JOB SUMMARY: (Erie County head Start Site)

This position works collaboratively with other teachers, family members, and staff to create a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children. Provide emotional support to children while encouraging children’s expression. Ability to use strategies for behavior management.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

• Supervise and monitor children at all times

. • Ensure the safety of the children at all times and a stimulating learning environment.

• Assist the children with academic and play activities and gauge the level of support needed for the least restrictive environment.

• Assist in the preparation of classroom setup including equipment and materials for classroom work.

• Maintains a clean and organized classroom.

• Maintains the room equipment and materials.

• Help the children create and maintain relationships with peers.

• Assist the children with personal care as needed.

• Greet children and parents upon arrival and escorts children to and from the bus

. • Involved in mealtime with the children, assist with the serving of meals, nutrition supplements, and clean up.

• Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities and program events.

• Work closely and directly under the direction of the Lead Teacher with tasks and carrying out the educational program

. • Perform related work as required by the agency in providing services to children and families.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.

• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED

• One Year Experience working with pre-school age children and/or educational background in Education/Early Childhood

• Must enroll in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire

Skills and Abilities:

• Models a positive work ethic.

• Must have access to transportation and ability to visit sites throughout Erie and Niagara County.

• Passion for working with children to create a positive learning environment.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.

• Must be flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances.

• Use positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to manage classroom behavior

. • Provide emotional support and foster a positive, supportive environment.

• Ability to work well with others

• Communicate with parents, build partnerships and involve families in the child’s learning

. • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Physical Demands:

• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.

• Perform moderate to vigorous activity with children

. • Must be able to tolerate loud to moderate noise.

• Prolonged standing • Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, and sit on the floor

• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds Application Requirements:

Completion of the following documents:

o CAO Employment application

o NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance o Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children (misdemeanor or felony)

o Fingerprinting required.

o Release for Reference Checks

• Must pass a physical examination by a CAO physician at no cost to applicant

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Employee Signature