Head Start Family Education Specialist (Teacher) – Elbow Lake, MN

WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIp; Elbow Lake (MN); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established community-focused organization is seeking a dedicated Head Start Family Education Specialist to join their team in Elbow Lake. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to support preschool children's development while engaging with families and collaborating with a passionate team. You will lead initiatives that foster strong relationships with parents, ensuring their active participation and empowerment in the Head Start program. The position involves direct interaction with children, managing a positive learning environment, and working closely with community partners. If you are passionate about early childhood education and making a difference in the community, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must have a degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience with preschool children is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to provide a positive learning environment for preschool children.
• Cultivate relationships with parents and empower them in the program.

Skills

Early Childhood Education

Team Leadership

Behavior Management

Time Management

Community Engagement

Education

BA or BS in Early Childhood Education

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

AA in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Head Start Family Education Specialist (Teacher) – Elbow Lake, MN

Introduction

Join our teaching team at West Central Minnesota Communities Action as a Head Start Family Education Specialist in Elbow Lake! This full-time position offers the chance to support the development of preschool children, engage with parents, and collaborate with a dedicated team, making a lasting impact on the community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team to provide a positive learning environment for 3-5-year-old children, maximizing the involvement of families to support the learning process and assist the family in its own efforts to improve the conditions and quality of family life.
• Cultivate strong relationships with parents, inviting them to participate in all Head Start opportunities and empowering them in the Head Start programs.
• Train parents in their role on parent committees and Head Start Policy Council, including the election of parents from centers to the Head Start Policy Council.
• Adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Act as a role model within and outside the Agency.
• Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations, and those we serve.
• Work with low-income individuals and families with diverse backgrounds with a respectful and positive attitude.
• Support, develop, and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities.
• Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions.
• Serve as an advocate.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners and co-workers.
• Participate in Agency-wide and program events.

Qualifications

Minimum – Family Education Specialist I

• Must be 18 years of age.
• BA or BS or Advanced degree with either Early Childhood as a major field of study or with Early Childhood licensure from Minnesota.
• 1-3 years of experience in working with preschool children.
• Meet minimum standards per Head Start Performance Standards and Minnesota Rule 3 Licensing.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Proof of valid driver’s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage.

Minimum – Family Education Specialist II

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Minimum of Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or AA in Early Childhood education and be enrolled in a program to earn a BA or BS or Advanced degree with either Early Childhood as a major field of study or with Early Childhood licensure from Minnesota.
• One (1) year work-related experience.
• Meet minimum standards per Head Start Performance Standards and Minnesota Rule 3 Licensing.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Proof of valid driver’s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage.

Preferred

• General knowledge of the Head Start program.
• Demonstrate an understanding of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and teaching children with disabilities.
• Experience in leading and coaching a team and supervising staff.

Manages the following positions:

Head Start Assistant Teachers and Classroom Volunteers

Essential Functions

• Work directly with children in the context of the program plan and curriculum, including assisting with daily arrival and departure of children, engaging children in conversation and family-style meals, and participating in play activities.
• Teaching of 3 to 5-year-old children, which requires behavior management, making developmental observations, and time management.
• Responsibility towards Head Start governance activities, including informing parents of their opportunities towards program governance and scheduling parent meetings.
• Plan with families to create and maintain a positive environment allowing for each child’s individual needs and each family’s growth, including conducting home visits and completing family needs assessments.
• Be familiar with community resources and collaborate with other organizations efficiently.
• Lead small team area rap (S.T.A.R.) meetings to collaborate with HS Supervisor, HS Health Coordinator, HS Mental Health Consultant, and HS Family Systems Specialist.
• Act as site director for day-to-day operations.
• Conduct regular program assessments and documentation according to calendar due dates.
• Ensure the safety of Head Start children and report accidents, illnesses, and child abuse and neglect.
• Attend IEP meetings, district/partner collaboration meetings, and lead monthly team meetings.
• Participate in all required trainings including First Aid and Pediatric CPR.
• Keep immediate supervisor informed of all problems and unusual or extraordinary matters of significance.
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate-to-high.

Hours: 40 School Year / 20 Summer Months

Salary / Wage: $23.55-$25.91

How to Apply

Potential employees MUST complete the online application process in order to be considered for a position.

For questions regarding job openings and/or the online job application processes, please contact:
Danie St. John
Director of Administration 218-685-7057
[e-mail]

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER