CENTER FLOATER

The Center Floater provides support to the assigned center by assisting with classroom instruction or preparation and cooking meals in accordance with Head Start Standards, TDFPS Minimum Standards, CACFP, and Cen-Tex Family Services, Inc. policies and procedures.

In the absence of regular teaching or cooking staff, the Center Floater will be a substitute teacher as needed in meeting the child staff ratio in the classroom, or to provide food preparation for the assigned site.

When not required to substitute for absent teaching or cooking staff, the Center Floater will support the teaching and cooking staff under the direction of the Center Director.

Essential functions may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by this position; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following, and are subject to change at the discretion of management at any time:

Must become familiar with the ethnic backgrounds and heritages of families in the program and are able to serve and effectively communicate, either directly or through interpretation and translation, with children who are dual language learners and to the extent feasible, with families with limited English proficiency.

Provide for child/staff ratio by providing coverage for Classroom Teachers during breaks, lunch, planning time, and coverage for absent teachers as needed.

Work with an assigned group of children; providing developmentally appropriate activities and experiences designed for all areas of a child’s development by reading and implementing routines and activities on the posted weekly lesson plan. Provide materials that offer a variety of sensory and motor experiences and are concrete, real and relevant to the children and their interests.

Respond quickly and directly to children’s needs, desires, verbal and non-verbal messages adapting the response to the children’s differing styles and abilities. Relate to children in a calm, caring, nurturing, soothing manner, responding to all cries, verbalizations, using appropriate child guidance techniques at all times. Stay involved and active with the children at all times during the day.

Model conversations, manners, clean-up activities, listening, etc. for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social emotional skills.

Ensure that the appropriate child-staff ratio is met while delivering services and children are supervised at all times. Active supervision requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Staff position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. During transitions, staff account for all children with name-to-face recognition by visually identifying each child. They also use their knowledge of each child’s development and abilities to anticipate what they will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely. Maintain a safe and secure learning environment for children, both indoors and out during all program hours.

Provide meals and snacks to the children according to their age, development and needs. Participate in and assist at meal and snack times following appropriate family style meal services and CACFP guidelines.

Maintain accurate records of daily attendance and meal counts.

Assist with recording observations, assessments and maintaining other required records on each child within established procedures.

Promote parent involvement in the child's education and well-being. Provide guidance for parents and other volunteers.

Provide for health and safety by following procedures for handwashing, dental hygiene practices, change of bedding, sanitation of toys, and toileting. Assist in toilet usage with toddlers.

Provide for the safekeeping of center files, supplies and equipment. Ensure confidentiality of agency and family information.

Participate in professional development to promote and comply with agency goals and objectives and the requirements of TDFPS and Head Start and demonstrate application of acquired knowledge while performing duties of position.

Participate as a cooperative team member with coworkers and supervisor in delivering services to children and families and supporting center operations. Working as a team member includes adapting to changing work priorities and exhibiting tact and patience when working with others.

Work effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds, and those with disabilities and special needs. In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans.

Report to work at scheduled time and maintain good attendance. Perform all duties in a safe, timely, and professional manner. Participate with a positive attitude and behavior in all program activities.

Continue professional growth by participating in classes, training programs, workshops/conferences, as the budget allows.

Provide a positive image to co-workers and the community supportive of the agency's goals and objectives.

Perform other duties as assigned including kitchen/cook duties.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the knowledge, skill and/or ability to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform the essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position doesn’t include supervisory responsibilities. Communicate related problems, concerns, and training needs to the Center Director or Supervisor.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is often required to sit on floor; climb or balance; and bend at the waist, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in order to maintain direct eye contact with children. The employee must be able to repeatedly lift children that may weigh up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.

Employees may regularly be exposed to cleaning chemicals, including disinfectants and cleansers. Personal protective equipment will be provided. May be exposed to body fluids.

Progress toward pursuit of college degree in early childhood education or child development, and Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent credential.

CDA or equivalent credential.

Eligible to possess CDA credential.

CPR and First Aid Certification.

At least six months’ experience working with children in a Licensed day care center.

Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Note: To drive an agency vehicle or claim mileage, staff must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and an acceptable driving record.