GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This position requires helping infants and toddlers develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a stable learning environment through an individualized curriculum plan. This is a one-year paid apprentice Early Head Start program with on-the-job-training, classroom training, and with a multi-tier management support system. Working hours for the full day position are Monday-Friday and vary between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES 
Maintains open lines of communications with immediate supervisor, parents, and volunteers.
 
Plans and implements an individualized, responsive plan for infants and toddlers and allows an opportunity for parent input. Has classroom material ready at all times.
 
Documents children's files daily on class attendance & nutrition, health, and behavior monitoring.
Reinforces classroom and environmental safety.
 
Screens children for disabilities and submits reports to the Family Service Advocate and Health Coordinator.
 
Involves parents in educational activities to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child's growth and development.
 
Provides materials appropriate to the child's age and level of development.
 
Serves the cultural background of the children using classroom materials, activities and related languages.
 
Promotes a high self-esteem, is a good role model, and follows the agency's behavior management system and code of ethics.
 
Keeps in touch with each child's family by making two (2) home visits each year.
 
Is required to administer and complete the developmental screening on all Early Head Start children within 45 days of the child's enrollment date.
 
Works closely with the children's family and the Family Advocate to maintain attendance.
 
Attends morning inspections--keeping children clean and well groomed, serving meals and snacks, preparing for nap or rest time, and toilet training.
 
Participates in the annual community assessment.
 
Maintains Inventory of classroom supplies at the center.
 
Participates in Pre-Service Training, cluster meetings, parent meetings, workshops, and social events as required by the program.
 
Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor, Site Based Manager, Education Coordinator, or Director of Birth to Five Head Start.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
As prescribed in section 645A(h) of the Head Start Act, a program must ensure center-based teachers that provide direct services to infants and toddlers in Early Head Start centers have a minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential (CDC), and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.
 

1. GED or High School diploma, and
2. Must have an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or willing to obtain. 
3. Must successfully complete and maintain the following permits, and certifications:
   1. Food Handlers Permit; will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
   2. First Aid certification; will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
   3. CPR Infant/Toddler certification; will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
4. Bilingual ability in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.

 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHERS:

1. Demonstrates ability to read and write, keeps routine records, follows written and oral Instructions, and files alphabetically and numerically
2. Accepts responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of an activity.
3. Makes judgments or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria—relies on one or more of the five physical senses.
4. Interact with individuals beyond giving and receiving instructions—is courteous, cooperative, conscientious, and tactful in dealing with employees and the general public.
5. Performs job duties in a precise, thorough, and meticulous manner.
6. Possess sensitivity towards families living below the socioeconomic level.
7. Able to handle various projects at the same time in an effective manner.
8. Dresses in appropriate attire with a neat appearance according to the organization policies.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Requires 24 clock hours of training each year to meet TDPRS requirements.
2. Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test, physical and functional capacity evaluation prior to first day of employment
3. Must successfully pass and submit a pre-employment TB test and periodically as indicated by the Regional Texas Development of State Health Services or local health authority.
4. Fully vaccinated two (2) shots for Pfizer or Moderna, or (1) shot of Johnson and Johnson against COVID-19.
5. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s license (Operators-Class C) and driving record; must hold and provide valid Texas Motor Vehicle Insurance on an annual/bi-annual basis.
6. Must have transportation and current liability coverage on a vehicle to be used in the performance of job duties. Some out of town travel may be required.
7. Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
8. Proof of work eligibility must be provided. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Normal physical activity includes frequent sitting, standing, and walking in a usual workday.
2. Requires occasional twisting at desk when answering phone or typing at computer.
3. Requires retrieving files by pulling & pushing filing cabinet drawers with occasional bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and reaching above shoulder level.
4. Requires employee to lift and carry boxes of supplies less than 20 lbs.
5. Requires use of the five senses (hearing, seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting) to perform various job duties and in dealing with staff, clients, and outside. 
6. Requires employee to use hands, arms, feet, legs, neck and head while performing Agency tasks.
7. Requires employee to occasionally crawl and twist in performing duties.
8. Requires frequent speaking/hearing abilities with staff, co-workers, parents, supervisor and volunteers. Must be able to hear a child cry out when in pain, injured or ill.