Preschool Childcare Teacher

Description

Come join the amazing Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties team!

We are a private non-profit committed to doing all we can in the fight against poverty. Our legacy goes back to the 1960's and we manage over 70 programs designed to help those who need it most. 

Working for Head Start and Early Head Start provides an opportunity to support the most vulnerable children in your community and help them and their families achieve success in school and in life.

You'll join a team of talented and passionate people who are motivated to make our community as strong and resilient as possible.

HOURS: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. 

 ** Eligible for $1500-$2000 Sign-On Incentive **

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Teacher is responsible for collaborating with the Lead Teacher in planning and providing a quality educational experience for infants and toddlers enrolled in the Early Head Start Program. Assumes responsibilities of primary care giver for specific children and is the primary contact for families.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Assists with the planning and preparation of the daily and weekly program experiences, considering the needs of children in full day, full year programs, if applicable.
• Greets parents at drop-off and pick-up and facilitates a smooth transition between home and center.
• Demonstrates interactions with children that are responsive, respectful and supportive of their play interests.
• Uses tools such as observations, screenings, assessments, and parent input to develop curriculum plans. Uses the EHS Curriculum Plan form as a tool to plan, record and document the play, experiences, and themes that children engage in.
• Uses the Individualized Weekly Planning Form to develop individual written goals for each child. Documentation includes experiences to achieve these goals and the materials required to carry out the experiences.
• Uses all the EHS record-keeping tools and asks for technical assistance, as needed, to fulfill this responsibility.
• Consults with the Lead Teacher when problems arise.
• Enters all pertinent child and family information into Child Plus for primary care group.
• Keeps portfolios and child observations up-to-date for primary care group.
• Recognizes the importance of routines (naptime, mealtime, diapering) as an integral part of the curriculum for all children. Ensures that special attention is given to routines for children receiving full day child care services.
• Ensures that the physical environment, both indoors and outdoors, is clean and safe.
• Communicates and meets with parents, managers/specialists or preschool teachers and home visitors/family service workers to facilitate smooth transitions both into and out of the program.
• Provides daily communication with parents including daily written Infant/Toddler Tales for children enrolled in their primary care group.
• Accomplishes a minimum of two home visits and two conferences annually with families enrolled in the center-based option. Maintains more frequent contact with each family as needed or requested. Completes all necessary documentation.
• Communicates and meets with the Home Visitor or Family Service Worker regularly regarding family goals and children's needs, children’s absences and parent meetings. Completes applicable sections of the Family Staffing forms.
• Works with Part C and LEA specialists and Education/Disabilities Specialist- Birth-3 to ensure a quality program for children with disabilities. Facilitates the inclusion of all children to ensure that a natural learning environment is provided. Implements the goals of each child's IFSP/IEP.
• Completes center records for attendance, meals counts, fire drills, in-kind contributions and daily parent sign in and sign out sheets.
• Transports children in own vehicle if an emergency situation arises.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to Family and Community Services Manager and to DCYF Central Intake at 1-800-894-5533.
• Actively participates in staff meetings and EHS Teacher meetings and attends All Staff trainings and CAP events as they relate to the improvement of services to income eligible families.
• Assumes Lead Teacher’s classroom responsibilities when Lead Teacher is absent or involved with parent activities.
• Stays current with Center’s policies, Early Head Start Performance Standards and NH Child Care Licensing Standards.
• Continues to gain knowledge and expertise in child development and early childhood education, the principles of child health, disability, safety, and nutrition; adult learning principles; and family dynamics.

CAPBM FULL TIME BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off – Earn up to four weeks in your first year
• Paid Holidays – 12 per year
• Health Insurance (with Free Dental and Vision)
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Health Insurance Buyout
• Voluntary Dental Insurance
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA & DCA)
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Employer paid Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary 403(b) with 5% Employer Match After One Year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program

ADDITIONAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS

• Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Raise year) 
• 50% off child care in our centers (subject to availability) 
• A Practice-Based Coach, Behavior Support Coordinator, and Mental Health Consultant on staff for employee support 
• Paid professional development days and trainings during work days free of cost (airfare, meals, hotel included!) 
• Annual Staff Retreat day and Staff Wellness days Tuition Assistance/Reimbursement 
• Assistance to Education staff in completing a CDA (we help you through that process and cover the cost). 
• Professional Development Specialists on staff to complete verification visits, observation, and portfolio review. 
• Many career growth opportunities!

Requirements

Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Prior experience working with infants and toddlers a plus.
• Ability to effectively communicate with infants, toddlers and their families. 
• Ability to communicate and work well with other staff.
• Fluency in language spoken primarily by Early Head Start families.
• Basic computer literacy skills.
• Anticipates and responds positively to continuous change and challenge.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalency credential. 
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for infant toddler caregivers or equivalent credential.

License/Certification:

• Successful completion of criminal record check. 
• A current physical examination report must be kept on file. 
• Valid driver’s license with access to reliable transportation for required travel.

Salary : $15 - $19