Teacher - Early Head Start

Child Development Council of Franklin County; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Child Development Council of Franklin County is seeking a dedicated professional to work with children ages 6 weeks to 3 years. The role involves implementing developmentally appropriate learning environments, promoting relational learning through individualized activities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of children.

Ideal candidates will possess a CDA credential or relevant degree in child development/ECE and have experience in preschool settings. Strong communication skills and critical thinking are essential. Professional development opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• A current CDA credential for infant and toddler development.
• A degree in child development or early childhood education.
• One year of experience in a preschool classroom.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate learning environments.
• Promote relational learning through individualized activities.
• Conduct assessments to evaluate children's developmental levels.

Skills

Experience with infants and toddlers

Curriculum adaptation

Strong communication skills

Critical thinking

Advanced computer skills

Education

CDA credential or comparable

Degree in child development or ECE

Degree in a related field

Job description

This position will be working with children from 6 weeks of age until age 3.

Responsibilities

• Implement well-organized learning environments with developmentally appropriate schedules, curriculum lesson plans, and indoor and outdoor learning experiences that provide adequate opportunities for choice, play, exploration, and experimentation among a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences.
• For infants and toddlers, promote relational learning and include individualized and small group activities that integrate appropriate daily routines into a flexible schedule of learning experiences.
• Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including, at a minimum:
  • Reporting of suspected or known child abuse and neglect to Franklin County Children Services according to agency procedures and the Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421.
  • Safe sleep practices, including ensuring that all sleeping arrangements for children under 18 months of age use firm mattresses or cots, as appropriate, and for children under 12 months, soft bedding materials or toys must not be used.
  • Appropriate indoor and outdoor supervision of children at all times.
  • Only releasing children to an authorized adult.
  • Adhere to all standards of conduct described in Head Start Performance Standards and 1302.90(c).
• Systematically and routinely implement hygiene practices that ensure:
  • Appropriate toileting, hand washing, and diapering procedures are followed.
  • Safe food preparation.
  • Exposure to blood and body fluids is handled consistent with standards of the Occupational Safety Health Administration.
  • Documentation of feeding and diaper changes for Early Head Start children.
• Follow, and practice procedures for:
  • Emergencies.
  • Fire prevention and response.
  • Protection from contagious disease.
  • The handling, storage, administration, and record of administration of medication.
  • Documenting children’s attendance upon arrival and departure.
  • Maintaining procedures and systems to ensure children are only released to an authorized adult.
  • Child-specific health care needs and food allergies that include accessible plans of action for emergencies.
• Utilize all CDC safeguards and procedures to ensure health and safety standards are met at all times.
• Conduct standardized and structured assessments, within mandated timeframes, for each child that provide ongoing information to evaluate the child’s speech and developmental level. Utilize the information from all observations to determine a child’s strengths and needs, inform and adjust strategies to better support individualized learning and improve teaching practices. Enter all observations into appropriate systems following documentation procedures.
• Observe, document, and address challenging behaviors to determine cause and implement preventive measures, teach a new behavior, communication, and/or social skill to minimize or eliminate the behavior.
• In partnership with mental health or child development professionals, refer the child to the agency’s department responsible for implementing IDEA for a formal evaluation to assess a child’s eligibility for services under IDEA. Adapt and implement curriculum to address and meet individual goals for children as identified in their individualized family service plan or individualized education program (IEP/IFSP). Participates in the center Child and Family Review (CFR). Participates in transition meetings to share pertinent information on the transitioning child to ensure a seamless transition.
• Inform parents of the results from screenings and assessments and discuss their child’s progress. Regularly communicate with parents to ensure they are well-informed about their child’s routines, activities, and behavior. Hold parent conferences to enhance the knowledge and understanding of both staff and parents of the child’s education and developmental progress.
• Encourage the involvement of the families and support the development of relationships between children and their families. Ensure parents and family members have opportunities to participate in the child’s education and development through parent engagement, in-kind volunteer hours, and parent meetings.
• Maintain and respect the confidentiality of families, staff, and program.
• Attend and participate in professional development, training, and meetings. Must participate in 20 hours of training per year in understanding children and improving delivery of childcare services.
• Uses and follows the policies/procedures of Head Start Performance Standards, and all federal, state, and local regulations. Ensure all federal, local, state, and/or agency documentation is completed accurately.
• Perform all other duties assigned by supervisor or manager.

Qualifications

• A current national infant and toddler center-based CDA credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition; or comparable certificate or credential that meets or exceeds the national infant and toddler center-based CDA credential requirements; or
• A degree in child development or early childhood education (ECE) as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant and toddler development; or
• A degree in a related field as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant and toddler development
• One year of experience in a preschool (ages birth to five) classroom.
• Experience adapting curriculum to meet the needs of all children, including at-risk, special needs, and culturally diverse populations.
• The ability to use sound judgement to make well thought-out and informed decisions, the ability to apply knowledge and understanding, and use critical thinking skills to problem solve situations that involve several variables.
• Advanced computer skills, including internet and e-mail.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must submit to a background check, including BCI and FBI Criminal Records, Federal and State Sex Offender registries and the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System and be eligible for employment as required by ODJFS.