Early Head Start Teacher I -III

Community Council of South Central Texas•New Braunfels, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Head Start Teacher I-III is responsible for the implementation of the program in an assigned EHS classroom and ensuring the classroom operates in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, TDFPS Minimum Standards and all state and local regulations. The Early Head Start Teacher provides care and education for children and their families in a child care setting, provides a supportive, safe, and stimulating learning environment and will be knowledgeable of Texas Minimum Standards for Licensing and Head Start Performance Standards.

Requirements

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential required and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in Early Child Development with a focus in infant/toddler development.
Minimum of 2 (two) years' experience working with children age birth to five in a licensed child-care facility.
Bilingual in Spanish and English required.
Must successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check, initial health screening, TB test, drug test and motor vehicle records check.
Must be able to pass regular criminal background checks and submit to TB tests as required.
Must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record and have access to a reliable vehicle with current vehicle liability insurance; must be willing to travel within service area.
Must maintain CPR and First Aid certifications.
Knowledge of federally funded Child Care programs associated with serving low-income clients (i.e. Child Care Services, Head Start) preferred.
Knowledge of Texas Minimum Standards for licensing, Head Start Act and Head Start Program Performance Standards preferred.
Working knowledge of computers and basic to intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); able to operate office machines such as fax, scanner, printer, copier, and telephone.
Effective communication skills with an ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with persons from varied ethnic, socioeconomic, educational and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to analyze the effectiveness of classroom operation and choose the most effective course of action for the Head Start Program at any given point in time.
Ability to provide guidance to classroom staff, maintain records and prepare reports.
Ability to resolve problems, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure.
Ability to read, comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to work well in a team environment, collaborating with others to accomplish business objectives.
Ability to use sound judgment and make timely decisions based on careful, objective review and analysis of available considerations and factors.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, management, program participants, and others encountered in the course of work.
Ability to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events and adapt to changes accordingly in the workplace.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred. (In order for a degree to be considered related, you must have at least 9 college hours of Child Development or Early Childhood Education on your transcript).

Responsibilities

Maintains a calm, safe classroom and playground that incorporates developmental appropriateness; creates an atmosphere in which the children feel comfortable and secure, reflecting the cultures of all enrolled children.
Ensures the safety of children through constant supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures.
Develops lesson plans that meet the needs of each child, planning for variations in ability levels and individual interests.
Incorporates developmentally appropriate practice according to the Head Start Performance Standards.
Assists children in developing self-help skills including diapering, toilet training, hygiene, feeding, dressing and daily activities in a caring, nurturing and supportive learning environment.
Operates the classroom in compliance with all childcare-licensing standards, paying particular attention to standards prohibiting any form of physical punishment.
Ensures the arrangement of each classroom provides a stimulating, clean, and safe learning environment, incorporating NAEYC standards.
Ensures proper documentation in children's files in all content areas.
Completes Individual Education Plans for each enrolled child; continues the on-going assessment process, maintaining written or computer records on each child.
Nurtures the development of infants through the provision of developmentally appropriate care and aids them in developing cognitive, physical, one-to-one or small group skills.
Makes available a variety of opportunities to help children develop and understands appropriate relationships with others.
Increases the complexity and challenge of activities as children develop.
Contributes to the operation of the center by participating in staff meetings and sharing information gained through attendance at workshops and Head Start trainings.
Observes, records, and reports any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff members.
Shows personal development and growth by being relaxed, using a calm, quiet voice, being pleasant and enthusiastic about the children, and by using self-control in trying situations.
Reports all suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or to an immediate supervisor.
Completes required home visits and parent conferences in conjunction with the Family Services staff. Teachers are required to conduct 2 home visits and 2 parent conferences per year per child.
Assists the children at snack, breakfast, and lunchtime, ensuring that the Head Start philosophy of serving family style meals is maintained and assist the child in eating.
Encourages the involvement of the families of the children in a Head Start program and supports the development of relationships between children and their families.
Follows CCSCT Policies and Procedures and maintains confidentiality in all phases of agency operations.
Familiarizes self with the agency's Strategic Plan and gains an overall understanding of how position contributes to the accomplishment of goals within that plan.
Attends and participates in staff meetings and related activities; attends conferences, workshops, and trainings to increase professional knowledge; serves on committees as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned or required.