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

Jefferson County CO•Arvada, CO

6d•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 role supports the Lead Teacher in classroom duties, implementing curriculum, and ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. The program focuses on providing individualized services in education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education, with a commitment to equitable and inclusive services for a diverse community. This 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 program offers on-site professional development, a supportive team environment, and individualized coaching.

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 Aid/AED Certified by State of Colorado
Criminal History and MVR Background Checks
Education verification and/or references

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 skills
Ability to utilize computer programs for documentation
Fluent in a language other than English (may be eligible for additional compensation)

Responsibilities

Support the Lead Teacher with classroom duties for 15-20 children.
Implement curriculum, including Creative Curriculum.
Develop lesson plans.
Administer development, social, and emotional screenings.
Conduct observations and document findings.
Actively supervise children.
Teach developmentally appropriate practices and utilize trauma-informed care.
Ensure compliance with Head Start performance standards (education, disabilities, parent involvement, nutrition, health, mental health).
Partner with a multi-disciplinary team (mental health specialists, special education professionals, family support workers).
Support peers through collaboration and experience sharing.
Use specific strategies to provide home language support to English language learners.
Abide by Colorado Adult and Child Food Program Guidelines for family-style dining.
Collaborate with the Special Education Team (SPED) to support children with IEPs and track progress.
Create MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) goals for children with suspected developmental delays and collect data for SPED referrals.
Attend IEP meetings in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
Build family engagement and develop relationships with families.
Conduct family visits, including a pre-enrollment visit and a spring conference.
Assist with data collection for child outcomes and developmental goal setting.
Conduct family visits and conferences in the absence of the Lead Teacher.
Support families in tracking home learning opportunities to raise match funds.
Identify families that could benefit from partnering with Jeffco Prosperity Partners.
Participate in two weeks of annual professional and educational development.
Participate in ongoing monthly professional development opportunities (trauma-informed care, social determinants of health, family engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion).
Work with supervisor to make progress towards career goals.
Attend monthly group coaching sessions.
Maintain credential in Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS).
Perform other duties as assigned.