NATURE OF WORK: This position is responsible for providing a safe and supervised educational setting for children whose age range from birth up-to-three years in the Early Head Start Program (EHS). Teachers work within the framework of age appropriate curriculum and lesson plans, to promote the health, nutrition and education of Early Head Start children in their care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Supervise and monitor EHS children at all times to meet the needs of EHS children.
• Integrate EHS curriculum(s) components into classroom time.
• Develop, plan and utilize daily lesson plans, which reflect mandated elements, and parental and cultural influences.
• Use developmental appropriate practices to facilitate activities within groups and with individual children to promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
• Individualize group activities both indoor and outdoor to reflect the unique needs of all EHS children in the classroom.
• Follow consistent schedule that meet individual child needs including diapering and toileting training, napping, planned small and large group experiences, music, large and small motor activities, and effective transitions between activities.
• Encourage age appropriate exploration, problem solving, and socialization of all children in the classroom.
• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces positive parental and family involvement.
• Stay current on and meet the requirements of the Head Start performance standards, tribal and/or state regulations, as well as all program and tribal policies & procedures.
• Conduct home visits and parent/teacher conferences annually/quarterly.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records, including assessments, individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.
• Participate in monthly child staffing with all staff as appropriate.
• Work with special needs staff in the classroom to develop a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom and meets the needs as specified on the IFSP.
• Collaborate with appropriate tribal programs and community agencies to develop specialized planning for EHS children and families as needed.
• Attend meetings, trainings and appropriate professional development activities.
• Sanitize classroom equipment, toys, laundry on a daily basis.
• Assist with meal services as needed.
• Respond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur in a swift but calm manner.
• Provide first aid or CPR when needed, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and access emergency services as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of infant to age 3 child growth and development principles and practices.
• Knowledge of and the ability to provide effective child guidance practices and principles.
• Knowledge of and the ability to comply with federal mandated training requirements.
• Knowledge of effective and appropriate care giving and practices utilized in infant to 3 years age care.
• Knowledge of available community resources.
• Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy and performance standards.
• Ability to respectfully and effectively communicate with Early Head Start age children, their parents and other tribal staff members.
• Ability to effectively understand and follow written and oral instructions/directives.
• Ability to effectively interact with Early Head Start children and their families in a respectful, responsive, positive and sensitive manner.
• Ability to maintain effectiveness in a stressful situation.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely, and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, mutually supportive and effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must possess a CDA, or equivalent certificate.
• Must have a valid driver's license, and have car insurance.
• Must pass required criminal, history background checks, that includes sex offender registry.
• Must have a Pediatric CPR, First Aid Certification, and Food Handler's permit or obtain within 20 days of employment.
• Must provide initial Medical Physical Exam and TB test results prior to working with children/families and provide TB test result annually thereafter.