Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Center Education Coordinator or Assistant Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for providing comprehensive early childhood services in compliance with DHS regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, program guidelines, policies and procedures. The Infant Assistant Teacher is responsible for implementing the curriculum in the classroom by creating lesson plans and developing individual child goals to meet the needs of children, including observing, assessing, and documenting children’s progress. In addition, the Infant Assistant Teacher is responsible for maintaining active supervision of children and for providing ongoing communication with parents, including during home visits, at parent-teacher conferences, in written daily activities sheets, and at other program sponsored events.
Essential Functions:
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive services for children from birth to 3 years of age maintaining compliance with the program’s guidelines and performance standards (including MN DHS licensing regulations Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child amp; Adult Care Food Program)
- Strictly adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality and ethics when working with children, parents and peers.
- Engage each child in the classroom with hands-on learning and assist the lead teacher as they execute their role.
- Responsible for a primary care group of 2-4 children acting as the primary caregiver for this group of children, including caregiving activities (feeding and diapering), building secure and trusting relationships with children and families, documenting daily activities of children, developing child-level goals, and completing ongoing observations and assessment of children.
- If assigned to the location of Float, staff will be required to work at multiple locations and will be expected to support all classrooms, children ages 0-5 years.
- Performs other functions as necessary or as assigned.
Professional Development
- Undergoes annual classroom observations (CLASS) that measure effective teacher and child interactions, providing useful data to drive improvement. Observation scores must meet federal established guidelines.
- Attain and maintain the program reliability certifications within established program deadlines.
- Actively participates in required and optional professional training classes and workshops as available. Maintains personal training logs. Completes the required annual training hours necessary to comply with MN DHS Licensing guidelines.
Safety: Responsible for the area of supervision and daily enforcement of safety regulations and practices.
Affirmative Action: Responsible for following the affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors
Requirements
Education amp; Experience: Must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- A current Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential; OR
- Enrolled and actively pursuing an AA/AS or BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or a degree in a related field, 6 months of experience in an early childhood setting, with a minimum of 6 semester credits in early childhood completed.
- Required to provide transcripts and/or certification.
- Must meet minimal experience required by MN Department of Human Services Rule 3 for licensed child care centers.
Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at a minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:
- Enjoy working with young children.
- Ability to effectively relate and communicate to people of varying multi-ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Flexible and willing to work in a team teaching environment.
- Capable of using good judgment in daily teaching situations, and in interactions with staff, parents and community volunteers.
- Must successfully complete and pass the criminal background check
- Use a computer and related software applications
Core Technology Competency: Level 1-Basic
Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications.
Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation on a daily basis is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds, have the stamina and ability to model best practices in the classroom and act appropriately in an emergency situation.
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