Purpose: To support children's school readiness by providing a safe, culturally and linguistically responsive, and developmentally appropriate Head Start classroom environment. Provide guidance to Assistant Teachers, Caregivers and volunteers under the supervision of the Early Childhood Education Coordinator (ECEC). Position follows ECMHSP service plans, Family Engagement practices, and supports the implementation of ECMHSP Program Goals and Objectives.

*$5K sign-on bonus for new teachers

JOB SPECIFICATIONS Meet all current ECMHSP, state and local child care employee regulations; including First Aid and CPR. Complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of professional development (age group specific) per year. Bilingual: English-Spanish desired.

Education and Experience: Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and experience working with children birth - five years old. Accepted: Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and experience working with children birth - five years old. Accepted Infant/Toddler: Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential; State Equivalency.

Skills, Knowledge and Ability: Excellent communication skills. Basic computer skills (Microsoft applications: Word, Excel and Outlook). Able to organize, file and distribute information and work under stressful conditions with multiple deadlines.

**Working Conditions: Office/Head Start center environment; flexible work hours occasional (evening/ weekend/overtime). Travel independently into rural areas and occasional overnight stay. Work outside a minimum of one (1) hour per day in varying weather conditions. Lunch will vary depending on needs of the center.

**Physical Requirements: Physically able to perform tasks, including but not limited to, bending, lifting and moving a minimum of 25 pounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**

• Follow procedures and guidelines described in ECMHSP content area manuals.
• Adhere to and practice ECMHSP Positive Guidance Policy.
• Implement daily classroom operations including planning and implementing school readiness activities for children.
• Closely supervise and maintain awareness at all times of the children assigned as primary responsibility. Follow ECMHSP primary caregiving procedures.
• Provide and maintain a safe environment to prevent injuries to staff and children. Keep the classroom and outdoor learning environment clean and free of dangerous equipment and debris.
• Create a positive emotional environment in the classroom by establishing warm and supportive relationships with children, displaying positive affect and communication, and demonstrating respect for one another.
• During evacuations or drills, assume role as indicated in established procedures.
• Assist in the physical maintenance and care of center facility such as sweeping, mopping, sanitizing and garbage disposal.

Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain a professional attitude with open communication and support a positive environment in the center to promote the social, emotional and mental wellness of staff, children and families. Model acceptable social behavior; encourage sharing and cooperation among children and staff.
• Communicate respectfully and maintain standards of confidentiality with all children, families, staff and community representatives.
• Advocate for migrant children and families.
• Participate in Community Assessment, Self-Assessment and Center Recruitment Plan as requested by supervisor.
• Attend parent meetings as required.
• Deliver training to parents as requested by supervisor.

Recordkeeping and Recording

• Complete and submit request for classroom supplies to ECEC.
• Complete and submit In-kind Contributions Form to Center Director.
• Document recruitment activities and submit reports to supervisor as required.

Professional Develo ment

Attend and participate in pre-service, in-service and other trainings as requeste