Early Head Start Teacher

NORTHEAST EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START

JOB DESCRIPTION – EARLY HS INFANT/TODDLER TEACHER

RESPONSIBLE TO: Site Supervisor and Early Childhood Services Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for all aspects of the care and education of assigned children.

Provides direct delivery of center–based Early Head Start (EHS) services for infants and

toddlers, including physical caregiving, developmental assessments, and implementing age-

appropriate curricula. Serves as the primary individualized learning activity 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Teacher

1. Create an open, friendly, and cooperative atmosphere in which children and families feel

comfortable and secure.

2. Ensure the safety of each child at all times through active supervision, effective

arrangement of space and materials, and proper maintenance of equipment.

3. Carry out child care routines in a manner that is prompt, hygienic, and consistent with

best practice.

4. Observe children to detect signs of illness, injury, abuse, neglect, emotional disturbance,

or other special needs, and report these signs immediately to the EHS Infant/Toddler

Manager.

5. Operate and maintain the classroom arrangement, appearance, décor, and cleanliness to

ensure compliance with all licensing, Office of Head Start (OHS), and other local, state,

and federal regulations.

6. Regularly observe and evaluate children’s development and document progress on

individual and school readiness goals.

7. Plan and submit complete lesson plans, goals, and resources, as assigned.

8. Plan and implement age – and developmentally–appropriate experiences that promote

physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development through conversation, play, and

creativity.

9. 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.

10. Promote and nurture parent-child bonding and relationships.

11. Inform families about their children’s experiences through daily contacts and regularly

scheduled home visits and parent conferences.

12. Serve as a role model for the children and families, treating them with dignity and

respect.

13. Complete all daily food service documentation as required by the USDA Child and Adult

Care Food Program (CACFP).

Floater Teacher

Floater Teachers will assume all regular duties in the absence of the primary Teacher.

Floater Teachers will work in classrooms as scheduled by the EHS Infant/Toddler Manager

to maintain compliance with teacher-child ratios at all times, according to licensing, OHS,

and other local, state, and federal regulations. Floater Teachers will be the primary

teacher/caregiver for federal regulations. Floater Teachers will be the primary

teacher/caregiver for assigned children and assume responsibility for planning,

implementing, and documenting progress on activities to meet individualized learning goals

and objectives for those assigned children.

Planning, Policy, and Communications:

1. Regularly inform the EHS Infant/Toddler Manager of classroom status.

2. Prepare and submit detailed reports according to the deadlines for the Head Start

Director, the Coordinator Team, Policy Council, Governing Board, OHS, and others

as assigned.

3. Review and follow program policies and procedures related to Early Head Start and

center-based option, and ensure compliance with Office of Head Start and other local,

state, and federal regulations.

4. Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities to stay

informed on priorities, raise issues, and provide feedback and recommendations.

5. Supply information for self-assessments, Program Information Reports, grant

applications, and program reviews, as requested.

Others:

1. Maintain professional and ethical standards, including confidentiality related to staff,

family, and agency information. Demonstrate commitment to mission, vision, and

organizational values and policies.

2. Improve professional skills and education to promote best practice.

3. Report to work as scheduled and take breaks as required. Available to work over

when necessary.

4. Share responsibilities and contribute as a team member positively and productively.

5. Advocate for and promote Northeast Head Start within the community.

6. Perform other work-related duties as requested by the supervisor.

EDUCATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

 Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent college

coursework.

 Experience working with children ages birth to three.

 Excellent verbal and human relations skills.

PREFERENCE GIVEN TO:

 Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Child Development,

or in a qualified related field.

 Familiar with Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD child assessment tools.

 Two or more years of experience in Early Head Start or other infant/toddler program.

 Experience working with infants and toddlers with disabilities.

 Knowledge of licensing and other local, state, and federal regulations.

 Computer experience with word processing, email, and internet usage.

JOB STATUS: Full-time hourly

CAREER LATTICE: Early Childhood Services Coordinator

Pay: From $12.62 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person