Early Head Start Floater

About the role

Support classroom activities and assist with transitions to and from the classroom. Support the use of age-appropriate equipment, materials, supplies and physical space for indoor and outdoor learning environments, including functional space, and change materials periodically to support children's evolving interests and development. Communicate child observations to teachers, including the identification of potential interference with a child's development and school readiness. Support teachers' coordination with education, family, mental health and/or child development professional program staff to address identified needs. Support school functions scheduled meetings and team decision and operations. Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations. Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required; must obtain CDA Certificate within 6 months of employment
• For mixed classrooms (EHS and HS): both CDAs required; most prevalent age group must be obtained first, with an additional 6 months granted for the second CDA
• If CDA not completed successfully on first attempt, employee may retake the course at their own expense within 60 days of unsuccessful completion; if no second attempt is made, employment will be separated
• Previous early childcare experience preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
• Demonstrate ability to respond sensitively and competently to the service population's cultural and socio-economic characteristics
• Communicate in writing and verbally in English and Spanish (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to maintain emotional control and professional composure at all times
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of all Innovative Network of Knowledge policies and procedures
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Protect the physical and mental health and safety of our children and ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised while under our care (HSPPS1302.90)
• Assist with providing an organized learning environment that promotes healthy development and children's skill growth aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, including children with disabilities and dual language learners as appropriate (HSPPS1302.31)
• Assist with the implementation of prescribed curricula to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development, and integrate child assessment data in individual and group planning (HSPPS1302.31, 1302.32)
• Support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of the child's developmental level and progress in outcomes (HSPPS1302.33)
• Support opportunities for parents and family members to engage in their child's development and in program services, including but not limited to parent conferences, home visits, and group activities (HSPPS1302.34)
• Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including reporting at a minimum suspected or known child abuse and neglect, appropriate supervision of children at all times, and all standards of conduct (HSPPS1302.47,1302.90)
• Comply with positive adult-child interactions as measured by the CLASS Pre-K instrument (HSPPS1304.16)
• Support and participate in staff development, including completion of minimum training requirements as specified in state and federal standards (HSPPS1302.91,1302.92), continuing professional development, and staff wellness initiatives

Measurable Deliverables

• Response to classroom requests for support is timely and is compliant with Office of Head Start and agency regulations, policies, and protocols
• Regular communication with teachers ensures they are well informed about their students' behavior and progress
• The classroom is free from physical and environmental hazards
• Incident reporting occurs within the timeframes designated in program policy and protocol