Prenatal Educator

OVERVIEW: The Early Head Start Prenatal Educator must be professionally prepared and qualified to work with expectant families in a culturally relevant manner. Must have knowledge of fetal development, infant/toddler development, Head Start requirements and be sensitive to families and their individual needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

· Implement home visits for pregnant women and continue visits for families after the baby is born, following Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Act.

· Facilitate prenatal education/socializations twice a month for expectant families that support prenatal education and family engagement.

· Incorporate Early Head Start developmental areas into home visit and socialization activities including physical, cognitive, social/emotional development, health, safety, nutrition, and culture.

· Prepare materials and supplies for prenatal education activities and family socializations.

· Provide information and encouragement to expectant mothers regarding prenatal care and attending medical appointments.

· Utilize approved screening tools for maternal depression and postpartum depression and assist families in accessing services when needed.

· Coordinate with program staff and community partners to support families in accessing prenatal education and related services.

· Provide information to families regarding available community resources such as WIC, medical services, and family support programs.

· Maintain professional relationships with community resources that serve expectant families.

· Stay informed on topics related to prenatal and infant development including breastfeeding, safe sleep, car seat safety, postpartum development, nutrition, father involvement, and substance-free pregnancy.

· Maintain communication with program staff regarding family needs and services provided.

· Maintain a safe and healthy environment during prenatal socialization activities.

· Support families in identifying personal and family goals and provide encouragement and guidance toward achieving those goals.

· Provide individualized support that reflects each family’s developmental level, interests, strengths, and needs.

· Treat children and families with dignity and respect.

· Provide families with ongoing information on prenatal development, childbirth, and early infant development.

· Conduct weekly home visits with the family after the child’s birth, focusing on age-appropriate child development and parent education until the child transitions into an Early Head Start program option.

· Communicate information about Early Head Start services to enrolled families.

· Encourage and support family participation in Early Head Start program activities.

· Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and required trainings such as CPR, First Aid, Safe Sleep, Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting, Food Handlers, and Positive Indian Parenting.

· Participate in professional development activities to maintain and strengthen knowledge and skills related to prenatal and early childhood education.

· Provide classroom support when needed.

· Assist with outreach efforts by sharing information about the Prenatal Program with the community.

· Maintain accurate client files and documentation to track services and program participation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY POSITION:

· Ability to interact with families in a professional and respectful manner in both classroom and home environments.

· Ability to supervise and assist infants and toddlers in a safe environment including maintaining visual contact and responding appropriately to situations.

· Ability to model teaching methods and developmental activities for parents of infants and toddlers.

· Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies or crisis situations.

· Knowledge of pregnancy and prenatal development.

· Knowledge of Birth-to-Three Early Childhood Education and Development.

· Ability to relate well to infants, toddlers, families, and community members.

· Ability to maintain required documentation in a timely manner.

· Ability to follow program policies and the chain of command when concerns arise.

· Ability to use computers and common software such as Word, Excel, and databases.

· Maintain confidentiality at all times.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· Minimum of a Home Visitor Child Development Associate (CDA) preferred, or

· AA preferred in Early Childhood Education, Certified Childbirth Educator, or related field and two years’ experience as a family educator or in an early childhood setting, preferably in Head Start, or

· Experience working with expectant families.

· Valid Washington State Driver’s License and must be insurable.

· First Aid/Infant and Child CPR certification required and must remain current.

· Physical exam within 30 days of hire verifying the employee is free of communicable diseases (including negative TB test).

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· No prior convictions of child-related offenses or felonies. Background check required prior to employment.

· Must comply with Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Head Start Drug Free Workplace policies. Pre-employment drug testing required.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift and carry a child 20 pounds 
• Other Functional requirements:

(1) Moderate lifting, 15-50 pounds, moderate carrying over 25 pounds and light carrying under 10 pounds, and occasional lifting to 60 pounds

(2) Good hearing and full use of hands, legs, and vision.

(3) Reaching above shoulders; use of hands and fingers. 

(4) Daily kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs (will include walking 4 hours; standing 4 hours; crawling one hour; kneeling 2 hours; stooping and bending 2 hours as needed in job duties).

(5) Ability to work at a desk for 4-6 hours a day.

 

OTHER DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

· Provide for the physical needs of infants and toddlers during program activities, including diapering and feeding when necessary.

· Report to work at scheduled times and maintain good attendance.

· Perform duties in a timely and professional manner and participate in program activities with a positive attitude.

As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in Accordance with P.L. 93-638

Salary : $26 - $27