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
• 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.)

Skills

• 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 with the ability to assume personal responsibility and maintain a positive outlook
• Moderate technology skills required
• 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:

Daily Standards:

1. Interacts with children during all indoor and outdoor activities
2. Actively supervises and interacts with children during all activities
3. Uses calm, non-threatening voice
4. Demonstrates respect for each child and accept differences in children
5. Models correct speech patterns and vocabulary for children
6. Corrects through conversation and models expected behavior
7. Maintains a safe playground environment
8. Provides opportunities for each child to experience success and reinforce all efforts
9. Extends learning to meet the individual needs of children
10. Cooperates with partner teacher regarding schedules, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping
11. Monitors the appropriate approved persons for child pick up
12. Cleans and sanitizes materials throughout the day and completes required documentation
13. Prepares and maintains the learning environment
14. Prepares and maintains weekly lesson plans for individual children Screens and completes an on-going assessment for each child throughout the program year 
15. Eats one meal daily with children (sharing the same menu), supervises children at other meals, and assists children with clean up
16. Follows safety and environment regulations
17. Provides emergency medical care as needed
18. Obtains information for children's individual health records
19. Assists children with diapering and toilet training using Head Start/Early Head Start approved procedures
20. Complies with center policies
21. Makes two home visits per program year to each child to complete forms and delivery of services
22. Refers families to appropriate staff for social services
23. Helps recruit parent volunteers, provides parent opportunities to share their skills, and  treats parents with respect
24. Maintains a bulletin board for dissemination of information to parents 
25. Holds at least two parent/teacher conferences per program year to discuss child's progress 
26. Obtains and maintains current first aid/CPR certification
27. Must provide program with a current health physical
28. Supports program policies, accepting changes and new ideas
29. Completes and submits all forms reports by due dates
30. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
31. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance 
32. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program
33. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
34. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines
35. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
36. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
37. Performs other duties as assigned