Teacher - Head Start Float

JOB SUMMARY:

The Teacher Float is responsible for assisting the Lead and Associate Teacher with the day-to-day operations of a classroom.  The Teacher floats is responsible for adhering to Head Start Performance Standards, CAPE’s policies and procedures, CAPE’s Mission Statement, NAEYC and State Licensing Standards. Must be professional and be able to work cooperatively and respectfully with children, families, staff and community members.  The Teacher Float may work in a variety of locations and assistant teaching roles. 

EDUCATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma/GED and possess or obtain CDA or working towards associate degree with twelve credit hours in Early Childhood Education within two years of employment or 2 years as of November 7, 2016.
• Must possess or obtain current (within one year of expiration) CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions certifications.
• Pass required drug screens and criminal history checks including national fingerprinting.
• Annually provide proof of a physical, TB test or chest x-ray, and Physician’s statement that provides evidence that the employee had no known communicable disease in an infectious state or physical or mental conditions, which could affect their ability to perform assigned duties.  These items are at the employee’s expense.
• Good communication skills.
• Possession of valid driver’s license and car insurance.
• Personal/reliable transportation.
• Bilingual/Spanish a plus.
• Must have the ability to read, speak, and write with proficiency in the English language
• Must be able to supervise volunteers.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, cultural backgrounds, and with disabilities or special needs.
• Must have sufficient strength and flexibility (ability to stoop, lift, bend, squat, kneel, twist, etc.) to frequently be at a child’s level, sit on the floor with children, respond to a child’s quick and frequent movements.
• Must have ability to work in an environment with high noise level and considerable activity. Possess the physical stamina to be outside daily as required (weather permitting, no local heat or health advisories for young children and temperatures above 25 degrees, wind chill factor) and the ability to walk and run on uneven surfaces.
• Attend work regularly. Follow CAPE’s policies and procedures for reporting an absence.
• Build a positive relationship with families and children.
• Provide constant supervision of children and ensure their well-being.
• Be a high-quality language model for all children and strongly support continued home language development.
• Support the development of school readiness goals with all children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Work as a team member to meet the needs of the children, classroom, and site as a whole.
• Meet the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive needs of each child.
• Assist with monthly fire drills, tornado drills and disaster drills (two times a year).
• Assist with implementing developmentally appropriate activities.
• Follow CACFP procedures in preparation and serving of meals and snacks.
• Generate and submit paperwork for in-kind donations on a regular basis within the scope of his or her description.
• Administer first aid when needed and document on an Injured Child Report with direction of the Lead and or Associate Teacher.
• Complete sick child form as needed with direction of the Lead or Associate Teacher.
• Assist as needed to ensure written communication is distributed to families.
• Complete a CACFP log and turn in monthly to Local Site Supervisor/County Manager.
• Assist with taking inventory of First Aid kits monthly.
• Ensure classrooms are clean and orderly. Clean and arrange classroom environment in accordance to program goals and philosophy. Complete daily, weekly, and monthly items on Classroom Cleaning log.
• Meet all applicable licensing regulations.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Daily assignments may include coverage for other staff during breaks and planning time, clean toys and educational materials, clean common areas such as kitchen, breakroom, and outdoor play areas, remove garbage, inventory supplies, and organize art and supply cabinets.
• Complete a Professional Development Plan annually.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times. 

SUPERVISOR:  Local Site Supervisor/County Operations Manager 

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Teacher Float is to maintain a fair share of responsibilities in the classroom from the direction of the Lead and or Associate Teacher. The Teacher Float is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Children’s Services, the Director of Education and Local Site Supervisor/County Manager. 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Contract