Early Head Start Teacher

Matrix Human Services•Detroit, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Matrix Human Services is seeking an Early Head Start Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. The Teacher will plan, assess, and meet the general and individual needs of children, promoting developmentally appropriate activities to ensure children are School Ready. This role involves working collaboratively with a co-teacher and volunteers, maintaining active supervision of all children at all times, and ensuring a safe and healthy classroom environment. The position focuses on supporting children's physical, cognitive, social/emotional development, health, safety, nutrition, and culture, while encouraging family involvement and adhering to program philosophy and regulations.

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.
One year experience working with infants and toddlers preferred.
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.

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.