POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides comprehensive child development services to children. Builds positive relationships with families and supports healthy development of the child. Conducts child development screenings and assessments, develops individualized learning plans (ISRPs), implements curriculum to meet ISRP goals and developmental milestones, and works with children in childcare to promote their development. Participates in center family events and activities. Maintains documentation and record keeping both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities per Head Start Performance Standards, ECEAP, CARF, NAEYC, Early Archivers, WAC Standards and Akin protocols. Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interacts positively with all children to support individual learning and social-emotional development. Communicates regularly and respectfully with families; involves families in education program planning and implementation
• Completes child development screenings and assessments following standards listed above and Akin protocols
• Uses assessment results for developing ISRP goals and individualized curriculum and instruction; re-screens as needed; makes referrals to program and community services, as needed
• Conducts on-going observations of individual children; uses assessment results, observations, input from families , IFSP/IEP goals, and other information to develop and implement individual school readiness plan (ISRP) within Performance Standards and Akin EHS/HS timelines; provides a curriculum, instruction, and environment which promotes healthy development and learning
• Develops class schedules, routines and activities. Prepares and implements lesson plans based on each child’s ISRP goals & developmental needs; includes health and safety, nutrition, and social emotional (Preschool-Second Step) activities following Performance Standards and Akin Early Head Start Work Plan
• Participates collaboratively with other classroom employee as an instructional team in planning, implementation of curriculum and activities, assessing and observing children, and in record keeping and documentation; participates in center and program-wide interdisciplinary planning for children and families, and cross-component coordination activities
• Conducts a minimum of two home visits and 2 parent-teacher conferences each year for the purpose of sharing child’s progress, assessment results, and to plan ISRP goals for the next quarter
• Collaborates with third party agencies such as developmental preschool or birth to three as needed to share goals, progress and strategies for children on a IFSP/IEP
• Participates in center family events; encourages and supports family involvement in their child’s learning experiences
• Participates in the multidisciplinary transition planning team to develop and implement a plan for children moving between teachers/classrooms to ensure a smooth transition for the child and family; works with center team to develop and implement a transition plan for children exiting the program into Head Start, ECEAP, another early learning setting, or Kindergarten
• Maintains records and documentation to meet various program Performance Standards and Akin EHS/HS protocols
• Develops and implements an annual professional development and training plan in collaboration with supervisor. Actively participates in program-wide and site professional development activities; seeks additional training to support professional goals
• Provides family-style meal settings for children; incorporate health, nutrition and child development into meal and snack times
• Attends evening employee meetings, program-wide events, and EHS/HS site activities/trainings
• Provides on the job mentoring and/or classroom related technical support to assistant educators, classroom assistants, substitutes, and volunteers.
• Mentors and trains practicum students, work study and other classroom volunteers with support of Site Supervisor
• Provides supervision on field trips and center activities
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess strong human relations skills to communicate and work effectively within a culturally diverse work environment
• Proficient in MS Office and other software used by the agency and/or program
• Ability to embrace and support Akin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive organization

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Generally, functions in a classroom environment; however, may conduct meetings and other business in: Classrooms, community settings, virtually or off-site locations for professional development activities.
• Traveling may be required for professional development Quarterly travel required for professional development opportunities.

WORKING REMOTELY:

Working remotely is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace, but remote work cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Remote work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

Remote work may be available in circumstances where the center/classroom is closed or employee are required to be out due to public health quarantine guidelines. Any remote work needs to be planned with and approved by a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Engage in daily outdoor playground activities including walking times with children so exposure to outdoor natural elements is expected.
• Ability to be continuously moving around and occasionally sit, crouch, and kneel.
• Ability to frequently carry up to 10lbs and occasionally up to 50lbs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• AA or BA in Child development or early childhood education, or related field plus 2 to 3 years’ experience in a comprehensive early learning classroom serving infants, toddlers, and/or preschool-aged children
• Proof of physical exam (done within one year upon hire and updated every three years), including a one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor, or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Successful completion of a drivers check if position requires driving on a regular basis (at least three times per week) or drives clients. Must not have more than two driving incidents within the last three years
• Completion of Akin criminal history background check, and DCYF portable background check (PBC), including registry with MERIT to include fingerprinting

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $25.07 - $34.57. The starting salary range for this position is $25.07 - $27.45 DOE for external candidates.

Employees will also receive 10 days of vacation leave each year, three Employee Appreciation Day each year, and will accrue one sick day per month (pro-rated for part-time employees). Employees will also enjoy 15 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. We also offer EAP and mental health benefits.