Primary Purpose:

To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.) and local Head Start/Early Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start/Early Head Start services.  To assist teachers in providing children with a learning environment and varied experiences which will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development and toward the overall goal of social competence.     

Qualifications:

             Education/Certification:

• High School diploma or GED required
• Child Development Associate (CDA) or willingness to obtain within one year required
• Current first aid/ CPR certification or willingness to obtain required            

             Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Experience working with young children preferred
• Loving, nurturing disposition toward young children required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
• Clear background history checks at the local, state, and federal levels required (Background checks are conducted by the ESC at no cost to the applicant.)
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and uphold the high standards of the Head Start quality of care according to the Head Start Performance Standards
• Moderate technology skills required
• Willing to uphold the Head Start Standards of Conduct required
• Must be service driven with the ability to assume personal responsibility and maintain a positive outlook
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities 

Working Conditions: 

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom and nursery equipment such as toys, playgrounds, multiple-rider strollers, etc.; personal computer and printer
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Must be physically able to participate in moderate to high levels of physical activity, such as, but not limited to, standing for moderate to lengthy periods of time, frequent squatting and sitting on the floor, frequent walking, and overhead reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; frequent exposure to bodily fluids; tolerate occasional travel between work sites
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children
• Regular Attendance is an essential function 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Delivery of Services

1. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being.
2. Cooperates with and assists teacher regarding schedules, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping.
3. Assists children with diapering and toilet training using Early Head Start/Head Start approved procedures.
4. Supervises and interacts with children during all indoor and outdoor activities.
5. Uses calm, non-threatening voice.
6. Demonstrates respect for each child and accepts differences in children.
7. Corrects through conversation.
8. Follows safety and environment regulations.
9. Maintains confidentiality of child and family information.
10. Recruits new enrollees and completes application enrollment forms.
11. Models correct speech patterns and vocabulary for children.
12. Interacts in a positive manner with parents and treats them with respect.
13. Maintains daily a safe playground environment for their classroom.
14. Acts as primary caregiver when the Early Head Start teacher is not in the classroom.
15. Substitutes in classes as needed for teachers or assistants.
16. Follows teacher’s instructions regarding individual lesson plans.
17. Provides emergency medical care for children as needed.
18. Eats one meal daily with children (sharing the same menu) and assists children with clean up.
19. Assists at meals and snacks and with clean-up of tables and floors.
20. Monitors the appropriate approved persons to pick up the children.
21. Cleans and sanitizes manipulatives, toys, floors, laundry, and other materials throughout the day.
22. Attends all campus Early Head Start parent meetings. 

Professional Responsibilities

23. Complies with center policies.
24. Cooperates with supervisor concerning working hours and center policies.
25. Supports program policies, accepting changes and new ideas.
26. Completes and submits all forms in monthly and yearly reports by due dates.
27. Attends all required Head Start/Early Head Start staff development and in-service meetings.
28. Completes appropriate Child Development Associate’s (CDA) credential within timeline designated by Head Start/Early Head Start CDA advisor; maintains current Child Development Associate’s (CDA) credential once obtained.
29. Obtains and maintains first aid/CPR certifications.
30. Complies with ESC personnel policies regarding absences and tardiness.
31. Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring an continual improvement in services.
32. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
33. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
34. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
35. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
36. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
37. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
38. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
39. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
40. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
41. Performs other duties as assigned.

Annual Number of Work Days: 226