Head Start Teacher Associate (10-month, Stretch position)

Jefferson County•Arvada, CO

7d•$19 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Head Start Teacher Associate in an all-inclusive preschool program serving children ages 3-5. The program provides individualized services in education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education, with a focus on equitable and inclusive services for a diverse community. The Teacher Associate will support the Lead Teacher in classroom duties for 15-20 children, implementing curriculum, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. The role is ideal for individuals currently enrolled in a childhood development program seeking classroom hours or recent graduates looking to start their career in early childhood education. The position offers opportunities for on-site professional development, individualized coaching, and a supportive team environment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
One year of experience
Enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of employment (Hours working in the classroom may be used for teaching hours required for CDA)
Child Development Associate credential (CDA), or State awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for CDA credential, OR enrolled in a program leading to an associate's or bachelor's degree
CPR/First Adie/ADE Certified by State of Colorado
Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required.
A valid Colorado driver’s license is required for positions that drive on County Business in either a county or personal vehicle shall have a Colorado Driver’s license within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.

Nice To Haves

One - two years of experience in a classroom or center focusing on early childhood education or development
Experience implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum in a preschool setting
Strong written and verbal communication
Ability to utilize computer programs for documentation

Responsibilities

Implementation of Creative Curriculum.
Developing lesson plans.
Administering development, social and emotional screenings.
Conducting observations and notation of documentation.
Actively supervising children.
Teaching developmentally appropriate practices and utilize trauma informed care.
Ensuring compliance with Head Start performance standards within the classroom including education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition, health, and mental health.
Partnering with a multi-disciplinary team including mental health specialists, special education professionals, and family support workers to provide the best service for our families.
Supporting peers by collaborating and sharing experiences to finding solutions together.
Use specific strategies with families to provide home language support to all English language learners.
Abide by Colorado Adult and Child Food Program Guidelines to offer family style dining for each meal served during the school day to ensure rich conversations and language development opportunities.
Collaborate with the Special Education Team (SPED) to support children with IEP’s and track progress on their specific goals.
Create MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) goals for children that may have a suspected developmental delay and collect the necessary data needed to support SPED referrals.
Attend IEP meetings in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
Build family engagement and develop relationships with families through ongoing interactions that are responsive to the strengths, interests, needs, and culture of the family.
Support the Lead Teacher, as the child’s first educator, in conducting family visits throughout the year including a visit prior to the child’s first day of school to partner with the parent and a conference with the family in the spring to reflect on the school experiences of the child and the family.
Assist with the data collection required for the Lead Teacher to be able to review child outcomes and set new developmental goals for two family conferences throughout the school year.
Conduct family visits and family conferences in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
Assist with raising match funds for the program by supporting families in tracking learning opportunities at home that are connected to the learning taking place in the classroom.
Help identify families that could benefit from partnering with Jeffco Prosperity Partners to gain specialized supports to obtaining self-sufficiency.
Participate in two weeks of annual professional and educational development.
Participate in on-going monthly opportunities focused on trauma informed care, social determinants of health, family engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Work ongoing with supervisor to make progress towards identified current and long-term career goals.
Attend monthly group coaching sessions to collaborate and learn from specialists and peers.
Maintain credential in Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS).
Performs other duties as assigned.