Early Head Start Teacher

Commission On Economic Opportunity•Troy, NY

About The Position

CEO is a Community Action Agency committed to supporting its customers, colleagues, and community through programs that address the needs of the communities it serves. Its Early Head Start/Head Start program partners with families and supports social and economic growth and empowerment in Rensselaer County. The federally funded program provides comprehensive early childhood services to children from 6 weeks through age 5 and their families. The Early Head Start Teacher plans and implements a daily education program for infants and toddlers that integrates all components of Head Start/Early Head Start standards. The role promotes development and learning for children aged 6 weeks to 3 years, supports relationships among children, families, and staff, and maintains required program documentation. The schedule is 35 hours per week on a full-year basis, with December, February, and April school breaks included in the vacation package. Applicants must complete standard background clearances.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA).
Prior experience working with infants and toddlers.
Authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
One year of experience working with infants and toddlers.
Knowledge of daycare licensing regulations.

Responsibilities

Promote development and learning for children aged 6 weeks to 3 years by applying Head Start Performance Standards, the Early Learning Outcome Framework, and OCFS Day Care regulations.
Implement the program curriculum and prepare developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
Use positive guidance strategies to teach, encourage, and redirect behavior in accordance with established behavior management policies and procedures.
Build positive relationships with staff members, families, and children.
Create a welcoming classroom environment that respects individual differences and diversity, including dual language learners.
Support continuity of learning between home and school by conducting two home visits and two parent/teacher conferences each year.
Encourage parent participation in the classroom and at family fun days.
Complete required paperwork, including meal counts, attendance, and daily health logs, in a timely manner.
Complete lesson plans, individualization goals, anecdotal records, and assessments as required.
Use daily routines—including diapering, toilet training, hand washing, mealtimes, transitions, and playground time—to promote learning and meaningful conversations with young children.
Collaborate with special service providers and implement goals written in IEPs or IFSPs, as applicable.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment when handling confidential information.

Benefits

December, February, and April school breaks included in vacation package.
Healthcare insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Cash payment for waiving health insurance.
Telemedicine.
PTO and sick time accruals.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Optional 403(b) retirement plan.
12 paid holidays annually.
Employer-sponsored pension plan with a contribution starting at 5% of salary when eligible.
Eligibility for the Federal School Loan Forgiveness Program.