Early Childhood Behavior & SEL Floater

Porter-Leath; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Porter-Leath in Memphis is seeking a Behavioral Floater to support multiple Head Start classrooms under the Mental Health Supervisor. You will assist with classroom management, implement behavior support strategies, and help teachers with children who exhibit challenging behaviors, stepping in for a lead teacher when needed.

You will work with SEL Coach guidance to promote social-emotional development, model positive behavior, document observations, and maintain confidential records.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate’s degree in Teaching in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) OR the equivalent with a minimum of 18 semester hours of credit in ECE or CD with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with appropriate Preschool endorsement required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching in an early childhood program required.

Responsibilities

• Observes, assesses, and documents each assigned child’s health, skills, behavior, growth and development.
• Provides opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• Develops, if assigned, an individualized and educational strength plan for children.
• Identifies any developmental concerns regarding the children and follows agency protocol.
• Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities in conjunction with the teachers that will promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child.
• Provide direct support to classrooms by implementing behavior strategies for children with challenging behaviors, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to model positive behavioral interventions, support classroom management techniques, and promote inclusive practices.
• Assist in implementing individualized behavior support plans, in partnership with mental health consultants and education staff.
• Monitor and document behavioral observations, interventions, and progress to inform planning and ensure all children receive consistent and appropriate educational services.
• Utilize trauma-informed care approaches grounded in the Pyramid Model and Conscious Discipline to support social-emotional development and create nurturing, responsive environments for all children.
• In collaboration with teachers, develops lesson and support plans that include goals, objectives, activities, and desired outcomes for children, while maintaining accurate daily documentation of student support
• Assumes responsibility for the management of the classroom during the lead teacher's absence.
• In collaboration with the teacher, maintain a classroom environment that incorporates positive guidance techniques and complies with national, state, and local licensing regulations, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and Porter-Leath's philosophy and curriculum.
• Experience supporting children with behavioral challenges or developmental differences preferred.
• Knowledge of positive behavior supports strategies and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to different classroom settings and teacher styles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a supportive, patient approach.
• Ensures all children are under appropriate supervision at all times. In the absence of the Lead Teacher, delegate child development responsibilities as needed.
• If necessary and/or required, participate in Parent/Staff conferences. If necessary and/or required, participate in home visits with classroom teachers. In conjunction with the classroom teachers and Family Support staff, encourage parent participation in the program. Develop effective partnerships with parents.
• In conjunction with the classroom teachers, develop and maintain confidential educational information for the classroom and ensure all confidential information is protected.
• Accurately completes all required program documentation and submit in a timely manner to the Lead Teacher.
• Participates in recruitment efforts to help maintain full program enrollment. Completes daily attendance and meal participation reports and submit them to the appropriate program personnel.
• Adheres to all federal, state, and local licensing regulations, Head Start/Early Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Teacher Excellence Program, and Porter-Leath's philosophy and curriculum
• Attends all required meetings and training.
• Performs other duties as assigned, within the scope of the job description.

Skills

Classroom management

Trauma-informed care

Social-emotional learning

Collaboration

Documentation

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s degree in ECE/CD

CDA credential

Job description

Porter-Leath in Memphis is seeking a Behavioral Floater to support multiple Head Start classrooms under the Mental Health Supervisor. You will assist with classroom management, implement behavior support strategies, and help teachers with children who exhibit challenging behaviors, stepping in for a lead teacher when needed.

You will work with SEL Coach guidance to promote social-emotional development, model positive behavior, document observations, and maintain confidential records.