Head Start Education assistant

South Plains Community Action Association; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

South Plains Community Action Association, Inc. is seeking an Assist Education Manager to work with center staff to provide high-quality Head Start training and coaching.

The role supports communication among staff and management to identify training needs and ensure staff readiness. The position emphasizes alignment with Head Start Performance Standards, mandatory in-service training, and ongoing coaching using the Practice Based Coaching framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field required.
• Three years of classroom experience required.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and licensing rules.
• Ability to plan, develop, and oversee staff training services.
• Maintains confidentiality and data privacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality services that meet performance and licensing standards.
• Advise Head Start Director on training and staff development strategies.
• Plan, develop, and oversee training to meet staff needs.
• Assist in guiding staff to obtain CDA credentials.
• Complete classroom observations to support teaching staff.
• Coordinate with program managers to integrate content areas and monitor progress.
• Ensure accurate documentation and reporting as required.

Skills

Three years classroom experience

Develop training programs

Network with community services

Excellent communication skills

Windows OS proficiency

Follow Head Start standards

Willingness to travel

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field

Head Start experience preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Assist Education Manger in working with center staff and others to provide training opportunities. This individual must be able to work in conjunction with center staff and Managers to provide high quality Head Start training. This position will assist with communication between center staff, Managers, and Professional Development Head to identify and address any training needs. Communication requirements include the ability to readily disseminate information to appropriate parties to acquire and increase the knowledge and skills needed for staff to demonstrate high competence as outlined in their job description. To accomplish this goal, staff must display sensitivity to and knowledge of the community’s cultural differences and issues. All Head Start shall agree to abide by the program’s standards of conduct introduced during pre-service and/or orientation. Employee orientation, pre-service and in-service training are provided in order to assist staff and volunteers in acquiring or increasing the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their job responsibilities.

JOB TITLE SUMMARY

Assist Education Manager and work with center staff and others to provide training opportunities. This individual must be able to work in conjunction with center staff and Managers to provide high quality Head Start training and coaching. All Head Start shall agree to abide by the program’s standards of conduct introduced during pre-service and/or orientation. Employee orientation, pre-service and in-service training are provided in order to assist staff and volunteers in acquiring or increasing the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their job responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the provision of quality services that meet or exceed performance standards and licensing requirements.
• Advice the Head Start Director and appropriate senior staff or training, staff development and/or management strategies that need to be implemented to increase the effectiveness of service delivery of the Head Start system.
• Know and understand all Head Start Performance Standards, Licensing Standards, policies and related state requirements for childcare licensing and state pre-k guidelines in order to interpret rules, educate staff and families and implement appropriate facets of programs.
• Assist in planning, developing, and overseeing training services that are responsive to the unique educational and training needs of staff that will effectively meet the needs of Head Start staff to enhance the educational components and assure the effectiveness of staff.
• Assist in guiding staff in receiving required trainings to meet requirements set to obtain a CDA. CDA is a baseline credential for early childhood staff and encourage staff to continue beyond.
• Assist Program Trainer in working with Program Managers, Monitors, and other management staff in the development of delivery of training.
• Complete classroom observations, as needed, to better assist teaching staff in classroom management and effective teaching strategies
• Assist in educating center and partner staff on all school readiness goals to include, educating children and families to be school ready.
• Must be willing to familiarize oneself with the CLASS Observation Tool, demonstrate competence of the CLASS Observation Tool by completing the CLASS Reliability Exam.
• Provide ongoing coaching to teaching staff utilizing the Practice Based Coaching system.
• Assure confidentiality of education related information for staff.
• Must be aware of the legal and professional responsibilities with regard to reporting suspected child abuse and neglect by parents, staff members, and others, in accordance with the provisions of Federal, State, or local law and local policies and procedures.
• Ensure time sheets are submitted accurately and timely on a bi-weekly basis.
• Ensure any on-the-job accidents are reported immediately and followed-up with appropriate forms.
• Report any suspected fraud and abuse to the direct supervisor or SPCAA Fraud and Abuse Officer.
• Review “Opportunities for Improvement” as outlined in staff evaluations for needed individual and staff training opportunities.
• Coordinate with other program managers to ensure quality integration of all content areas.
• Assure accurate and appropriate records/documentation are developed and maintained. Utilize monitoring system and ChildPlus to document and track staff progress according to staff development improvement plans.
• Complete classroom observations, as needed, to better assist teaching staff in classroom management and effective teaching strategies
• Staff must be willing to familiarize herself/himself with all content areas, to include but not limited to: Health, Education, Mental Health and Disabilities, Family Services, Nutrition, and ERSEA to gain a better understanding of the Head Start Program and various training requirements.
• Attend all required meetings as requested by the Head Start Director or Regional Administrator.
• Attend Education Advisory committee and Health Advisory committee which address the educational and Health needs of children and families and staff in the Head Start Program in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist in educating center and partner staff on all school readiness goals to include, educating children and families to be school ready.
• Assist in preparing materials for a variety of trainings, to include but not limited to: monthly in-service trainings, CLASS trainings, Content Area Trainings, New Employee Orientation Trainings, individual staff trainings, Partner Meetings, etc.
• Ensure that children of all races, religions, family backgrounds and cultures are treated with respect and consideration.
• Assure confidentiality of education related information for staff.
• Must be aware of the legal and professional responsibilities with regard to reporting suspected child abuse and neglect by parents, staff members, and others, in accordance with the provisions of Federal, State, or local law and local policies and procedures.
• Responsible for reporting to their immediate supervisor or designee, if they witness or see anything present or anyone who is not following the SPCAA procedures or processes that place a person or program records at risk
• Prepare, collect, aggregate and analyze data in to ensure continuous improvement in program operations.
• Provide feedback on data and opportunities for continuous improvement to Program Director and Deputy Administrator as applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS:

SPCAA will strive to meet/exceed staffing requirements by retaining/hiring qualified personnel:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a classroom setting
• Ability to assist, develop and implement training programs.
• Knowledge/ability to develop a network of community social services
• Demonstrated ability of personal computer operations within a Windows software environment require
• Excellent communication and organizational skill required. Ability to communicate effectively with other team members and management.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to change in the workplace
• Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with the “Drug Free”: Agency Policy
• Must be able to pass regular criminal history checks.
• Must submit to TB test as required.
• Must possess ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel. Must possess and maintain valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required. Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks may be conducted by the agency.

Additional Qualifications

• Must have experience with the theories and principles of child growth, development, education and family support and remain abreast of current best practices and applicable research.
• Must be able to guide the planning and implementation of Head Start curricula in child development.
• Must embrace the principle of the parent as the primary educator and support attachment of parent and child
• Must have ability to develop and implement training programs.
• Excellent communication and organizational skill required. Ability to communicate effectively with other team members and management.
• Ability to balance a variety of duties, prioritized and meet timelines required.
• Demonstrated ability of personal computer operations within a Windows software environment required.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to change in the workplace

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The usual requirements in an office environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustments of office furniture.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time.
• May require long periods of standing or walking.
• Occasional bending or squatting required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Possess ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
• Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.
• Noise level could be moderate to loud in working in center.
• Ability to work in stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.
• Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Normal to heavy travel – ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area.
• Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related acti