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 preschool aged children; and works closely with parents and families to ensure they are intentionally included in the planning and execution of their child’s education. Is an effective leader for other members of the classroom team. Works as a team member with other staff, parents, and volunteers.
Salary Description
$25.88-$30.61
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
- Leads the classroom teaching team in the management of 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.
- Follows all supervision, safety, and health policies and procedures.
- Directly supervises children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.4. Actively engages with children in learning activities indoors and outdoors.
- Strictly follows CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) rules including sanitation regulations for mealtimes and follows guidelines for family-style meal service.
- Maintains accurate classroom meal count and attendance records.
- Demonstrates proficiency in executing emergency evacuation procedures.
- Observes and documents children’s development every day.
- Ensures child outcomes data accurately reflects children’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- 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.
- Maintains timely and complete electronic data, records, and assessments for each child.
- Promotes a classroom where interactions are positive, warm, caring, and respectful of children and families.
- Follows the children’s lead and increases their self-sufficiency and freedom of expression and movement. Encourages curiosity and exploration.
Provides a supportive environment in which children can begin to learn and practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors as individuals and in a group. - Recognizes bilingualism and biliteracy as a strength and implements research-based teaching practices that support dual-language learners.
- Provides children with opportunities for learning through nature and natural environments.
- Uses language stimulation and language facilitation techniques during conversations with children.
- Is a good language model by using correct grammar, voice level, and clear speech.
- Promotes children’s higher order thinking skills with a focus on understanding rather than rote memorization.
- Makes appropriate referrals for suspected concerns in any kind of developmental delay and/or mental health concern.
- Plans and implements appropriate learning activities for children with special needs (IEPs and/or Behavior Plans).
Parent & Family Involvement
1. Recognizes that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers.
2. Builds relationships and includes parents in their child’s education.
3. Involves parents in the education process by using educational activities to extend children’s learning into the home. Considers parent observations, knowledge, skills, talents, and interests in weekly planning and child assessments.
4. Completes home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
5. Plans 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. Understands the philosophy of the program and describes its goals and objectives to others.
2. Observes strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
3. Adheres to agency policies and procedures.
4. Works 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. Accepts feedback and follows through with recommendations made by supervisors and other advisors. Seeks training and/or assistance to implement improvements when needed.
6. Works 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. Participates in meetings, training sessions, and committees as assigned. Shares materials and ideas readily with co-workers.
8. Helps promote a positive atmosphere in the center.
9. Fulfills other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
A minimum of an associate degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or a related field is required. Current CPR, First Aid, and Food Handler’s permit required. Must be willing 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 preschool children.
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
To learn more about this opportunity please visit recruiting.paylocity.com.