The Early Head Start Teacher (including Substitutes and Floaters) delivers the infant and toddler classroom curriculum, for a single-session classroom, in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Licensing Minimum Standards, and will use agency standards to ensure that services provided are in alignment with the Social Determinants of Health through a trauma informed care lens as defined by the agency.Maintains supervision of infant and toddler children and child/staff ratios at all times. Responsible for the care, well being, safety, and education of infants and toddlers. The Early Head Start Teacher creates and manages an attractive, warm and nurturing learning environment for infants and toddlers, incorporating appropriate early intervention, learning, and care activities which meet the needs of the group as well as those of individual children and families. The Early Head Start Teacher builds a positive relationship with children which focuses on positive communication, appropriate physical proximity, respect, positive discipline and guidance.Implement the curriculum and assess the needs of each individual child, as well as assist each family in following the goals that they have set for their child or themselves.The Teacher, Early Head Start Substitute and Floater will be required to assist in various Head Start classrooms and/or centers as assigned, and moves from classroom to classroom or center to center as needed and directed. This position is year round.

Essential Functions:

Classroom Instruction and Management:

1. Ensures that clients have access, as needed, to all five pillars of the social determinants of health with a trauma informed lens through Agency services and/or community partners.
2. Ensure adequate supervision of children ensuring ratios are maintained in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.
3. Work cooperatively with co-teacher/partner teacher to develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans prior to classroom instruction in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards that reflect the development of the whole child in addition to infant and todddler school readiness and accommodations for differences in student learning styles and conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement, and follow the daily schedule.
4. Work cooperatively with co-teacher/partner teacher to plan and utilize appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities and materials that reflect understanding of the developmental needs of infants and toddlers.
5. Work cooperatively with co-teacher/partner teacher on planning and implementation of lesson plans in safety, nutrition, and health in accordance with Head Start Program Performance standards and agency policies and procedures.
6. Work cooperatively with co-teacher, partner teacher, and support staff to modify curricula as needed for individual children according to guidelines established in Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Work cooperatively with staff and parents to modify curricula as needed for children according to guidelines established in Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
7. Work cooperatively with co-teacher/partner teacher to create classroom environments that provide a nurturing relationship with children, conducive to learning and appropriate for the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of infants and toddlers. Consult with classroom staff, support staff, and/or supervisors to ensure that classroom instruction is delivered in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.
8. Work cooperatively with co-teacher/partner teacher to ensure that classroom instruction and school readiness goals are delivered in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures and guidelines.
9. Ensure that classrooms, toys, tables, and cribs are cleaned and sanitized daily. Ensure all sanitation policies and procedures are implemented e.g. appropriate diaper changing, handwashing, etc.
10. Ensure there is a clean and appropriate food preparation in an area that is maintained away from the diaper changing area.
11. Maintain all classroom documentation as required; including assessments and other documents following the Head Start Program Metrics.

Family Support:

1. Communicate frequently with parents regarding their child’s development, instruction and assessment, and engage parents in their child’s education.
2. Complete two (2) Home Visits and two (2) Parent Teacher Conferences per child per program year and ensure that documentation is complete, accurate, and timely based on established due dates.
3. Follow all directives given by supervisors in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, agency, and Licensing Minimum Standards; and follow all guidelines, policies and procedures.

Agency Responsibilities:

1. Attend agency, program and Early Head Start Center staff meetings and/or trainings as required.
2. Maintain good relationships with stakeholders, current and potential Early Head Start children and their families, community and co-workers, focusing on providing excellent and culturaly sensitive customer service and always presenting a positive image of the agency.
3. Maintain a working environment which encourages mutual respect, promotes respectful and congenial relationships between employees and is free from all forms of harassment.
4. Perform other duties as assigned, including presentations to community groups and organizations, in accordance with the agency’s “team” philosophy.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential performance requirement satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the training, experience, knowledge, and skills required for this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions listed above.

Education/Training/Experience:

1. A minimum of a current Infant and Toddler Child Development Associate credential required (Child Development Associate credential must be renewed and current during all phases of employment); or an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development preferred.
2. Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification.
3. Previous educational classroom experience and able to utilize various learning techniques in the successful delivery of curricula.
4. Fluent in English and Spanish (read, write, and speak) desirable.
5. Staff will be required to submit proof of their vaccination status or may request to be exempt from vaccination due to a religious and/or medical accommodation.
6. Certificate or license, as applicable, by the appropriate State agency as a qualified practitioner.
7. State of Texas vehicle operator’s license and proof of liability insurance.