Primary Purpose: 

• Provide for the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth and development of infants and toddlers in a safe and nurturing environment, while contributing to the everyday operations of the program as needed.
• Ensures services comply with Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child Care Centers

Education/Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Infant and Toddler CDA Certification or equivalent required
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development preferred 

 Special Knowledge/Skills:  

• Knowledge of child development; principles of child health, safety and nutrition; effective communication (with infants, toddlers, parents, and other staff); adult learning principles; family dynamics; communicating and motivating adults; community resources; linking families with appropriate resources; brain development; SIDS; Shaken Baby Syndrome                          
• "Basic computer skills such as data entry, completion of forms, communication to staff and parents"                  
• Ability to be a positive role model for children and families                          
• Communicate effectively with families                  
• Organize and plan effectively                    
• Ability to support and respect the needs of children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds                               
• Bilingual skills are an asset

Responsibilities: 

• Maintain required documentation, in preparation for and following each day’s activities
• Prepare and maintain learning environment to meet the needs and interests of each child assigned to classroom caseload
• Help recruit volunteers and encourage families to volunteer in the EHS program
• Carry out curriculum plan by providing individualized developmentally appropriate activities for each child and documenting progress of the child
• Coordinate classroom visitation with families at their request
• Post and maintain a bulletin board for dissemination of information to parents
• Respond immediately to infants and toddler’s physical and emotional needs
• Maintain teacher child ratio as mandated by Head Start Performance Standards at all times with constant supervision
• Conduct on-going developmental assessments for children and provide feedback to parents regarding their child’s developmental progress
• Conduct a minimum of two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually
• Follow all health and safety rules and regulations as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standard Rules for Licensed Child Care Centers
• Assist with implementation of the Individualized Family Service Plan for children with disabilities
• Assist with the transition of children into and out of the Early Head Start program, and within the program as indicated by need
• Document all activities in accordance with Performance Standards and Region 10 procedures
• Attend all required Early Head Start staff development and staff meetings
• Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications
• Occasional travel for professional development training away from the EHS program site
• Complies with Region 10 Policies and Procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of all information and records pertaining to children and families
• Plans and accomplishes work efficiently
• Demonstrates effective collaboration skills
• Assist with integration of services from all areas of Early Head Start
• Maintains effective communication with ESC and school district staff, including partner teacher, lead teacher, specialist and program coordinator
• Prepare and clean-up/sanitize the classroom in preparation for the next program day

• Have at least two years of experience in a child care center or early childhood setting working as a teacher or teacher-assistant
• At least one year of experience with infant/toddler care preferred
• Experience with low-income families