Introduction:

The employee works under the supervision of the Center Supervisor. The employee may be called to perform duties to include assisting in the classroom, recruiting and clerical work. If in the classroom, the employee will assist in managing the classroom in such a way so that all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development Practices are adequately met. The employee will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing.The employee will assist with implementing the revised Performance Standards 45 CFR 1304.20 and 1304.21.The employee will also assist in the implementation of family style service of meals, as well as the modification of menus according to the special dietary needs of children. The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, foul odors and other factors due to the breakdown of some equipment or systems. . The employee shall adhere to the National Smoke Free Environment Policy Public Law 103-227, Pro-Children Act of 2001 42 U.S.C. 7181 through 7184 and TN Licensure Rule 1240-04-01-12(14).

Section 1 – Job Performance

Quality of Work

Assist with implementing the Creative Curriculum and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework to create a developmentally appropriate learning environment for all children.

Assist with implementing completed lesson plans that reflect planning for individuals, small and large groups including IEP/IFSP goals and objectives as needed.

Job Knowledge

Follow the balanced daily schedule of child initiated and adult directed activities.

Follow State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.

Initiative

Ensure sanitation, hygiene procedures and health practices are strictly adhered to daily and assist in the daily maintenance of the classroom utilizing the center cleaning plan.

Assist in following established lesson plan.

Participate actively in family style dining and familiarity of the mealtime supervision plan.

Assist in securing In-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.

Section 2 - Personal Performance

Dependability

Ability to assist in other positions as needed.

Attendance & Punctuality

Regular attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.

Submit accurate employee time and mileage reports according to program calendar.

Relationship Building Skills

Respect all children and families’ cultural diversity.

Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students and parents.

Maintain a positive working relationship with center staff.

Flexibility

Complete daily health checks and follow-up documentation when full-time teaching staff is unavailable.

Support any modifications that are made to include children with special needs.

Complete and submit accident reports in the required time frame when full-time teaching staff is unavailable.

Assist with preparing bottles and/or meals when full time nutrition staff is not available.

Communication Skills

Ability to promote a positive and encouraging work environment.

Maintain communication with center staff.

Teamwork

Provide staff with scheduled breaks throughout the day.

Mentor substitutes and volunteers.

Assist with monitoring classroom and playground for health and safety concerns

Participate in Team Building Activities

Assist in the compilation and completion of Self-Assessment/Community Assessment and participate in the analysis of data for training and planning purposes.

Customer Services

Answer the phone and communicate with families in a polite, friendly manner, take messages and assist with questions accordingly.

Greet families upon entry and exit of the center.

Assist in ongoing recruitment targeting children from low-income families, children with disabilities and pregnant women, and complete HS/EHS applications as needed.

Adhere to Agency’s HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics and standards, demonstrating work habits, which comply with Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Section 3 – Personal Improvement

Decision Making

Provide positive guidance for children in the classroom.

Follow a routine that meets the needs of the children in the classroom.

Supports Quality Improvement

Explore and share ongoing ideas/solutions for program and content area specific improvement

Participate in on-going improvement plans from classroom observations (informal classroom observations, CLASS, Mentor Coaching, Area Coordinator monitoring, etc.)

Professional Development Growth

Ensure PDP goals have been met.

Participate in scheduled staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, workshops, and In-Service as assigned.

High School Diploma or GED. (Required)

Child Development Accreditation (CDA) (Preferred)

Bilingual (Preferred)

Satisfactory physical examination prior to beginning work and every five years thereafter.

Must possess a valid Driver’s License and Automobile Liability Insurance.

Satisfactory criminal background check prior to hire and every 5 years thereafter. Drug testing as required.

Required Knowledge & Abilities:

Knowledge of Early Childhood Education.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the general public and fellow employees.

Ability to understand and follow any oral or written instructions and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records and methods for systematic reporting of statistical data.

Ability to travel extensively within assigned area.

Ability to be a mandated reported for suspected child abuse or neglect.

Ability to promote a positive and encouraging work environment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; stoop; bend; walk; talk; hear; use hands to grip, type; reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand or walk on uneven surfaces; climb stairs; run. 2 to 4 hours per day spent in strenuous physical activity, lifting up to 60lbs six or eight times in a 7.5-hour day.