Early Head Start Teacher

Job Summary

Fully implement the EHS program (federal and state requirements) including but not limited to providing a successful, safe and supervised educational setting for infants and toddlers, engaging families in the program and ensuring all content area standards are met.

Supervise and teach an assigned group of infants and toddlers using developmentally appropriate practices. Prepare daily lesson plans including both indoor and outdoor activities that are individualized and based on the infants/toddlers own needs, interests and schedules; and include multicultural education materials and activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize daily plans and organize the classroom according to individualized plans, developmental levels, and parental and cultural influences of the infant or toddler.
• Follow consistent routines (ex: feeding, diapering, toileting, teeth brushing, and napping).
• Provide responsive care for children. Respond to children's needs promptly and positively.
• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Clean and sanitize equipment and learning material; ensure safe environments (classroom, center, restrooms, kitchen, and playground).
• Prepare classroom for opportunities to explore a variety of sensory and motor experiences and opportunities for the development of self-awareness, autonomy, and self-expression, as well as opportunities for gross and fine motor skills.
• Feed infants according to their home schedule, hold them every time they are fed, and share information about their eating with their parents daily.
• Provide all meals and snacks to children and prepare them according to their age, development, and needs.
• Begin family-style dining with toddlers when they are ready and implement according to program policy and procedures and Early Head Start Performance Standards.
• Provide diaper changing and toilet training functions in the classroom in a safe, sanitary and developmentally appropriate manner.

Parent Engagement/Home Visits

• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parent involvement.
• Greet parents and children pleasantly and appropriately, ensuring a smooth transition in and out of the center.
• Encourage parents to be involved in all aspects of the classroom.
• Encourage parents to become involved in workshops, training and other Early Head Start activities.
• Maintain ongoing professional and appropriate communication with parents through a variety of methods and send activities home that parents can do with their children to support the curriculum and the child's learning.
• Work and make referrals to appropriate agencies as needed or requested by parents for children/families' needs.
• Conduct at least two home visits with each child's family per year for purposes of assessment and support according to the program schedule, policies and procedures.
• Plan and conduct regular Parent meetings with team members (at least 2 per year).
• Assist with transitioning children out of the program and into Head Start or other childcare programs within the timeframe.
• Communicate openly and positively with children's parent/guardians about daily activities, behaviors, etc.

Curriculum Development

• Assess individual and group needs, attending to special needs, specific interests, strengths and concerns.
• With parent involvement, create developmentally appropriate, balanced daily plans that address each child's specific strengths and needs and include all EHS components.
• Prepare classroom materials and supplies to support daily plans; change materials in learning centers as needed.
• Adapt curriculum to meet individual goals for children as identified in IEP/IFSP plans.

Written Documentation & Service Delivery

• Ensure the classroom complies with Early Head Start Performance Standards, SCDHS Licensing Requirements, and other regulations.
• Maintain accurate written/electronic records including but not limited to assessments, lesson plans, screening instruments, observations, documents for transitions and parent/teacher conferences and daily health checks.
• Observe children and record observations and complete the assessment by due dates.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, food reports, in-kind reports, and other record-keeping and reports as required.
• Participate in team/staff/meetings to plan for and deliver needed services.
• Generate in-kind contributions and actively engage in recruitment and enrollment efforts.

General Duties

• Attend work punctually and regularly to provide consistency of service.
• Attend upon request all staff and other appropriate meetings, training, and conferences, some of which may require out-of-town travel and evening/overnight attendance.
• Always maintain a professional attitude and confidentiality of all records and information.
• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily routines.
• Follow the HS dress code. Appropriate dress code specific for EHS staff:
• Fingernails are reasonably short in length to avoid injury;
• No jewelry except for wedding bands and watches while in the classroom.
• Perform other program-related assignments as designated.
• Presentation of a positive image of the agency to members of the community.