Early Head Start Associate Teacher

Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties

Job Summary:

The classroom Associate Teacher develops strong nurturing relationships with children and families. Associates Teachers develop quality partnerships that encourage family engagement in their child's learning. Associate Teacher provides children with a developmentally appropriate learning environment in preparation for school success. Associate Teacher is responsible for meeting Head Start performance standards, following the agency policies and procedures, and Child Care Licensing rules and regulations.

Position Specific Duties:

CHILD EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM

• Work directly with children individually, in small and large groups

• Provides consistent primary care giving for a group of four children;

• Provide for their safety, guidance, and educational development;

• Demonstrate skills and effective strategies in strengthening the parent/child relationship;

• Assists with planning and conducting educational program, that best characterizes developmentally appropriate practice in the Early Childhood Education field;

• Use the assessment information to individualize the weekly curriculum to build on each child's prior knowledge and experiences in order to provide curriculum that supports learning and development;

• Participate in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) process for children with disabilities, and incorporate IFSP goals into weekly curriculum plan;

• Assists in making sure all components of the curriculum guidelines are included in weekly curriculum planning;

• Understand and implement the Child Guidance Procedure. Provide classroom management and facilitate the social and emotional development of children by using the program policies and procedures;

• Apply the principles of least restrictive environment for all children.

Assumes responsibility for the classroom in the absence of the teacher.Creates an environment that reflects the values and norms of the diverse children and families we serve.Implement the six Active Supervision strategies with children at all times.

OBSERVATIONS, SCREENING & RECORD KEEPING

• Conduct developmental screening and assessments for assigned children

• Complete and submit within the required deadlines, including follow up

• Take accurate, objective and complete observations daily on assigned children

• Enter observation data into the data management systems in a timely manner, including parent observations as appropriate

• Maintain accurate and timely written and electronic records/reports (i.e., meal counts, staff sign in, child attendance, etc.)

PARENT PARTNERSHIP/FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

• Develop partnerships with parents in regards to their child/children

• Assist parents to increase knowledge in child growth and development in order to mutually establish individual child goals. Incorporate this information into child assessment and curriculum planning;

• Participate in parent activities (i.e., parent meeting, family days, etc);

• Work occasional evening hours as needed to accommodate program and family needs. (i.e., parent meetings, home visits, etc.).

COMMUNICATION AND DEBRIEFINGS

• Communicate, reflect and debrief with staff at Center

• Attend and participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, and training;

• Participate in weekly planning meetings with classroom staff;

• Facilitate open communication and promote group problem solving;

• Participate in regular classroom team debriefings;

• Participate in regular child staffings in partnership with Family Worker and/or Education Site Manager.

Maintains confidentiality in matters concerning CDFS families.

STAFF PROFESSIONALISM AND EDUCATION

• Works assigned schedule, and exhibits regular and predictable attendance.

• Participate in regular training and technical assistance activities.

• Actively seek to maintain and increase competencies;

• Coach and support teaching staff on all aspects of classroom operations (i.e., point of meal service, child observations, attendance, circle time);

• Serve as on-site educational resource for all classroom.

INTERACTIONS WITH CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND STAFF

• Must relate in a positive, nurturing way, both verbally and physically, and be sensitive to the needs of children.

• Must relate in a positive, supportive way, both verbally and physically, and be sensitive to the needs of parents.

• Must relate in a positive, supportive way, both verbally and physically and be sensitive to the needs of co-workers.

• Must use quick, safe, reactions and responses when working with children and families.

• Must work to understand issues of difference, privilege and social justice, to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities and to cultivate a respectful, inclusive and accessible learning and working environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

• Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment.

• Follow safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Actively contribute towards promoting a safe workplace & environment.

OTHER DUTIES

• May be assigned other related duties as appropriate. This job description describes the general nature and level of work, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties which may be required.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect in accordance to state law and agency policy.

• Medication administration (i.e., Epi pen, inhaler) and diapering as needed.

• Maintenance of center facilities, equipment and materials.

• Represent agency on various committees and projects.

• Rides school bus as needed.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED certificate and

• An Infant Toddler CDA and a Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry; OR

• An Infant/Toddler Professional Credential through Oregon Center for Career Development and a Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry. OR

• An Associate (AAOT or AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education; with coursework in infants and toddlers and a Step 7 or higher in the Oregon Registry.

• One year of experience working with infants and toddlers in an early childhood educational setting

• Current driver's license, insurance, and access to a reliable automobile during work hours

• Experience working with diverse backgrounds of the College's community, students and employees; demonstrated commitment to promoting access and diversity

Essential Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and computer proficiency. Ability to apply the understanding of developmentally appropriate activities of children; meet and promote the social-emotional, physical and cognitive development needs of children. Ability to provide and model best practice in ECE and to facilitate team development. Leadership, staff training and supervision abilities.

Essential Mental Abilities: Must be organized, flexible and resolution oriented. Ability to multi- task, make sound judgments and demonstrate appropriate role modeling. Ability to maintain full and complete attention to children at all times. Ability to work as a team member and to be self-directed.

Essential Physical Requirements: Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs a distance of 10 feet. Ability to push/pull up to 50 lbs. a distance of 10 yards. Sufficient mobility and range of motion to perform repetitive standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and twisting for up to 8 hours per day. Sufficient stamina to perform job duties at frequency required. Ability to react quickly to the physical actions of children. Ability to perform physical requirements of bus monitor duties: Sufficient vision and hearing to perform job duties. Sufficient manual dexterity and eye- hand coordination to perform job duties.

Exposure to Hazards: Unpredictable child and family behavior, hazardous chemicals, contagious conditions, work with office equipment. Driving and riding in motor vehicles. Working conditions include indoor/outdoor environments, preschool center classrooms, playgrounds, offices, frequent local and occasional out-of-town travel.

Desired Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Early Intervention

• Bilingual skills: oral and written fluency in English with fluency also in another language that meets community/department's needs

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Additional Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in the Oregon Central Background Registry prior to beginning employment and enrollment much be maintained throughout employment.

• Post-offer fitness for duty evaluation must be obtained within 30 days of hire date:

• TB Screening

• Health Appraisal

Ability to lift 50 pounds on a daily basis

Food Handler's card must be obtained within 30 days of hire date

Infant/child first aid/CPR, must be obtained within 60 days of hire date

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect training must be completed within 60 days of hire date

Introduction to Child Health and Safety training must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Foundations For Learning must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Safe Sleep training must be completed within 30 days of hire date

Working Conditions and Important Information

Working Conditions

Works assigned schedule, and exhibits regular and predictable attendance. Work is sometimes performed in an emotional and stressful environment.

Important Information

If you require technical support with your account or application, please call 855-524-5627

The College reserves the right to request proof of degree or certification at a later date if these documents are required as part of the qualifications for the position.

Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background check as part of the employment process.

MHCC is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.

Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.

Mt. Hood Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.