QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent, with a commitment to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate within 2 years of hire or an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood within 5 years of hire and experience working with preschool aged children. Associate’s degree in ECE preferred. All certifications must be kept current. Independent ongoing professional development required, to include 12-24 hours of qualified and approved training annually (depending on specific program regulations).
Experience: Prefer experience working with children, willingness to help pre-school children grow.
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge:
a. Ability to follow orders.
b. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
c. Machine operation including calculator, photocopier, and computer.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: Mental Concentration: Considerable concentration intermittently.
Physical Effort: Moderate physical effort in predominantly standing position. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
Special Demands: Moderate travel. Potential eyestrain. Current PA Driver's License and access to a vehicle.
Special Requirements: History verification showing free of child abuse, state and federal criminal record. Act 33, 34, FBI Fingerprinting and National Sex Offender Registry search completed. Pre-employment staff health assessment (including Mantoux TB screen) completed, staff health assessment renewed biennially.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Works with Pre-School Children to develop their social skills, responsibility, initiative, and abilities. Supports classroom teachers with curriculum implementation.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties may include any or all of the following. This list is intended to be representative.
1. Works with children in planned activities designed to meet educational, social, and health needs and abilities of children.
2. Remains up-to-date on information that pertains to the needs of the children in the program including Head Start Performance Standards, child care licensing regulations and other applicable regulations and practices.
3. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
4. Implements education lesson plans and daily programs for children in accordance with each child’s need, based on a method of observing and recording children’s interests and current levels of functioning.
5. Supports social and emotional development and provides positive guidance and discipline.
6. Provides opportunities for children to develop social relationships by promoting fair play and sociability through games and group activities.
7. Maintains a commitment to professionalism and continues own professional development so that decisions are based on knowledge of early childhood theories and practice.
8. Attends training as determined appropriate.
9. Assists with recruiting children as required.
10. Supervises and eats nutritionally prepared meals with the children as a curriculum activity, to model good nutrition and proper social skills.
11. Participates in and supports parent and family involvement activities, including PCC childcare and activity development and implementation.
12. Assists and supports respectful inclusion of children with all special needs into the classroom community.
13. Participates in all curricular activities, including gym, etc.
14. Provides a stable classroom routine and environment.
15. Screens, observes and assesses children as required.
16. Meets with parents, other content area staff, and community agencies on children's progress as requested.
17. Participates in home visits and parent conferences as requested.
18. Encourages In-Kind participation.
19. Works with other staff in providing comprehensive services for children at the center.
20. Bus Monitoring.
21. Performs other related work as required on behalf of the agency.
Applicable Fringe Benefit Package