Early Head Start Teacher

SUMMARY

Plan, organize and manage the Early Head Start program in a manner that reflects Early Head Start goals and expectations as defined in the Benodjenh Early Head Start plan. Provide a successful, safe and supervised educational setting for children while they are in the Early Head Start environment (classroom, outdoor play area, etc.). To promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Early Head Start children. Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program. To develop individual goals for children and provide on-going assessment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES

• To report to work as scheduled by your supervisor.
• To be in compliance with GTB reporting procedures, any Federal/State procedures as required and funding agency policies and procedures.
• Be in compliance with the Benodjenh Center Curriculum and Early Head Start performance standards.
• Provide a planned program of experiences and activities, which support and enhance the parental roles as the principal influence in their child's education and development.
• Serve as primary care giver for four children in classroom including related documentation and paperwork. Be ultimately responsible for all children in class.
• Maintain attendance records, and CACFP menus (for those children under one year)
• Bound by mandatory requirements as determined by Michigan State and Federal law pertaining to the welfare of children.
• Serve as an advocate for the Early Head Start program. Promote good relations by serving on boards, committees and participating in community activities.
• Participate in the development, implementation and analysis of the Self Assessment.
• Respond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur. Provide first aid or CPR, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and access emergency services as needed.
• Participate in regularly scheduled team meetings to plan for and deliver collaborative services across all components.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent teacher conferences for purposes of assessment and support, and to share information on parenting, educational strategies, and classroom progress.
• With parental input, develop balanced lesson plans, which are developmentally appropriate, intellectually challenging and address each child's specific strengths and needs.
• Prepare classroom materials to support lesson plans, change and create learning centers as needed.
• Adapt curriculum to address and meet individual goals for children as identified in their individualized education plans.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor that relate to the educational efforts of this department.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have exceptional organizational skills.
• Must possess the ability to work openly and cooperatively in a "team" approach.
• Effective communication with children, families and co-workers.
• Must have exceptional writing and grammar skills.
• Willingness to learn and utilize the Anishinaabe language in the Head Start classroom setting.
• Must have basic budget and analytical skills for statistical reports and forecasting needs.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with supervisors and co-workers in a positive team effort approach.
• Must be enthusiastic, enjoy working with children and be supportive of overall goals of Benodjenh Early Head Start program.
• Ability to define problem, collect data, analyze data, establish facts and draw conclusions.
• Ability to communicate with a child to develop their social skills and encourage appropriate behavior.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Minimum educational requirement of an Associate's Degree in early childhood education.
• Two years experience in infant/toddler classroom is preferred.
• Able to develop and implement short and long term educational goals.
• Ability to apply Early Childhood Development theory in daily classroom activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.
• Excellent communication skills, especially good listening skills.
• Working knowledge of available community resources and Early Head Start components.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise the Assistant Teacher

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment; calculators, computers, copiers, fax machine, phone systems, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job, which includes lifting children, kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Must be able to effectively handle stressful and compromising situations, while remaining focused and professional. Must be able to deal with difficult people without losing perspective. Must be able to work productively under strict time constraints with variable deadlines. Must be able to make quick, informed decisions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to work in an outdoor environment as required for child development in all seasons. Able to work with child size furnishings and equipment on a daily basis in an office controlled environment. Must be able to tolerate noise levels from child activities.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Current and former Early Head Start and Head Start parents must receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required to personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Early Head Start Teacher Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians