Head Start Substitutes: Assistant Teacher I-II

Education Transcripts for positions that require ECE or CDV units must be attached with your application to be considered.

All applicants for Head Start Child Development Program positions must review the attached NOTICE that includes the background screening and health screening requirements.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Assists Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the Head Start curriculum. Assists the Lead Teacher in supporting children’s school readiness, care of a group of preschoolers, and communication with their families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under HSCDP care.
• Participate in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development. **
• Work directly with children on daily classroom activities which meet the Head Start Performance Standards and the State guidelines. 
• Participate in the curriculum planning meetings and assists with implementation of the curriculum plans.  
• Assist the Lead Teacher with the children’s DRDP assessment by collecting data (child’s observations) as assigned. 
• Organize the program materials and environment needed for classroom activities.
• Assist the Lead Teacher in some record keeping and reporting duties of the education component.
• Work as a team member with other teaching staff in planning and implementing classroom activities.
• Provide individual assistance to assigned children in the classroom.
• Facilitate individual and/or small group activities for children with guidance from the Lead Teacher. 
• Assist in providing childcare for parent activities when needed.
• Inform Supervisor of all concerns, observations or information provided by a parent or guardian, in a timely manner.
• Participate in the daily cleaning of the classroom including for example, sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming rugs and sanitizing bathrooms. 
• Attend scheduled meetings, trainings, and conferences as necessary.
• Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match. ** 
• For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and staff. 
• Other duties as assigned or required.

** Does not apply to Substitutes

• When hired with specific duties and responsibilities:
• Language Resources Support:  Provide oral and written translation and communication support for non-English speaking families in their native language.
• Integration Support:  Provide on-going support to integrate children with special needs in the classroom.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with Head Start STRONG Culture and with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level:
• Level I - Must complete 3 core units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) within 12 months of being hired.
• Level II- 6 Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) core units required. 

Core courses include child/human growth & development; child/family/community or child and family relations; programs/curriculum.

• A High School Diploma or equivalent/comparable certificate. 
• A minimum of 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired (Level I - preferred. Level II required).
• 6 months early childhood classroom experience preferred. (Level-II)
• Prior experience working with children with special needs is preferred but not required.
• Organizational and time management skills are preferred. 

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of interpersonal communications.
• Principles and practices of Early Childhood Education/Child Development preferred.
• Computer and internet use as relates to the duties of the position; prior use of Microsoft Office 365 preferred.
• Head Start Performance Standards preferred.

Ability to:

• Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in writing in English (required); bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred and may be required.
• Participate in the curriculum planning meetings and implementation of the curriculum plans.  
• Take over for Associate Teacher when necessary (Assistant II).
• Work effectively and professionally with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Work effectively as part of a team but have the ability to work independently.
• Maintain confidential information, documentation, and handle sensitive situations appropriately.
• Work flexible hours for scheduled weekend or evening activities as needed.
• Developed organizational and time management skills are preferred. 
• Be flexible and able to meet the changing needs of the program.

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly; 
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms. 
• The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is a frequent aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones, and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The environment can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note:  This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.