Early Childhood Educator

Fort Valley State University•Fort Valley, GA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides instruction and supervision in a safe and healthy learning environment for Head Start children. Provides and coordinates education services; works in partnership with parents to promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children. Encourages parent involvement in all aspects of the program. Schedules educational home visits and parent teacher conferences. Develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide learning opportunities for individual child goals, provides on-going assessment on progress and facilitates transition to kindergarten. Works toward compliance in all facets of Head Start and program performance standards and regulations.

Requirements

Minimum of an associate degree in Infant and Child Development or Early Childhood Education or related area.
Significant experience and alternative training in early childcare and development may be considered in lieu of degree.
Must have own reliable transportation to travel to and from one of the centers located in Taylor, Macon, Dooly, Peach, and Crisp counties.
Must be punctual and able to work Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p. m.
Must be able to work indoors as well as transition the classroom to outdoors.
Must successfully pass a drug screening and background check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related area.
Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education
Experience of working with children three to five years of age is preferred.
Current CPR and First Aid certifications are desired.
Maintain an annual physical and Tuberculosis vaccination.
Good communication skills, flexibility and teamwork are required.

Responsibilities

Maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom setting.
Maintain confident files on all children.
Correspond and work with parents.
Develop and implement curriculum, which reflect mandated elements and components, parental and cultural influences, and promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.
Assure classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Fort Valley State University Head Start Policies and Procedures and the Head Start Performance Standards.
Create weekly/monthly lesson plans addressing individual goals for children.
Provide a comprehensive safe and healthy learning environment for the children.
Maintain confidentiality and exercises good judgment concerning confidential information.
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.
Responsible for education requirements of children in assigned classroom, including all required daily health checks, screenings and ongoing child assessment data related to the identified school readiness goals.
Assess children, document behavior, and evaluate results (Complete required screenings within 45 days of child's first day in program.)
Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate manner, e.g., lesson plans, COR, Child Plus, and meal reports etc.
Responsible for meal implementation with other staff and for maintaining a developmentally appropriate classroom environment, including organization of space and material storage.
Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations.
Supervise and monitor children at all times and respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur.
Maintain regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
Displays a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure and be inclusive of children with special needs and disabilities.
Maintains complete and accurate required family/child files, forms, and records within required timelines to document and track children in assigned classroom
Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification regarding any aspects that are not well understood.
Ensures compliance with state law regarding the mandatory reporting of child abuse.
Participates as a member of the annual self-assessment program.
In consultation with Curriculum Compliance Coach/Specialist, and Director of Education, develops own professional work goals and training plan working towards required Head Start degrees
Consistently maintains and promotes excellence in service through open and honest relationships with co-workers, clients, community members and other FVSU Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
Consistently addresses clients, community members and co-workers in a courteous, pleasant and respectful manner.
Operate effectively within the organizational structure and be inclusive of children with disabilities.
Perform other duties as deemed necessary for the effective functioning of the program.