Head Start Associate Teacher

Under the general supervision of the Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible to responsible for the academic, social and emotional growth and development, and supervision of children. In partnership with the Teacher, the Associate Teacher assists with the design and integration of classroom goals and objectives.  

With the Teacher, the Associate Teacher is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of lesson plans designed to stimulate children’s learning and support critical thinking. The Associate Teacher is responsible for assisting the Teacher to implement all components of the Creative Curriculum, to provide a quality early educational experience that is responsive to the interest, needs, and strengths of the enrolled children and to support social-emotional development

Duties  

Guiding Philosophy

• Carries out Mission, Vision, and Values established by the President/C.E.O. and Board of Directors of Para Los Niños. 
• Carries out Head Start Performance Standards, requirements of the Head Start Act, and the requirements of the LACOE contract, the Department of Education, and the Department of Social Services. 
• Always adheres to professional conduct (e.g., proper tone and language use in the classroom, respectful, proper for children, parents, and peers at all times). 
• Attends/participates in 1) Professional Development Activities, 2) Supervision, 3) Individualized Professional Development Goals/Activities.  

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, and to plan and implement learning experiences that: 

• Ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment data; 
• Assists in the implementation of the Individualized plans for the children in the classroom.  
• Provides basic evaluative information to the classroom Teacher on the progress and development status of the children in the classroom and participates in the completion of the DRDPs.  
• Assists with screening and assessment functions.  
• Assists in ensuring the implementation of safe and supervised indoor and outdoor activities for children in Head Start Education Programs.  
• Assists children during snack and mealtime and models family style meals; 
• Demonstrate appropriate dental and personal hygiene.  
• Conducts daily inspections of indoor and outdoor facilities and reports and removes hazards.  
• Assist the classroom teacher in planning, facilitating, and implementing individual and group activities;  
• Promotes children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners as appropriate.  
• Performs related duties as assigned.

CCL/Head Start  

• Maintains ratio at all times. 
• Ensures the safety and supervision of children. 
• Completes and reports any symptoms of child abuse to supervisor and/or the Child Abuse Hotline. 
• Completes daily health check regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of children 
• With the Teacher participates in parent conferences and home visits 
• With the Teacher completes DRDP’s three times annually as required by Head Start
• With the Teacher completes the ASQ and ASQ-SE for each child within 45 days of enrollment. 

Qualifications and Experience Requirements   

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge; skills required to perform the job successfully. 

• California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. 
• AA Degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a related field OR be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate’s degree or higher. AA Degree degree must be completed within 2 years of hire 
• Valid Class C California driver’s license, (depending upon position assignment). 
• First Aid and CPR certification is required. 
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum preferred. 
• Bilingual preferred. 

Education and Certification Requirements   

• Minimum of 6 months experience as a student intern, tutor, or instructional assistant working with an educational setting with pre-elementary school children is required.  
• 24 or more units of postsecondary semester education or equivalent quarter units in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required. 

Other Requirements  

• TB test clearance to be renewed every two years. 
• Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza) 
• DOJ clearance and all other required background checks

Physical Requirements   

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  

• Early Education Staff must be able to perform the following physical activities: 
• Observe, see, hear, and respond to children’s needs, emergencies, and conflicts that may occur in the early education center or on the playground. 
• Lift 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table when necessary. 
• Reach a child 20- 30 feet away within 30 seconds without endangering the staff person’s health. 
• Crouch to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at the child’s level, sit on the floor and stand tall enough to reach children on the highest piece of equipment. 
• Be aware of the cognitive, social, and physical needs of children. 
• Verbal and written communication in English to the degree that children, parents, and other staff members are able to understand and respond. 
• Handle the responsibilities and routine stress often associated with providing early childhood services.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff    

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:   

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.   
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.   
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.   
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.   
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.   
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.   
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.   
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.   
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.  
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.  
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.   

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer