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 services. To uphold the high standards of Head Start/Early Head Start quality of care for young children. To provide 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 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:

• Minimum of one year experience working with infants, toddlers, and/or young children birth through 5 years of age required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
• Valid Texas driver’s license or other reliable mode of transportation during work hours required
• Proof of current automobile liability insurance required
• Ability to follow instructions and uphold the high standard of Early Head Start quality of care according to the Head Start Performance Standards required
• Must be service driven
• Must possess the ability to assume personal responsibility, maintain a positive outlook, and relate to varied populations

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:

 

Education

1. Interacts with children during all indoor and outdoor activities.
2. Reinforces acceptable behaviors and redirects unacceptable behaviors.
3. Deals with individual problems on an individual basis.
4. Does not raise voice or threaten.
5. Takes time to help children reflect on their actions/behaviors and redirects when necessary.
6. Demonstrates respect for each child and accept differences in children.
7. Models correct speech patterns and vocabulary for children.
8. Corrects through conversation.
9. Provides opportunities for each child to experience success and reinforce all efforts.
10. Extends learning to meet the individual needs of children.
11. Cooperates with partner teacher regarding schedules, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping.
12. Prepares and maintains the learning environment.
13. Prepares and maintains weekly lesson plans for individual children. Screens and completes an on-going assessment for each child throughout the program year. 

Health and Nutrition

14. Eats one meal daily with children (sharing the same menu), supervises children at other meals, and assists children with clean up.
15. Follows safety and environment regulations.
16. Provides emergency medical care for children as needed.
17. Obtains information for children’s individual health records.
18. Assists children with diapering and toilet training using Head Start/Early Head Start approved procedures. 

Social Services

19. Completes enrollment forms and recruits enrollees as needed.
20. Makes two home visits per program year to each child to complete forms and delivery of services.
21. Refers families to appropriate staff for social services.
22. Maintains confidentiality of child and family information. 

Parent Involvement         

23. Oversees and attends all center Early Head Start parent meetings.
24. Helps recruit parent volunteers, provides parent opportunities to share their skills, and treats parents with respect.
25. Maintains a bulletin board for dissemination of information to parents.
26. Encourages and promotes the involvement of fathers in all activities.
27. Holds at least two parent/teacher conferences per program year to discuss child’s progress. 

Professional Responsibilities

28. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being.
29. Cooperates with Region 16 Education Service Center (ESC) staff concerning reports, policies, guidelines, etc. for Early Head Start.
30. Attends all required Early Head Start staff development and in-service meetings.
31. 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.
32. Obtains and maintains current first aid/CPR certification.
33. Must provide program with a current health physical.
34. Supports program policies, accepting changes and new ideas.
35. Complies with ESC personnel policies regarding absences and tardiness.
36. Completes and submits all forms in monthly and yearly reports by due dates.
37. Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services.
38. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
39. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
40. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
41. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
42. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
43. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
44. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
45. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
46. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
47. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Annual Number of Work Days: 226