Early Childhood Educator

Job Summary

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Early Childhood Educator. Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

About the Role

Provides instruction and supervision in a safe and healthy learning environment for Head Start children. Provides and coordinates education services; works in partnership with parents to promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children. Encourages parent involvement in all aspects of the program. Schedules educational home visits and parent teacher conferences. Develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide learning opportunities for individual child goals, provides on-going assessment on progress and facilitates transition to kindergarten. Works toward compliance in all facets of Head Start and program performance standards and regulations.

Major Duties

• Maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom setting
• Confidently file on all children
• Correspond and work with parents
• Possess and demonstrate a strong working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and other regulations
• Develop and implement curriculum, which reflect mandated elements and components, parental and cultural influences, and promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children
• Assure classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Fort Valley State University Head Start Policies and Procedures and the Head Start Performance Standards
• Create weekly/monthly lesson plans addressing individual goals for children
• Provide a comprehensive safe and healthy learning environment for the children
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment concerning confidential information
• Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities
• Responsible for education requirements of children in assigned classroom, including all required daily health checks, screenings and ongoing child assessment data related to the identified school readiness goals
• Assess children, document behavior, and evaluate results (Complete required screenings within 45 days of child's first day in program.)
• Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate manner, e.g., lesson plans, COR, Child Plus, and meal reports etc.
• Responsible for meal implementation with other staff and for maintaining a developmentally appropriate classroom environment, including organization of space and material storage
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations
• Supervise and monitor children at all times and respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur
• Must be willing to relocate to another center within the program whenever needed
• Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours
• Displays a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure and be inclusive of children with special needs and disabilities
• Maintains complete and accurate required family/child files, forms, and records within required timelines to document and track children in assigned classroom
• Aid in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification regarding any aspects that are not well understood
• Ensures compliance with state law regarding the mandatory reporting of child abuse
• Participates as a member of the annual self-assessment program
• In consultation with Curriculum Compliance Coach/Specialist, and Director of Education, develops own professional work goals and training plan working towards required Head Start degrees
• Consistently maintains and promotes excellence in service through open and honest relationships with co-workers, clients, community members and other FVSU Head Start/Early Head Start staff
• Consistently addresses clients, community members and co-workers in a courteous, pleasant and respectful manner
• Operate effectively within the organizational structure and be inclusive of children with disabilities
• Perform other duties as deemed necessary for the effective functioning of the program

Work Environment

Must have own reliable transportation to travel to and from one of the centers located in Taylor, Macon, Dooly, Peach, and Crisp counties. Must be punctual and able to work Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p. m. Must be able to work indoors as well as transition the classroom to outdoors. Possible exposure to communicable diseases. Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues.

Physical Requirements

• The physical requirements of the job described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk or run quickly, kneel, or sit on the floor, lift approximately 50 pounds, sit in a child's size chair, and move quickly from multiple positions and levels;
• Reach with hands and arms;
• Sit in a child's size chair;
• Move quickly from multiple positions and levels;
• Use hands and fingers handle or feel objects, tools, or controls;
• Reach with hands and arms;
• Walk;
• Climb or balance;
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• The employee must be able to occasionally lift 20 pounds overhead and 40 pounds from waist to shoulder.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distant and color visions, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of an associate degree in Infant and Child Development or Early Childhood Education or related area but bachelor's degree preferred.
• Significant experience and alternative training in early childcare and development may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related area.
• Experience of working with children three to five years of age is preferred.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications are desired.
• Maintain an annual physical and Tuberculosis vaccination.
• Good communication skills, flexibility and teamwork are required.
• Must successfully pass a drug screening and background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related area.