Associate Teacher - Full Day/Full Year Classrooms

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Position Purpose

To assist the teacher and cooperate in a supportive role carrying out developmentally appropriate activities. To promote the health, nutrition and education of the children and to attend to their safety and welfare. Must meet requirements per Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.

Essential Job Responsibilities: Performance Indicators

I. Classroom Time (Approx 70-80%)

1. Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.

2. Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.

3. Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the teacher in the identification of each child's strengths and areas to grow.

4. Participate in monthly staffing of children with all staff as appropriate.

5. Work with and encourage parent and community volunteers.

6. Integrate all Head Start components into classroom time.

7. Utilize lesson plans which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.

8. Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, three meals, and effective transitions between activities.

9. Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.

10. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement in the classroom.

11. Work with special needs staff in the classroom to develop a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom and meets the needs as specified on the IFSP.

II. Food Service ( Approx 15-25%%)

1. Provide food preparation and food storage using approved sanitation methods.

2. Provide table setting, delivery of food to tables and dish washing.

3. Provide clean up and storage of classroom kitchen, serving area and food service equipment using approved sanitation methods.

III. Written Documentation & Misc. (Approx 5%)

1. Assist Teacher in maintaining accurate written records, including: assessments, IFSP documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.

2. Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.

3. Attend meetings, training's, and appropriate professional development activities.

4. Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.

5. Other duties as assigned.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Minimum Requirements:

CDA (Child Development Associate certificate) or Associate Degree or higher that includes a minimum of 10 semester or 15 quarter credtis in Early Childhood Education, child Development, Spec Education or Elementary Education (*** Educational minimum requirements may be waived for non-regular part-time positions of less than 20 regularly scheduled hours per week. Employee’s in this classification may not be promoted to “regular” part-time Associate Teacher positions until minimum educational requirements, as stated above, are achieved.)

Minimum 6 months preschool (ages 3-5) classroom assistant/teaching experience, one year is preferred.

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.

  • Intermediate computer skills, internet and e-mail.
  • If driving for work related activities and or mileage reimbursement must have valid Oregon Driver's License and proof of insurance and use of own vehicle.

Within 30 days of employment must be Pediatric CPR & First Aid certified and have a current Food Handler's Card.
Health Appraisal Questionnaire is required at hire and will be updated every two years.
· At time of hire must be currently enrolled in Child Care Division-Criminal History Registry and must renew every two years.

Physical/Mental Abilities and Processes

  • Frequent significant decision and problem solving abilities.
  • Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, parents and community resources.
  • Ability to supervise pre-school children and ensure a safe environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom, outdoor play areas and on field trips, including school bus. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to insure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.
  • Ability to apply Early Childhood Development theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.
  • Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
  • Frequent walking, kneeling, bending at waist and neck, and sitting on floor and getting up and down to assist children in classroom.
  • Occasional lifting of children (up to 50 lbs.) in classroom or play setting, typically in an emergency situation.

Position Information

· Full Year (with layoff weeks) Barg. Unit/Non Exempt

· Percentages of job responsibilities may vary depending upon site needs and locations.

· Supervised by Regional Manager.

 

This job description was last updated on 02/28/05, last edit March 2011.

Head Start of Lane County is an EEO Employer.