Associate Teacher (Rincon)

Location: Rincon Center - Valley Center, CA 

Hourly range: $23.08 - $27.44 DOE/Q, 46-week role 

MAAC STORY
Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at http://www.maacproject.org/

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) are comprehensive federally funded school-readiness programs for low-income and special needs children that promote parents as the primary educator of the child. MAAC currently serves a diverse group of low-income children and their families in North County; the majority of the participating families are of Latino/Hispanic ethnicity. These programs ensure that children ages 0-3 (EHS) and 3-5 (HS) and their families are provided with comprehensive services to promote optimum physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. MAAC’s California State Preschool program provides educational and developmental services to qualifying children ages 3 to 5; parents are encouraged to participate with their children and to be involved in their children’s development.

DEFINITION
Under direct supervision, and the appointed guidance of the Lead Teacher, will assist in planning, supervising, and implementing the education program within the classroom in accordance with the policies, procedures, and philosophy of MAAC Head Start.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Provides input and assistance into daily classroom activities and lesson plans
• Assists in designing and implementing classroom activities to meet the needs of the individual child
• Assists in implementing the approved curriculum and multi-cultural education
• Assists with classroom arrangement and related physical requirements to provide a safe, healthy, interesting, and enjoyable learning environment
• Develops and maintains an open, friendly, and informative relationship with parents and volunteers
• Assists in the interpretation and explanation of Head Start policies, programs, and principles
• Records individual children’s behavior and observations on appropriate record keeping forms
• Provides experiences for growing and learning for the individual child in relationship to his/her cultural and socioeconomic background
• Performs accurate numerical counts, such as attendance and meal counts
• Assists in maintaining classroom cleanliness; assists in set-up and maintenance of the classroom lunch area; assists in laundry and other maintenance; supervises children on bus as needed
• Assists in home visits at times convenient to the parent(s); assists in developing an Individual Family Plan for each child and family beginning at time of enrollment (phase-in) and updating it at least three times in the school year
• Attends mandated training programs, conferences, meetings
• Ensures personalized special services are provided to special needs children (i.e., feeding, assistance with toileting, including diapering, catheterization, training, urine bags, physically carrying the child – specialized training and equipment will be provided as needed)
• Assists in the development of individual education plans and teaching
• Provides an environment that facilitates growth and positive self-image for children
• Performs other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Knowledge of:

• Development and developmental patterns of children ages 3-5 years
• Oral and written English and grammar; basic arithmetic; developmental needs and requirements of preschool age children; methods and techniques of early childhood development; health, safety and nutritional requirements of preschool age children; methods for effective cooperation with teachers children, and parents; general goals and purposes of early childhood education and family development
• Head Start philosophy, principles, and comprehensive services preferred

Ability to:

• Learn and apply curriculum methods and procedures at MAAC Head Start; project a mature, constructive, stable and healthy team attitude in a learning environment
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Twelve (12) units (including core units) from an accredited college/university in Early Childhood Education OR Child Development
• California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or California Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

1st Preferred Experience Requirement:

• One (1) year Head Start experience with children in a classroom setting

2nd Preferred Experience Requirement**:**

• One (1) year preschool experience with children in a classroom setting

AND

• Valid CPR, First Aid and Food Handlers Cards must be obtained within first two months (2) of employment and maintained throughout employment (paid, designated training available through MAAC).   In the event employees do not attend the scheduled training, they must obtain the cards through outside resources and costs will not be reimbursed.  The cards must be obtained and maintained within prescribed timelines.

Note: Submission of transcripts, certificates, diplomas, verification of work experience may be required for certain positions.