Centro de la Familia
Overview
Under the supervision of the Education Specialist, administers a program of early childhood
education that is developmentally, linguistically & culturally appropriate; meets the individual &
holistic needs of infants and toddlers; and works closely with parents and families to ensure they
are intentionally included in the planning & execution of their child’s education. Works as a
team member with other staff, parents, and volunteers.
Hiring Bonus: Fully credentialed candidates are eligible for a $1,000 hiring bonus—$500 paid on your first paycheck and an additional $500 after successfully completing 3 months of employment.
Salary Description
$18.71 – $23.80
Key Areas of Responsibility
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform in Key Areas of
Responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge,
skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education Services
1. Manages all aspects of the classroom in accordance with Head Start Performance
Standards, Centro’s School Readiness Goals, developmentally appropriate practices, and
early childhood education best practices.
2. Uses a primary caregiving system to create stable relationships and designate who is
principally responsible for individual children and their families.
3. Follows all supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures.
4. Directly supervises children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.
5. Actively engages with children in learning activities indoors and outdoors.
6. Strictly follows CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) rules including sanitation
regulations and guidelines for infant/toddler mealtimes and feeding.
7. Maintains accurate infant feeding logs, classroom meal counts, and attendance records.
8. Demonstrates proficiency in executing emergency evacuation procedures.
9. Observes and documents children’s development every day.
10. Ensures child outcomes data accurately reflects children’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
11. Uses the assigned curriculum and child observations to plan and implement a daily,
individualized program supporting children’s physical, social/emotional, cognitive, and
language development.
12. Maintains timely and complete electronic data, records, and assessments for each child.
13. Promotes a classroom where interactions are positive, warm, caring, and respectful of
children and families.
14. Follows the children’s lead and supports their self-sufficiency and freedom of expression
and movement. Encourages curiosity and exploration.
15. Provides a supportive environment in which children can begin to learn and practice
appropriate and acceptable behaviors as individuals and in a group.
16. Recognizes bilingualism and biliteracy as a strength and implements research-based
teaching practices that support dual-language learners.
17. Provides children with opportunities for learning through nature and natural environments.
18. Uses language stimulation and language facilitation techniques during conversations with
children. Be a good language model by using correct grammar, voice level, and clear
speech.
19. Promotes children’s thinking skills with a focus on understanding rather than rote
memorization.
20. Makes appropriate referrals for suspected concerns in any kind of developmental delay
and/or mental health concern.
21. Plans and implements appropriate learning activities for children with special needs (IFSPs
and/or Behavior Plans).
Parent & Family Involvement
1. Recognize that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers.
2. Build relationships and include parents in their child’s education.
3. Involve parents in the education process by using educational activities to extend children’s
learning into the home. Consider parent observations, knowledge, skills, talents, and
interests in weekly planning.
4. Complete home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
5. Plan activities with family service specialists to increase parent knowledge about child
development.
6. Encourage parent participation in all aspects of the program. Partner with parents and
family service specialists.
Professionalism
1. Understand the philosophy of the program and describe its goals and objectives to others.
2. Observe strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
3. Adhere to agency policies and procedures.
4. Work with the Education Specialist to develop an ongoing professional development plan
with a focus on increased knowledge in early childhood education and improving teaching
practices.
5. Accept feedback and follow through with recommendations made by supervisors and other
advisors. Seek training and/or assistance to implement improvements when needed.
6. Work as a team with staff and other entities to actively provide a collaborative environment
focused on the success and well-being of children and families.
7. Participate in meetings, training sessions, and committees as assigned. Share materials and
ideas readily with co-workers.
8. Help promote a positive atmosphere in the center.
9. Fulfill other duties as requested.
Qualifications
Current Infant/Toddler CDA (Childhood Development Associate) with additional experience and
training around infants and toddlers is required. Exceptions will be made for candidates who
demonstrate the ability to work with infants and toddlers and are willing to obtain an Infant/Toddler
CDA within 6 months of hire. Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler’s permit required. Must be
able to work with children with special needs and children with limited or no English. Bilingual
Spanish/English preferred. Physical requirements include extended periods of walking, standing,
kneeling, and crouching; the ability to lift and/or move 50 pounds; the ability to sit on the floor,
crawl, run, and perform other actions commonly associated with caring for infants and toddlers.
Competencies
Success in this position requires competence in the following areas:
a) Computer literacy
b) Professionalism
c) Reliability
d) Ability to work independently and as part of a team
e) Strong verbal & written communication skills
f) Attention to detail
g) Observation and documentation skills
h) Organization and prioritization
i) Enthusiasm
j) Cultural competence
k) Initiative
l) Responsibility
m) Strong interpersonal skills
n) Flexibility