Early Head Start Apprentice

Early Head Start Apprentice (Head Start Programs)

Reports to:  Center Manager

SUMMARY: This individual will assist early education coaches, teachers, assistant teachers, center managers, and DHA staff in daily tasks in the early learning environments. The purpose of this position is to ensure our youngest children have a solid foundation for life and encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.  The EHS apprentice will attend to the children’s safety and welfare, while meeting requirements of Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.   

Minimum qualifications:

• GED/High School Diploma.
• Must pass Mississippi State requirements for early child educators: Letter of Suitability, Health Screening, and DHA required background check.
• Must have a valid Mississippi Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and must provide personal vehicle to travel to assigned HS/EHS sites.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, families, and community resources.
• Ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment. This includes the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others and includes occasional lifting.
• Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
• Regular kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.

 Essential Duties:

• Enroll in CDA Credential program through Delta Health Alliance WORC5 and complete all courses following a timeline
• Conduct and present as a professional in the field of early childhood education and follow the policies, procedures, and expectations set forth by the Delta Health Alliance at all times.
• Uphold and adhere to all guidance within the Federal Head Start Performance Standards, state early learning guidelines and standards, and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.
• Assist with classroom duties and meal service as needed daily.
• Sanitize and clean classroom equipment and laundry as needed daily.
• Maintain confidentiality with data collection and reporting, as required. 
• Demonstrate familiarity with rules and regulations relevant to the specific duties, provides support, and a positive working attitude and relationship toward DHA staff and partners. 
• Effectively communicates with supervisors and DHA staff to keep all apprised of issues, program updates, and status of assignments.
• Assist in setting up and encouraging the early learning environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day related to the research-based curriculum.
• Actively engage throughout learning centers with children to encourage on-going learning.
• Provide positive teacher-child interactions
• Other duties as assigned.

Statement of Non-Inclusivity: This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the supervisor