Description

Come join the amazing Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties team!

We are a private non-profit committed to doing all we can in the fight against poverty. Our legacy goes back to the 1960's and we manage over 70 programs designed to help those who need it most. 

Working for Head Start and Early Head Start provides an opportunity to support the most vulnerable children in your community and help them and their families achieve success in school and in life.

You'll join a team of talented and passionate people who are motivated to make our community as strong and resilient as possible.

HOURS: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing all aspects of a quality child development program with emphasis on the social/emotional and cognitive development of children. Responsible for observing, assessing and screening children and using that data to plan and implement activities and experiences consistent with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, School Readiness Goals and all current Early Childhood Education best practices, including Head Start Performance Standards and NH State Child Care Licensing Regulations.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Uses a specific system to actively supervise children in his/her care at all times. Adheres to the Supervision of Children policy and zoning procedures inside and outside of the classroom.
• Designs and maintains a warm and nurturing classroom environment which meets the standards expressed in the Head Start Performance Standards, National Association for the Education of Young Children and NH Child Care Licensing regulations. 
• Engages in appropriate adult-child interactions, carefully attending to the social/emotional relationship by following and implementing PBIS and using a calm and positive tone of voice.
• Effectively communicates with parents daily, including any necessary information about their child or the classroom, in a professional and positive manner.
• Ensures that the physical environment, both indoors and outdoors, is clean and safe. 
• Coordinates with the Site Manager to ensure proper maintenance of the Head Start facility by completing weekly health and safety checklists.
• Uses the curriculum planning tool to develop and document the play, experiences, activities and themes that children engage in. Documentation shall include written plans for all children, individualizing for specific children, activities to achieve these goals, materials required to carry out the activities, weekly reflections, parent input and connection to HSELOF/SRGs.
• Enters documentation into TS Gold regularly to meet checkpoint deadlines and places children into appropriate color bands as they assess their development in each objective.
• Uses all the Belknap-Merrimack Head Start record keeping tools, including ChildPlus and asks for technical assistance, as needed, to fulfill this responsibility. Ensures that all data is entered in a timely manner and all necessary records including staff timecards are entered in Paylocity.
• Maintains the classroom as a comfortable and welcoming place for families.
• Communicates sensitively with parents, listening to their concerns, so that parent ideas and priorities are incorporated into both curriculum plans and classroom environment.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the dignity and privacy of each family, keeping all family information confidential.
• Demonstrates through positive words and actions respect for and acceptance of income eligible families and working families.
• Facilitates monthly meetings of the local Center parent committee (single sites).
• Communicates and meets with the Family Service Worker regularly regarding family contacts, children’s needs, children’s absences and Center parent meetings.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to ERSEA/Family Services Specialist and to DCYF Central Intake at 1-800-894-5533.
• Directly supervises the professional growth and daily activities of the teacher assistant. Maintains monthly supervision records, completes annual evaluation and two PD goals.
• Coordinates (single sites) or attends and participates in the Center team of assistant teacher, family service worker, etc. through planned and documented monthly staff meetings in cooperation with the Education manager
• Works with the cook and Health/Nutrition Specialist to ensure a quality food service and nutrition education program. Completes Meal Attendance and monthly menu review and nutrition activities.
• Works with the Mental Health Consultant & Specialist to ensure the emotional health and well-being of each enrolled child. Communicates with the Behavior Services Coordinator, completes behavior incident reports (BIRs) & participates on the Orange Team as needed, completing applicable forms.
• Completes ASQ screenings within 45 days, documents in ChildPlus and rescreens and/or refers to local ESS or LEAs as necessary. Communications with and informs the DS/MH Specialist when a referral is made using procedures in place and corresponding forms. 
• Works with the LEAs and the Disabilities/Mental Health Specialist to advocate for the needs of young children with IEPs and help build relationships and ensure a quality program for children with disabilities. Facilitates the inclusion of all children to ensure the least restrictive environment to meet their individual needs. Attends IEP meetings as needed or requested 
• Keeps all child files organized and up-to-date using each section’s checklist as a guide.
• Maintains a positive and productive attitude regarding the Head Start and Child Care programs and the CAP Agency when interacting both within Head Start and with the greater community.
• Accomplishes four (4) family visits per program year-two (2) home visits and two (2) center family/teacher conferences per year.
• Continues to gain knowledge and expertise in child development and early childhood education, the principles of child health, disability, safety, and nutrition; adult learning principles; and family dynamics.
• Attends all regularly scheduled Head Start Teacher meetings, All-Staff trainings and CAP events as they relate to the improvement of services to income eligible families.
• Transports children in personal vehicle if an emergency situation arises.

 CAPBM FULL TIME BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off – Earn up to four weeks in your first year
• Paid Holidays – 12 per year
• Health Insurance (with Free Dental and Vision)
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Health Insurance Buyout
• Voluntary Dental Insurance
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA & DCA)
• Employer paid Life Insurance
• Employer paid Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary 403(b) with 5% Employer Match After One Year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program

ADDITIONAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS

• Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Raise year) 
• 50% off child care in our centers (subject to availability) 
• A Practice-Based Coach, Behavior Support Coordinator, and Mental Health Consultant on staff for employee support 
• Paid professional development days and trainings during work days free of cost (airfare, meals, hotel included!) 
• Annual Staff Retreat day and Staff Wellness days Tuition Assistance/Reimbursement 
• Assistance to Education staff in completing a CDA (we help you through that process and cover the cost). 
• Professional Development Specialists on staff to complete verification visits, observation, and portfolio review. 
• Many career growth opportunities!

Requirements

Experience:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Three years of experience working in an early childhood classroom.
• Ability to effectively communicate with young children. 
• Ability to relate comfortably to income eligible families. 
• Ability to supervise other adult employees of the center team. 
• Ability to coordinate with the broader child care community.
• Expects and responds positively to continuous change and challenge.

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education OR
• Associate’s degree in a related field with course work in Early Childhood Education equivalent to a major in ECE including the course Child Growth and Development.

License/Certification:

• Successful completion of criminal record check.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Valid driver’s license with access to reliable transportation for required travel.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Community Action program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.