knowledge of: Development and developmental patterns of children ages 3-5 years
Oral and written English and grammar; basic arithmetic; developmental needs and requirements of preschool age children; methods and techniques of early childhood development; health, safety and nutritional requirements of preschool age children; methods for effective cooperation with teachers children, and parents; general goals and purposes of early childhood education and family development
Ability to: Learn and apply curriculum methods and procedures at MAAC Head Start; project a mature, constructive, stable and healthy team attitude in a learning environment

Nice To Haves

Head Start philosophy, principles, and comprehensive services preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
One (1) year Head Start experience with children in a classroom setting
One (1) year preschool experience with children in a classroom setting
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

Responsibilities

Provides input and assistance into daily classroom activities and lesson plans
Assists in designing and implementing classroom activities to meet the needs of the individual child
Assists in implementing the approved curriculum and multi-cultural education
Assists with classroom arrangement and related physical requirements to provide a safe, healthy, interesting, and enjoyable learning environment
Develops and maintains an open, friendly, and informative relationship with parents and volunteers
Assists in the interpretation and explanation of Head Start policies, programs, and principles
Records individual children’s behavior and observations on appropriate record keeping forms
Provides experiences for growing and learning for the individual child in relationship to his/her cultural and socioeconomic background
Performs accurate numerical counts, such as attendance and meal counts
Assists in maintaining classroom cleanliness; assists in set-up and maintenance of the classroom lunch area; assists in laundry and other maintenance; supervises children on bus as needed
Assists in home visits at times convenient to the parent(s); assists in developing an Individual Family Plan for each child and family beginning at time of enrollment (phase-in) and updating it at least three times in the school year
Attends mandated training programs, conferences, meetings
Ensures personalized special services are provided to special needs children (i.e., feeding, assistance with toileting, including diapering, catheterization, training, urine bags, physically carrying the child – specialized training and equipment will be provided as needed)
Assists in the development of individual education plans and teaching
Provides an environment that facilitates growth and positive self-image for children
Performs other related duties as assigned