Teacher Associates E

About the Role

This is an exempt position responsible for conducting developmentally appropriate instruction and activities for children according to Head Start Performance Standards (HS), Council on Accreditation (COA), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines, and ensuring compliance with all Performance Standards, Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing requirements, Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program requirements, and federal, state, and local laws. The role requires adherence to Catholic Charities Policies and Procedures, HS and EHS contracts, and accreditation standards. The incumbent must demonstrate sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics, professionalism, organizational skills, and adherence to safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of safety rules and manage the education, care, safety, and well-being of each child.
• Develop and implement daily lesson plans addressing children’s individual needs while scaffolding learning objectives and stimulating development.
• Arrange the classroom-learning environment according to NAEYC guidelines, encouraging high-level play and challenging student thinking.
• Collaborate with families to prepare children for the transition to kindergarten.
• Promote and maintain universal health and safety precautions, including proper handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment, including classrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor facilities.
• Actively supervise students at all times, including nap time.
• Complete and record child assessments within 45 days according to Head Start guidelines.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, including VPK mandatory training.
• Provide health examinations and TB screening results to HR every two years.
• Conduct health and safety daily checklists and report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately.
• Perform a minimum of two home visits per program guidelines.
• Follow active supervision protocols and maintain accurate records of accidents or incidents.
• Adhere to USDA Food Program guidelines, including family-style serving and nutrition discussions.
• Maintain confidentiality as stipulated in Head Start Standard of Conduct and Catholic Charities Policies.
• Engage in positive interactions with children during meals to promote language development.
• Attend professional meetings, conferences, or workshops to maintain professional competence.
• Establish and maintain positive family relationships, including conducting parent/teacher conferences.
• Supervise and evaluate Teacher Aides and volunteers in conjunction with the Education Coordinator.
• Ensure children are dropped off and picked up by authorized individuals as indicated in enrollment forms.
• Measure and document children’s weight and height accurately.
• Complete daily attendance and ensure timely data entry in required databases.
• Record daily meal counts per CCFP and agency processes.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• DCF 45 hours (Introductory 30 Child Care Training Hours, 10 Hour Special Needs, and 5 Literacy Hours).
• Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in child development or early childhood education with 18 credits in early childhood education and experience teaching preschool-age children; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with 18 credits in Early Childhood Education; or
• Bachelor’s or associate degree plus 18 credits in Early Childhood Education.
• Supervisory teaching experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of English language structure, grammar, and composition.
• Ability to read and write grammatically correct Standard English for lesson plans, reports, and correspondence.
• Proficiency in speaking Basic English with children using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Proficiency in using Head Start and Catholic Charities databases.
• Effective communication with parents, guardians, children, and staff.
• Maintain professionalism with supervisors, subordinates, parents, and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff across departments.

Physical Demands

• Regular to frequent lifting of children (up to 50 lbs).
• Regular to frequent bending, stooping, stretching, walking, squatting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crawling, and sitting on low chairs or the floor.
• Moderate to loud noise levels in a childcare setting.
• Ability to detect unsafe situations by sight or sound and intervene quickly.
• Occasional exposure to various weather conditions.
• Exposure to childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.