Associate Teacher

Job Summary

Works under the administrative supervision of the Master Teacher – Mentor/Coach and day-to-day task supervision of the assigned Teacher (III/IV). Responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations as defined in HSPS 1302 and any regulatory standard regarding classroom activity, this position is assigned to a classroom and is responsible for the total classroom operation when a Teacher (III/IV) or Associate Teacher –R is absent. Responsible for providing day-to-day task supervision for the assigned classroom staff or volunteer and responsible for involving the classroom staff person in the execution of daily classroom activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Use research based strategies from LEP evaluation information and accredited organizations to drive program practices (Ex: safe sleep).
• Understand and support core features of Educare Learning Network (ELN).
• Ensure compliance with the health and safety content mandates of the Head Start Performance Standards, program assessment and workplans, as well as NAEYC accreditation standards and DHS licensing requirements.
• Ensure that the Basic Environmental Checklist is met and consistently maintained.
• Administer Ages and Stages Questionnaires for initial and continuous developmental screening.
• Complete required documentation including, but not limited to: Attendance, Meal Count, Family Contacts, Accidental Injury Reports, ASQ and Internal referrals, emergency contacts, infant/toddler daily sheets, file sign in/out sheets etc.
• Ensure that the environment displays include pictures representative of families in the classroom, non-stereotypical roles (Ex: male nurse, female firefighter) and people with disabilities.
• Attend and assist with home visits and parent conferences as assigned.

High Quality Teaching Practices

• Utilize Teaching Strategies to track each child’s ongoing developmental skill level in the eight domains as required by the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Utilize Conscious Discipline theory and application to promote child social emotional development and well-being as well as classroom management.
• Utilize data provided by our Local Evaluation Partners (LEP) to build on and improve classroom practice.
• Enhance focus on language and literacy to promote school readiness for children and families.
• Enhance focus on problem-solving and numeracy skills to promote school readiness for children and families.
• Integrate the arts into the program to strengthen social-emotional development, language and literacy.
• Ensure rituals and routines are understood and followed.
• Afford access to all lesson plan materials and specific required materials (Ex: ITERS/ECERS).
• Assist in the daily operations of the classroom as assigned.

TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION

• Build and maintain good relationships to encourage collaboration, reflection, family engagement, high quality teaching practices and community relations with peers, families, volunteers and community partners.
• Attend pre-service and other workshops that may include overnight and out-of-area travel as requested by TEI management.
• Implement an interdisciplinary approach to build effective teams.
• Provide relevant information for Family Child Review meetings once a month or as required.
• Perform classroom responsibilities in the absence of the teacher.

Supervisory Relationships

No supervisory responsibility.

Job Description And Qualifications

• Knowledge and Skills:
  • Proven successful interpersonal relationship skills to maintain effective and satisfactory working relationships with intra-department and inter-department staff, vendors, clients, visitors, and contractors.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions with ability to read, interpret, and present information efficiently and effectively.
  • Able to accurately audit records and ensure compliance with written or oral guidelines.
  • Able to take initiative, multi-task and work well under pressure.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of extremely sensitive data, records, files, conversations, etc.
  • Adhere to TEI’s ISMART shared values: I-Integrity, S-Shared Purpose, M-Mutual Respect, A-Accountability, R-Reflective Practice, and T-Teamwork.
• Education and Work Experience:
  • Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or Associate’s degree in Family Relations/Child Development or a closely related education-based discipline with 4 college courses that equal 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education.
  • Must have a valid food handler permit, Pediatric first aid and CPR certification.
  • Experience working with infant, toddler or pre-school children.
  • Other Classroom position with some local travel (exposure to normal traffic hazards).