Head Start Substitutes: Assistant Teacher I-II

Position: Substitute Assistant Teacher I-II HS

Rate of Pay: $18.51 to $20.11 per hour (Depending on Qualifications)

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Pay Differential Available

Current Driver’s License and Insurance Required

Hours: Varies – On Call

All applicants for Head Start Child Development Program positions must review the attached NOTICE that includes the background screening and health screening requirements.

JOB DESCRIPTION

I. GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists Lead Teacher in planning and implementing the Head Start curriculum. Assists the Lead Teacher in supporting children’s school readiness, care of a group of preschoolers, and communication with their families.

II. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under HSCDP care.
2. Participates in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development.**
3. Works directly with children on daily classroom activities which meet the Head Start Performance Standards and the State guidelines.
4. Participates in the curriculum planning meetings and assists with implementation of the curriculum plans.
5. Assists the Lead Teacher with the children’s DRDP assessment by collecting data (child’s observations) as assigned.
6. Organizes the program materials and environment needed for classroom activities.
7. Assists the Lead Teacher in some record keeping and reporting duties of the education component.
8. Works as a team member with other teaching staff in planning and implementing classroom activities.
9. Provides individual assistance to assigned children in the classroom.
10. For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and HSCDP staff.
11. Facilitates individual and/or small group activities for children with guidance from the Lead Teacher.
12. Assists in providing childcare for parent activities when needed.
13. Informs Supervisor of all concerns, observations or information provided by a parent or guardian, in a timely manner.
14. Participates in the daily cleaning of the classroom including for example, sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming rugs and sanitizing bathrooms
15. Attends scheduled meetings, trainings, and conferences as necessary.
16. Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match. **
17. Aligns work behaviors in conformance with NCO’s Purpose, Vision and Values.
18. Other duties as assigned.
19. Work Habits:
    • Arrives to work on time and obtains approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.

    • Maintains a high level of confidentiality in all aspects of work and in alignment with Agency and program policies and procedures.

    • Is able to stay focused on the job.

    • Takes pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.

    • Treats co-workers and clients with respect.

    • Represents NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.

    • Is able to constructively adapt to change.

    • Dresses appropriately for the assigned job duties and responsibilities.

    • Follows the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.

20. When hired with specific duties and responsibilities:

    • Language Resources Support: Provides oral and written translation and communication support for non-English speaking families in their native language.

    • Integration Support: Provides on-going support to integrate children with special needs in the classroom.
      ** Does not apply to Substitutes

III. JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level:
  • Level I - Must complete 3 core units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) within 12 months of being hired.
  • Level II- 6 Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CDV) core units required.
  • (Core courses include child/human growth & development; child/family/community or child and family relations; programs/curriculum.)
• A High School Diploma or equivalent/comparable certificate.
• A minimum of 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired (Level I - preferred. Level II required).
• 6 months early childhood classroom experience preferred. (Level-II)
• Prior experience working with children with special needs is preferred but not required.
• Organizational and time management skills are preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of Early Childhood Education/Child Development preferred
• Computer and internet use as relates to the duties of the position; prior use of Microsoft Office 365 preferred.
• Head Start Performance Standards preferred.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in writing in English (required); bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred and may be required.
• Participate in the curriculum planning meetings and implementation of the curriculum plans.
• Take over for Associate Teacher when necessary (Assistant II).
• Work effectively and professionally with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Work effectively as part of a team but have the ability to work independently.
• Maintain confidential information, documentation, and handle sensitive situations appropriately.
• Work flexible hours for scheduled weekend or evening activities as needed
• Developed organizational and time management skills are preferred.
• Be flexible and able to meet the changing needs of the program.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• For work-related driving, employee must have: a current, valid California driver’s license; a driving record that demonstrates the employee is a safe, appropriate driver as verified by a DMV printout; and proof of personal automobile insurance; or reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly.
2. The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
3. The employee is frequently required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
4. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
5. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
6. The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
7. Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors and contributors is an occasional aspect of this job.
8. The employee will regularly use computers, printers, telephones and other similar electronic office equipment.
9. The employee may occasionally use kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot or sharp; as well regularly use cleaning and sanitizing products.
10. The environment at the assigned sites can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note: This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.