Early Head Start Floater

Community Action of South Mississippi • Pascagoula, MS

16h

About The Position

The Floater serves as a classroom substitute when regular classroom staff is absent and works in other capacities as assigned to help maintain program ratios. The position supports children’s physical and cognitive growth in a safe, sanitary, inviting classroom environment and assists teachers in providing quality classroom activities that meet or exceed Head Start Performance Standards. The Floater supervises and enhances services provided to children and supports their academic achievement, competence, and social skills.

The role requires active participation in classroom and facility activities, including floor-based and outdoor activities with children, maintaining awareness of hazards, and responding promptly to safety needs. The Floater may accompany children on field trips and assist them when boarding or leaving buses and crossing streets. The position also requires communication with families, staff, and others, use of office technology, and the ability to adapt activities to children’s individual needs using Early Childhood Development knowledge, with a focus on infant and toddler theory.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) within 18 months of the start date.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including keyboard proficiency, and ability to use office technology such as telephones and fax machines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to receive and provide information in person and by telephone.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to supervise and monitor children continuously and move quickly to respond to active children and protect their safety.
• Ability to recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods, perform floor-based and outdoor activities with children, and keep pace with their energy level.
• Ability to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more when required, including in emergencies.
• Ability to perceive sounds at normal speaking levels, with or without correction.
• Ability to apply Early Childhood Development knowledge, focus on infant/toddler theory, and adapt to children’s individual needs.

Nice To Haves

• At least six months of experience working with toddlers and preschool-age children.

Responsibilities

• Substitute in classrooms when regular classroom staff are absent and serve in other assigned capacities to help maintain program ratios.
• Support children’s physical and cognitive growth in a safe, sanitary, inviting classroom environment.
• Assist teachers in providing quality classroom activities that meet or exceed Head Start Performance Standards.
• Supervise children and enhance services provided to them.
• Provide assistance that supports children’s academic achievement, competence, and social skills.
• Monitor children at all times and respond to hazards or situations that may threaten their safety.
• Participate in classroom and outdoor activities with children.
• Accompany children on field trips and assist them on and off buses and when crossing streets.
• Adapt daily activities to children’s individual needs using Early Childhood Development knowledge and infant/toddler theory.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED