QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Required:   High School Diploma (w/ at least 3 yrs. child care experience)

                                       Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Experience Required:   Experience working with pre-school children, Classroom Volunteer, Day Care School Teacher, etc.Worker, Church

SUPERVISION: Under the direct supervision of the Center Director, with assistance from the Teacher, and Content Area Coordinators.

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Responsive to the needs of young children
• Able to communicate with children and adults from all ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Being bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Good writing skills and the ability to write reports as necessary.
• Punctual and demonstrate good attendance.
• Courteous, cooperative, respectful of confidentiality, and professional with children, parents and staff.
• Dress appropriately for the job, i.e. wear clean clothes, practice good hygiene, and wear footwear that minimizes the possibility of slips and falls.
• Represent the program in a positive and professional manner at all times.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and GCCAC Head Start Policies in order to provide quality care and experiences that will promote the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of children

  DUTIES:

1. Responsible for quality care and experiences to a group of young children.
2. Treat children with dignity and respect.
3. Supervise children at all times.
4. Prepare Lesson Plans and carry out activities with the children.
5. Plan and prepare the learning environment, set up interest centers, and prepare needed materials and supplies.
6. Keep the classroom and outdoors safe, clean, orderly and attractive.
7. Provide for the physical needs of the children, such as meals, naps, toileting, and tooth brushing.
8. Interact positively with children (for example, listening, asking questions, answering, encouraging, etc.)

 SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: 

• Greet children and parents as they arrive. (2 minutes, 2 sentences)
• Assist the teacher during the health check.
• Supervise and eat with the children during breakfast and lunch. Interact with children during meal time.
• Clean up after eating.
• Supervise and interact with children during learning center activities.
• Help children learn to respect the toys, materials and property indoors and outdoors.
• Help children clean up the centers after use.
• Set up easel boards daily – morning and afternoon.
• Set up water play and/or sand daily.
• Set up woodwork activities as planned.
• Make sure that the playground is free from debris, etc.
• Assist children to bathroom as needed.
• Supervise children during restroom routines.
• Take daily attendance/meal count of children when teacher is absent.
• Remain in class at all times, unless otherwise told by teacher and/or Center Director.
• Notify the teacher or other adults when you leave the room.
• Interact with children while on the playground.
• Involve children (helpers) in setting up lunch.
• Make sure children’s toothbrushes are cleaned before and after use, and before storing. Hang toothbrushes so they do not touch bristles.
• Involve children in taking down and putting up cots before and after naptime.
• Make sure children’s sheets and blankets are washed weekly or as needed
• Place soiled clothing in plastic bag to be sent home.
• Wash cots and place outside to dry.
• Assist in planning and conducting transitions between activities and routines.
• Provide quiet music during naptime.
• Attend all staff meetings.
• Participate in recommended trainings, conferences and other aspects of professional growth.
• Maintain professional attitudes and loyalty to the school at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Center Director.

 WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work indoors in classroom, and outdoors on playground, or field trips.

OTHER:

Comply with licensing standards. Have a clean criminal background check. Have a biannual tuberculosis test. Actively participate in all required training sessions. Current First Aid/CPR card. Report signs of possible child abuse and neglect. Have a valid driver’s license.

 This is a non-exempt position.