Early Head Start Teacher

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group; Altus (OK); On-site; USD 17,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc. seeks an Early Head Start Teacher to provide education for toddlers in a classroom setting. Create engaging, safe environments that promote exploration and learning, with attention to development and family involvement.

The role requires carrying out curriculum-based activities, coordinating with supervisors and staff, and supporting volunteers to meet program standards and family needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with a Child Development Associate Credential in Infant/Toddler plus 2-3 years’ experience.
• Prefer Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field with applicable coursework.
• First Aid and Infant/Toddler CPR are required training.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes the EHS curriculum and prepares lesson plans with indoor/outdoor activities.
• Organizes classroom by developmental level and supports family-style meals.
• Maintains attendance/records and supports volunteer involvement.

Skills

Infant/Toddler care

Oral & written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child Development Associate Credential (Infant/Toddler)

Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Altus, OK 73521 Position Type: Full Time Travel Percentage: Negligible Job Shift: Day Job Category: Education Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR BIRTH TO FIVE SCHOOLS EARLY HEAD START TEACHER

Status: Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act

Pay Rate

Pay levels are as follows:

• Level 1: $14.50 hrly – Has Infant/Toddler CDA


• Level 2: $16.00 hrly – Has Associate Degree in Early Childhood


• Level 3: $20.00 hrly – Has Bachelor Degree w/hours equalivent to Early Childhood Associate


• Level 4: $26.06 hrly – Has Bachelor Degree with Oklahoma Teaching Certificate w/Early Childhood endorsement

Supervisory Relationships

Directly supervised by the School Supervisor. Works cooperatively with the Home Based Mobile Educator for child transitions from home-based to classroom setting and with the Managers. Position does not have supervisory duties, but may provide guidance to volunteers.

Purpose

The purpose of the Early Head Start Teacher is to provide early education to toddlers in a classroom setting. Creates and provides an attractive, warm, and challenging learning environment for toddlers that is safe while promoting the natural inquisitiveness of young children.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Utilizing the EHS curriculum, Creative Curriculum for Toddlers and Twos, prepares lesson plans in advance that include both indoor and outdoor activities and that are individualized and based on the needs, interest, and schedules of the children. Multicultural educational materials and activities must be included in the classroom activities. Family-style meals will be incorporated. Encourages both community and parent volunteers, and documents all volunteer activity promptly to assist in meeting the required non-federal share of the program. Responsible for recruiting volunteers and donations for in-kind match and ensuring that match is documented correctly and reported monthly.


• Organizes the classroom according to developmental levels and individual needs of the children. Provides opportunities to explore a variety of sensory and motor experiences as well as opportunities for the development of self-awareness, autonomy, and self-expression. Classrooms will be homelike, safe, sanitary, and fee of clutter. Provides for diaper changing and toilet training functions in the classroom in a safe, sanitary, and developmentally appropriate manner.


• Promotes the development of secure relationships with infants/toddlers assigned by assuring primary and continuity of care. Teachers will relate to infants and toddlers in a calm, caring, nurturing, soothing manner, responding to all cries, babbles, and talks using appropriate child guidance techniques at all times. Stays involved with children at all times during the day. Each Teacher is assigned four children. Generally, two classes will be together for a total of two Teachers with eight children.


• Records child observations in anecdotal records. Notes are to be done daily. Conducts or assists with developmental screenings. Participates in IFSPs as required. Maintains updated individual and group checklists according to program policies and procedures.


• Provide meals and snacks to children according to their age, development, and needs. Feed infants according to their home schedule, hold them every time they are fed, and share information about their eating with parents daily. Begin family-style dining with toddlers when they are ready and implement according to program policy and procedures and EHS Performance Standards.


• Involve parents in all aspects of the classroom. Greet parents and children pleasantly and appropriately. Maintain ongoing communication with parents and send activities home that parents can do with their children to support the curriculum and child’s learning. Encourage parents to become involved in workshops, training, and other Early Head Start activities.


• Conduct at least two home visits and one parent conference with each child’s family per year according to the program schedule, policies and procedures.


• May serve as bus monitor when needed. Follows all safety protocols for ensuring that children are transported safely; counting children boarding and unloading bus and walking to the back of the bus to look for children and items at the end of the route every time.


• Maintain accurate attendance records, food reports, in-kind reports, and other recordkeeping and reports as required. Participate in staff meetings and case management meetings. Maintain supplies and submit requisition when additional items are needed. Uses ROMA principles to establish performance management goals and to improve the focus on program and family outcomes.


• Any other related duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations

• Confidentiality of client information is essential.


• Comply with program and licensing guidelines. Abides by SOCAG Personnel Policies and adheres to Performance Standards.


• Attend training as required. Must maintain any training or certification requirements. Training may require some evenings, weekends, and/or overnight travel.


• Is expected to schedule visits when the parent(s) are available. This may include evenings and some weekends.


• Provides quality care to each child that is patient, loving, and caring and that meets the social, emotional, physical, and developmental needs of the individual children. Must be able to build rapport with a variety of families and with children. Maintains effective relationships with children, parents, and co-workers.


• Completes reports and required documentation accurately and timely. Enters data into computer on assigned families.


• Remains current on trends regarding infant and toddler growth and development as well as methods for teaching parents. Provides a good role model and is able to relate the unique problems of low-income and minority families.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with a Child Development Associate Credential in Infant/Toddler plus 2-3 years’ experience working in infant/toddler early childhood programs. Prefer Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field with applicable coursework. First Aide and Infant/Toddler CPR are required training.


• Knowledge of principles of infant and toddler growth and development. Knowledge of nutrition, health, and first aid. Ability to apply knowledge of early childhood education to provide appropriate activities for children.


• Oral and written communications skills are necessary. Computer skills are needed.


• Annual Tuberculin screen is required or as directed by a medical professional. Initial physical is required.


• Negative pre-employment drug screen prior to employment with a current photo identification. During employment, employees are subject to drug testing according to SOCAG Personnel Policies.


• Criminal background checks including fingerprinting are required and performed according to Oklahoma statutes and any program regulations.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to bend, kneel, stand, and sit on the level of the children being served. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.


• Must be able to interact and relate to children and their families in a positive manner. Must be able to conduct home visits as required.


• Must have flexible availability to meet scheduling needs. This could include evenings and weekends.