EARLY HEAD START TEACHER

Matrix Human Services•Detroit, MI

28d

About The Position

The EHS Teacher provides a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. They plan for, assess, and meet the general and individual needs of children. The Teacher plans specific activities that reinforce the program philosophy, promote developmentally appropriate activities, and insure children are School Ready. The EHS Teacher also works with a co-teacher and volunteers in the classroom to build a team approach to educating children. At all times the EHS Teacher provides active supervision for all children.

Requirements

A minimum of Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential, and trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.
Able to assist and supervise infants/toddlers and ensure a safe learning environment, including the ability to monitor and respond at all times in the classroom and outdoor play areas. This includes the physical ability to move quickly, keep in visual contact, and assesses situations with good judgment
Knowledge of Birth-to-Three Early Childhood Education and Development
Strong working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations
Effective in an environment of cultural diversity; comfortable in a collaborative, team-based work setting
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Reliable transportation is required
Follow appropriate chain of command for all conflict situations

Nice To Haves

Associates or higher in early childhood education or child development preferred
One year experience working with infants and toddlers preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, healthy classroom environment appropriate for infants/toddlers, and cleanliness of the facilities
Respond swiftly and appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or crisis situation
Implement active supervision health and safety practices that ensure children are kept safe at all times, as determined by program policy
Work in collaboration with families to develop individual goals for all children
Gear the program to the needs of individual children with concern for their developmental level, interests, special needs, special talents, and individual style and pace of learning
Provide for the physical needs of infants/toddlers, including diapering and feeding
Supervise, guide and facilitate learning for infants and toddlers
Ensure that all Early Head Start component areas are included in planning of daily lessons and classroom/outdoor environment: physical, cognitive, social/emotional development; health; safety; nutrition; and culture
Treat children and families with dignity and respect
Encourage and support family involvement in all aspects of the Early Head Start program
Help children develop social awareness appropriate for their age and developmental level
Follow a consistent schedule that meets the individual needs, including small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, small and large motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities
Complete the daily sanitation log and classroom health and safety checklist
Conduct two parent conferences and two home visits to share information with families on all areas of their child’s development
Ensure that all developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment
Use appropriate observation and ongoing assessment, and tracking to ensure positive child outcomes
Maintain ongoing anecdotal notes to monitor children’s individual development
Input COR notes into data base system within timeline set by the program
Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information
Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner
Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources
Must be willing to “fill in” where needed
Perform other duties as assigned