This job posting is for a Substitute as a Early Head Start (EHS) Infant/Toddler Teacher or Preschool Teacher Assistant.  Below is the job description for both positions and a general list of what tasks you may be requested to complete or assist with as a Substitute.

EHS INFANT/TODDLER

POSITION SUMMARY:   The Early Head Start (EHS) Infant/Toddler Teacher is responsible for all aspects of the care and education for assigned children. Provides direct delivery of center-based EHS services for infants and toddlers including physical caregiving, developmental assessments, and implementing age-appropriate curricula. Serves as the primary teacher for assigned children and ensures safe and healthy learning environments and individualized learning activities for enrolled children.  Teachers may be assigned to specific classrooms and schedules. Teachers may also be designated as Floater Teachers, assigned to classrooms as needed to provide continuity of infant/toddler care for required coverage during staff breaks, staff planning, and full-day operations. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Physical Qualifications: The position can regularly require lifting and carrying infants and toddlers who may range in weight up to 45 pounds. The position involves standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting and arising from the floor.  Position also involves reaching with hands/arms and using hands to manipulate, handle, and feel objects. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

EHS SERVICES:

• Create an open, friendly, and cooperative atmosphere in which children and families feel comfortable and secure.
• Ensure the safety of each child at all times through active supervision, effective arrangement of space and materials, and proper maintenance of equipment.
• Carry out child care routines in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with best practice.
• Observe children to detect signs of illness, injury, abuse, neglect, emotional disturbance, or other special needs, and report these signs immediately to the EHS Center Supervisor.
• Operate and maintain the classroom arrangement, appearance, decor, and cleanliness to ensure compliance with all licensing, Office of Head Start (OHS), and other local, state, and federal regulations.
• Regularly observe and evaluate children's development and document progress on individual and school readiness goals.
• Plan and submit complete lesson plans, goals, and resources, as assigned.
• Plan and implement age- and developmentally-appropriate experiences that promote physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development through conversation, play, and creativity.
• Interact positively with each child throughout all aspects of the daily routine. Implement all dimensions of the infant/toddler Classroom Assessment Scoring System in accordance with best practice.
• Promote and nurture parent-child bonding and relationships.
• Inform families about their children’s experiences through daily contacts and regularly scheduled home visits and parent conferences.
• Serve as a role model for the children and families, treating them with dignity and respect.
• Complete all daily food service documentation as required by the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

PLANNING, POLICY, and COMMUNICATIONS: 

• Regularly inform the supervisor of classroom status.
• Prepare and submit detailed reports according to deadlines for Head Start Director, Management Team, Policy Council, Governing Board, OHS, and others as assigned.
• Review and follow program policies and procedures related to EHS and center-based option and ensure compliance with OHS and other local, state, and federal regulations.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities to stay informed on priorities, raise issues, and provide feedback and recommendations.
• Supply information for self-assessments, Program Information Reports, grant applications, and program reviews, as requested.

OTHER: 

• Maintain professional and ethical standards, including confidentiality related to staff, family, and agency information. Demonstrate commitment to mission, vision, and organizational values and policies.
• Improve professional skills and education to promote best practice. 
• Report to work as scheduled and takes breaks as required. Available to work over when necessary.
• Share responsibilities and contribute as a team member in a positive and productive manner.
• Advocate for and promote Murray Head Start within the school district and community. 
• Perform other work-related duties as requested by supervisor.

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

POSITION SUMMARY:   The Instructional Assistant is to assist the teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups typically in programs with exceptional children or equivalent programs and to monitor and report student progress.

GENERAL DUTIES and PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines.
• Present a positive image of the school to parents, and convey to them the school’s genuine concern with the education, growth and development of each student.
• Seek to establish friendly and cooperative partnerships between home and school.
• Work to develop a positive public relationship between Head Start and the community.
• Carry out assignments in a timely manner without undue checking.
• React positively to directives.
• Have a willingness to cooperate with all staff and administration.
• Maintain the confidentiality, both verbally and in written form, of each student’s educational record.
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence.
• Take necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Adhere to all Policies and Procedures.
• Adhere to policies set forth by the Educational Professional Standards Board.

SPECIFIC DUTIES and PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Duties may be instructional or non-instructional and include assisting with planning and program implementation, clerical duties, housekeeping duties and caregiving.
• Assists in providing a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries.
• Assists in promoting good health and nutrition and in providing an environment that contributes to the prevention of illness.
• Assists in using space, relationships, materials, and routines as resources for constructing an interesting, secure and enjoyable environment that encourages play, exploration, and learning.
• Supports the provision of activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving, appropriate to the development levels and learning styles of children.
• Actively communicates with children and provides opportunities and support for children to understand, acquire, and use verbal and nonverbal means of communicating thoughts and feelings.
• Provides opportunities that stimulate children to play with sound, rhythm, language, materials, space and ideas in individual ways to express their creative abilities.
• Provides physical and emotional security for each child and helps each child to know, accept, and take pride in himself or herself and to develop a sense of independence.
• Works under direction of teacher.
• Other duties as assign

Reports to:                       EHS Center Supervisor or ECE Center Specialist

Classification:                   Classified

FLSA:                               Non-Exempt

Murray Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer