Introduction: The employee works under the supervision of the Center Supervisor. The employee will be responsible for the organization of classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled including the provision of activities in all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development Practices, which will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing. The employee will be capable of operating modern office equipment. The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, foul odors and other factors due to the breakdown of some equipment or systems. The employee shall adhere to the National Smoke Free Environment Policy Public Law 103-227, Pro-Children Act of 2001 42 U.S.C. 7181 through 7184 and TN Licensure Rule 1240-04-01-12(14).

Section 1 – Job Performance

Quality of Work

Actively engage with children in the classroom and on the playground as player and/or watcher.

Assist with entering and reviewing all documentation into TSG according to program calendar and policies and procedures.

Complete daily health checks and follow up documentation.

Complete and submit accident reports in the required timeframe.

Assist with development of lesson plans that reflect planning for individuals, small and large groups according to procedures, including IEP goals, transitions and objectives as needed.

Ensure classroom activities are intentional and are reflected on the lesson plan.

Participate in home visits and parent/teacher conferences.

Maintain record of children’s attendance/meals received and ensure accuracy utilizing Childplus.

Monitor classroom and playground for health and safety concerns according to procedures.

Job Knowledge

Ensure classroom/playground activities and interactions (including transitions) are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy/Licensing Regulations.

Use screenings, ongoing assessments, information from parents and other staff to meet the learning needs of each child.

Ensure classroom compliance with State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP, and agency policies and procedures.

Knowledge of curriculum and instructional best practices.

Demonstrate operational knowledge of Internet and Web-related technologies.

Serve as a resource for childcare support workers and subs; providing direction and guidance as needed.

Initiative

Ensure active supervision occurs throughout the day and immediately intervening when behavior issues occur i.e. picking up a child; giving chase if child runs from group.

Assist with completion of all education screenings, assessments, observations, and ongoing assessments on each child according to program calendar and Policies and Procedures; ensuring all required information is contained in each child’s file.

Assist with implementation of approved weekly lesson plan in the classroom daily.

Assist with preparing materials and supplies in advance for activities.

Ensure sanitation, hygiene procedures and health practices are strictly adhered to daily and assist in the daily maintenance of the classroom utilizing the center cleaning plan.

Section 2 - Personal Performance

Dependability

Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted timely.

Ability to assist in other positions as needed.

Assume leadership role in the event the classroom teacher is not present.

Attendance & Punctuality

Regular attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.

Submit accurate employee time and mileage reports according to program calendar.

Relationship Building Skills

Maintain a positive working relationship with center staff.

Provide activities for families to support their skills as educators and that encourage developmentally appropriate learning for the changing needs of their child.

Create a sense of community in the classroom through relationship building and allowing children to complete routine tasks.

Ensure family style dining and familiarity of mealtime supervision plan.

Ability to establish and maintains cooperative working relationships with students and parents.

Encourage child and family participation and lead children’s discussions to keep them active and engaged in learning.

Flexibility

Be able to adjust and follow procedures or changes as they occur.

Provide a daily balanced schedule of child initiated and adult initiated activities.

Ensure that modifications are made to include children with special needs.

Communication Skills

Utilize computer and ChildPlus program to enter, maintain and monitor data for recordkeeping and tracking purposes according to program calendar.

Establish effective communication with families through Learning Genie, monthly calendars, newsletters, home visits parent/teacher conferences, phone, face-to face, and other means necessary.

Secure and document in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.

Participate in open line of communication, following the chain of command, via email, phone, and face to face.

Teamwork

Mentor childcare support workers, substitutes and volunteers.

Support Family Partners/all staff with Family Engagement activities.

Participate in Teambuilding activities.

Sweep, mop and/or vacuum all classroom floors. (Vacuum 2 times per week, Sweep and mop 2 per week)

Ability to promote a positive and encouraging work environment.

Assist in the compilation and completion of Self-Assessment/Community Assessment and participate in the analysis of data for training and planning purposes.

Customer Services

Promote and respect children and families’ culture by providing experiences and learning materials that are representative of children’s cultures.

Assist in ongoing recruitment targeting children from low-income families, children with disabilities and pregnant women, and complete HS/EHS applications as needed.

Adhere to Agency’s HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics and standards, demonstrating work habits, which comply with Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Section 3 – Personal Improvement

Decision Making

Provide positive guidance for children in the classroom.

Follow established routine that meets the needs of the children in the classroom.

Ensure materials are appropriate for age group and purchased with agency funds.

Supports Quality Improvement

Provide individualized behavior management strategies for children as needed.

Ensure CLASS score for classroom is at or above established program threshold.

Participate in on-going improvement plans from classroom observations (informal classroom observations, CLASS, Mentor Coaching, Area Coordinator monitoring, etc.)

Explore and share ongoing ideas/solutions for program and content area specific improvement.

Professional Development Growth

Obtain/maintain a Preschool CDA or additional ECE college credits as indicated in the accepted job offer to meet educational requirements.

Ensure PDP goals have been met.

Participate in scheduled staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, workshops, and In-Service as assigned.

High School Diploma or equivalent (Required)

CDA certification (Required within one year of hire)

AA degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Services or a related field (Preferred)

Bilingual (Preferred)

Satisfactory physical examination prior to beginning work and every five years thereafter

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and Automobile Liability Insurance.

Satisfactory fingerprinting and criminal background check prior to hire and every 5 years thereafter. Drug testing as required.

Required Knowledge & Abilities:

Knowledge of Early Childhood Education and best practices.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the general public and fellow employees.

Ability to prioritize a complex workload.

Ability to understand and follow any oral or written instructions and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records and methods for systematic reporting of statistical data.

Ability to travel extensively within assigned area.

Ability to promote a positive and encouraging work environment.

Ability to assist in other positions as needed.