I. GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the Head Start curriculum. Assists the Lead Teacher in supporting children’s school readiness, care of a group of preschoolers, and communication with their families.

II. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under HSCDP care.
• Participates in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development.**
• Works directly with children on daily classroom activities which meet the Head Start Performance Standards and the State guidelines.
• Participates in the curriculum planning meetings and assists with implementation of the curriculum plans.
• Assists the Lead Teacher with the children’s DRDP assessment by collecting data (child’s observations) as assigned.
• Organizes the program materials and environment needed for classroom activities.
• Assists the Lead Teacher in some record keeping and reporting duties of the education component.
• Works as a team member with other teaching staff in planning and implementing classroom activities.
• Provides individual assistance to assigned children in the classroom.
• For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and HSCDP staff.
• Facilitates individual and/or small group activities for children with guidance from the Lead Teacher.
• Assists in providing childcare for parent activities when needed.
• Informs Supervisor of all concerns, observations or information provided by a parent or guardian, in a timely manner.
• Participates in the daily cleaning of the classroom including for example, sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming rugs and sanitizing bathrooms
• Attends scheduled meetings, trainings, and conferences as necessary.
• Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match. **
• Aligns work behaviors in conformance with NCO’s Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Work Habits:
  • Arrives to work on time and obtains approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.

  • Maintains a high level of confidentiality in all aspects of work and in alignment with Agency and program policies and procedures.

  • Is able to stay focused on the job.

  • Takes pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.

  • Treats co-workers and clients with respect.

  • Represents NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.

  • Is able to constructively adapt to change.

  • Dresses appropriately for the assigned job duties and responsibilities.

  • Follows the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.

• When hired with specific duties and responsibilities:

  • Language Resources Support: Provides oral and written translation and communication support for non-English speaking families in their native language.

  • Integration Support: Provides on-going support to integrate children with special needs in the classroom.
    ** Does not apply to Substitutes

III. JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level:
  • Level I - Must complete 3 core units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) within 12 months of being hired.
  • Level II- 6 Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) core units required.
  • (Core courses include child/human growth & development; child/family/community or child and family relations; programs/curriculum.)
• A High School Diploma or equivalent/comparable certificate.
• A minimum of 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired (Level I - preferred. Level II required).
• 6 months early childhood classroom experience preferred. (Level-II)
• Prior experience working with children with special needs is preferred but not required.
• Organizational and time management skills are preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of Early Childhood Education/Child Development preferred
• Computer and internet use as relates to the duties of the position; prior use of Microsoft Office 365 preferred.
• Head Start Performance Standards preferred.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in writing in English (required); bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred and may be required.
• Participate in the curriculum planning meetings and implementation of the curriculum plans.
• Take over for Associate Teacher when necessary (Assistant II).
• Work effectively and professionally with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Work effectively as part of a team but have the ability to work independently.
• Maintain confidential information, documentation, and handle sensitive situations appropriately.
• Work flexible hours for scheduled weekend or evening activities as needed
• Developed organizational and time management skills are preferred.
• Be flexible and able to meet the changing needs of the program.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• For work-related driving, employee must have: a current, valid California driver’s license; a driving record that demonstrates the employee is a safe, appropriate driver as verified by a DMV printout; and proof of personal automobile insurance; or reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly.
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors and contributors is an occasional aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use computers, printers, telephones and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The employee may occasionally use kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot or sharp; as well regularly use cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The environment at the assigned sites can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note: This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.