Floater

Innovative Network of Knowledge•Victoria, TX

About The Position

The Floater supports classroom activities and transitions, helps maintain safe and organized indoor and outdoor learning environments, and assists teachers in promoting children’s development and school readiness. The role includes supporting screenings, assessments, curriculum implementation, family engagement, and coordination with other program professionals. The employee must protect children’s physical and mental health and safety, maintain appropriate supervision, follow child-protection and conduct requirements, and maintain confidentiality. The Floater also participates in staff development, continuing professional development, and staff wellness initiatives. A high school diploma or GED is required. A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required, with the CDA certificate to be obtained within six months of employment. In mixed Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms, both CDAs are required; the CDA for the most prevalent age group must be obtained first, with an additional six months allowed for the second. If the employee does not pass the course on the first attempt, they may retake it at their own expense within 60 days; failure to seek a second attempt results in separation from employment. Previous early childcare experience is preferred, as is bilingual Spanish ability. The role requires timely responses to classroom support requests, regular communication with teachers about children’s behavior and progress, maintaining a classroom free of physical and environmental hazards, and timely incident reporting in accordance with program policy and protocol.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required; obtain the CDA certificate within six months of employment.
For mixed Early Head Start and Head Start classrooms, both CDAs are required; obtain the most prevalent age-group CDA first, then the second within an additional six months.
If the CDA course is unsuccessful on the first attempt, the employee may retake it at their own expense within 60 days; not seeking a second attempt results in separation from employment.
Demonstrate ability to respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
Demonstrate ability to maintain emotional control and professional composure.
Demonstrate working knowledge of Innovative Network of Knowledge policies and procedures.
Organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Communicate verbally and in writing in English; Spanish communication is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Previous early childcare experience.
Bilingual Spanish ability.

Responsibilities

Protect children’s physical and mental health and safety, ensuring no child is left alone or unsupervised.
Assist in maintaining an organized learning environment that promotes healthy development and skill growth, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners as appropriate.
Assist with implementation of prescribed curricula and developmentally appropriate learning experiences across subject areas, incorporating child assessment data into individual and group planning.
Support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of children’s developmental levels and progress.
Support parent and family engagement in children’s development and program services, including conferences, home visits, and group activities.
Follow child-safety practices, including reporting suspected or known child abuse and neglect, supervising children, and following standards of conduct.
Use positive adult-child interactions consistent with the CLASS: Pre-K instrument.
Participate in staff development, required training, continuing professional development, and staff wellness initiatives.
Support classroom activities as directed by the teacher and assist with transitions to and from the classroom.
Support use of age-appropriate equipment, materials, supplies, and indoor and outdoor space; periodically change materials to reflect children’s interests and development.
Communicate child observations to teachers, including potential concerns affecting development and school readiness.
Support coordination between teachers and education, family, mental health, and child development professionals to address identified needs.
Support school functions, scheduled meetings, team decisions, and operations.
Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations.
Perform other job duties as assigned.
Respond to classroom requests for support promptly and in compliance with Office of Head Start and agency requirements.
Communicate regularly with teachers about students’ behavior and progress.
Maintain classrooms free from physical and environmental hazards.
Complete incident reporting within timeframes established by program policy and protocol.