SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Child Development Specialist, is responsible for providing a stimulating environment for the growth, well-being and development of the children, and the creation and implementation of lesson plans that successfully prepare children for their next educational experience.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Classroom Environment: Provides a safe and age appropriate, developmentally enriching educational environment that meets Early Head Start standards.
  • Selects appropriate materials and equipment and arranges the room to provide an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level and learning style of the children.
  • Provides the group with a positive routine and with simple rules that are understood and accepted by children and adults.
  • Verbally engage with infants and toddlers throughout the day.
  • Help children to know, accept and appreciate themselves as individuals. Help each child develop a sense of independence and acquire the ability to express, understand and control feelings. Encourage feelings of mutual respect among the children in the group.
  • Follows written policies and regulations established by the Center, Health Department and granting agency.
  • Makes regular inspections and reports the need for repair or replacement of classroom supplies and equipment to their supervisor, using proper work order and supply request forms.
  • Manage all elements of classroom environment including movement of children, cots, small furniture and daily supplies.
• Curriculum: Plans lessons and creates activities that are developmentally appropriate.
  • Develops written weekly lesson plans utilizing Creative Curriculum and the Early Learning Literacy Standards, as well as, written individualized education plans.
  • Provides daily activities and experiences which encourage questioning, probing and problem-solving skills appropriate to developmental level and learning style of the children.
  • Provides experiences that stimulate children to explore and express their creative ability.
  • Assists children in using language and social cues as a means of communicating their thoughts, feelings and understanding of others.
  • Physically engage children throughout the day, modeling full participation in all activities including gross motor play and music and movement.
• Assessment and Documentation: Assesses all children’s level of development and documents progress throughout the year using Teaching Strategies GOLD
  • Observes children on a daily basis recording at least 1 observations per day per child by individualizing for each child.
  • Formally assesses each child's development using TSR GOLD data 3 times per year. Planning for children after assessment using data from GOLD Summary reports.
  • Uses curriculum and assessment to effectively enhance the development of children.
  • Makes appropriate referrals based upon assessments, team planning sessions, case reviews, etc.
  • Maintains all necessary record keeping, including daily meal count, attendance on paper or database, as required.
• Parent Involvement: Encourages parent involvement and coaches parents on their child’s continuous education.
  • Establishes positive and productive relationships with parents and encourages them to participate in the Center's activity.
  • Plans at a minimum 2 parent conferences per year and completes 2 home visits per year.
  • Effectively communicate with parents about classroom activities, curriculum, and their child’s progress and model/teach to parents how to nurture and interact with their children.
  • Organizes and serves as a partner with the parents and the classroom FA.
  • Plans and organizes socialization activities to involve the parent in working with his/her child.
• Professional Development: Strives to improve skills and knowledge base on an ongoing basis.
  • Participates in all professional development initiatives and assigned trainings organized by the program and the grantee office.
  • Participates in outside workshops, seminars and training programs that will facilitate ongoing professional development.
  • Participates in training classes pertaining to child development, children at risk, special needs, etc.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Maintains respect for confidentiality of information divulged by or on behalf of participants.
• Provides support and education to people of diverse educational, cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Conducts aggressive outreach and recruitment. Model appropriate interaction with young children and parents.
• Works independently and as a team member.
• Works with other team members to develop relationship with the parents of enrolled children.
• Maintains good communications with parent, provide support and guidance as needed and document contact.
• Supports volunteers as part of the classroom team and offer hospitality to visitors.
• Upholds the vision, mission and values of St. Vincent de Paul.
• Participates in and attends continuing education and informational trainings and meetings as needed.
• Assists with and attends special events held by St. Vincent de Paul
• Creates an atmosphere of care and respect for staff, volunteers and clients.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma with 90-hour Child Care Certificate and Infant-Toddler 45 Hour Certificate, required.
• 1 year supervised classroom experience with children age zero through three years, required.
• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, preferred.
• CDA, preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

__X__ Primarily Indoor Work

TYPE OF WORK

___X__MEDIUM WORK: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects up to 25 pounds.