Summary of Position:

The Early Head Start Toddler Teacher works within a team to provide services to children and families, addressing the areas of early learning & development, health and wellness, family well-being, and family engagement. Toddler Teachers use their knowledge of children’s interests and needs as they design responsive classroom environments and experiences which align with the Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC Standards, and the HighScope curriculum. They use a relationship-focused approach to guide children’s development of important behaviors and skills. They support parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher as they guide families in setting and achieving goals. Toddler Teachers maintain current and accurate records on children and families.

Essential Qualifications:

1. Infant/Toddler Child Development Associates Credential (CDA), pertinent documentation required prior to signing an employment agreement.

2. One year experience working with toddlers and families

3. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing

4. Understanding of basic computer programs and ability to enter data into online systems

5. Current driver’s license

6. Complete criminal record check from Department of Health & Welfare’s Criminal History Unit prior to consideration for hire

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Treat participants, fellow staff, and community members with positive regard.

2. Ultimate responsibility for the supervision of each child enrolled in their unit/class to ensure their health and safety.

• Active supervision requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. The Active Supervision Protocol will be followed at all times.

3. Carry out Toddler High/Scope curriculum for child development in the context of classroom, the home and during group socialization experiences.

4. Assist with group socialization experiences and other family group activities.

5. Provide education, social service, parent involvement, and health and nutrition services to assigned families as per the CSI Head Start/Early Head Start work plans with technical assistance from the Children’s Services Specialist and Coordinator.

6. Facilitate parental involvement in curriculum planning, program governance, and the overall Early Head Start program.

7. Observe and document the developmental level of each toddler. Individualize using appropriate tools and information from parents, staff, and professionals to create an individualized plan for each enrolled toddler.

8. Participate in Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP) meetings for assigned toddlers with special needs taking the role of resource person and parent advocate. Collaborate with Family Service Worker and/or Disabilities Coordinator in duration option to ensure that all team members have the information necessary for effective participation in IFSP meetings.

9. Arrange home visit schedule to meet family's needs. Collaborate with parents to develop home visit plans that meet the individual goals of the parent(s) and the toddler.

10. Complete the required curriculum on home visits as per work plans.

11. Serve as a resource person for families to facilitate access to social services within their communities.

12. Collaborate with center staff to recruit, train and support parent and community volunteers.

13. Share current information with parents related to toddler progress and potential challenges.

14. Assist the Center Supervisor with recruitment activities as assigned.

15. Inform parents of Head Start/Early Head Start Child Abuse Policy and report suspected abuse as per Health & Nutrition Work Plan.

16. Plan and carry out individualized health and nutrition education.

17. Complete all required documentation according to program work plans, policies, and procedures.

18. Maintain confidentiality of family records and information.

19. Make no less than two home visits per program year to the home of each enrolled child in unit.

20. Conduct staff/parent conferences, no less than two per program year, to enhance the knowledge and understanding of both staff and parents of the educational and developmental progress and activities of children in unit.

21. Participate in an individual continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid.

Additional:

• Be an advocate for Head Start/Early Head Start children and families within the community.

• Perform other duties as assigned.