ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Educare DC is growing to serve over 424 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of-the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high-quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal child care funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Infant-Toddler Assistant Teacher is responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program.  The Assistant Teacher supports the Lead Teacher in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Early Head Start, state and local standards and the Educare model.

Responsibilities

Program Core Features of the Educare Model

• Participate in training to build an understanding of the Educare Model

• Participate in the local evaluation and national Educare Implementation Study, engaging in a system of reciprocal, regular data feedback and utilization for individualized planning for children and families and continuous program improvement
• Participate in Reflective Practice and Supervision throughout the program

• Provide a high-quality early learning program that incorporates evidence-based curriculum and instructional activities

• Support and provide continuity of care to help infants and toddlers develop secure relationships
• Implement, document, and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of multiple perspectives and have the skills to be successful in their interdisciplinary efforts

• Collaborate with the Family Engagement Specialist (assigned to each child), and other Educare personnel and support staff to promote individual children's goals relating to early communication development, fine and gross motor skills, development of social and self-care skills

• Participate in Family Child Service Reviews as scheduled
• In support of ongoing, intensive professional development, Assistant Teachers will attend and participate in all scheduled trainings, engage in coaching cycles with their Lead Teachers, and develop individual plans for their own professional development
• Provide an enhanced curriculum focus on: social emotional development, early language and literacy, physical development, and integration of the arts

Curriculum

• Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in the school's child guidance discipline policy
• Assist in the planning and implementation of learning experiences that promote all developmental domains (social, emotional, physical, and intellectual) including contributing to the readiness of children to enter school by developing their early language acquisition and vocabulary
• Assist in developing and managing an attractive and engaging environment that encourages exploration and fosters independence
• Position themselves strategically in all environments to actively engage children, provide optimal supervision, and facilitate play

• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; ensure that the playground is safe.

• Assist in daily routines such as bottle feedings, meal preparations, diapering, toileting, hand washing, monitoring sleep times, cleanup, and supervision of children at all times, including outdoor play

Assessment

• Collaborate with the teaching team to observe, document, and assess their primary care children
• Identify any developmental concerns for primary care children and share the information with the Lead Teacher
• Collaborate with the teaching team to develop activities and use instructional materials suitable for infants and toddlers with a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional maturities
• Participate in Family Child Service Reviews for their primary children
• Assist in the completion of band-aid reports and documentation of incidents in the medical log

Home/School Connection:

• Develop effective partnerships with families by maintaining open communication and encouraging their input into the educational program.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to develop, document, and implement, in collaboration with each child’s family, an individualized plan for each child to be reviewed regularly in response to each child’s progress
• Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, and as feasible, participate in home visits and parent conferences

Other

• The Assistant Teacher will assume the responsibilities of the Lead Teacher in the absence of the Lead Teacher
• Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, assist in data entry as requested
• Assist the Lead Teacher to maintain an up to date classroom inventory
• Participate in reflective supervision with the Lead Teacher and/or Master Teacher
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (6 weeks through three years)
• Knowledge of Early Head Start Performance Standards
• Knowledge of City and State licensing requirements
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with various professionals and community groups.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with parents
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community

• Responsible for contributing to the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program.
• Supports the Lead Teacher in ensuring that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Head Start, state and local standards, and the Educare model.
• Assist with the implementation of all program requirements in adherence to performance and outcome standards, along with compliance standards, as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Clearance of background checks as required by local, state and federal regulations.
• Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state and federal regulations.
• A bi-annual physical exam, drug screen, covid-19 vaccinations and TB test are required as a condition of continual employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting up to 40 pounds, climbing and walking
• Must have advanced command of the English language and grammar, both verbal and written
• Must remain abreast of developments in the child development field to enhance professional growth and development