STARTING PAY $8.74/HOUR, APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5 PM ON FEBRUARY 26, 2012 FOR CONSIDERATION

Universal Essential Functions:          

• Be familiar with and adhere to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, State of Michigan licensing requirements, Education and Children’s Services (ECS) policies and procedures and agency personnel policies and procedures.                                  
• Maintain an open, friendly, professional relationship with all staff and families, to include respect for culture, diversity and ethnicity.                                   
• Assist families as needed to ensure quality, comprehensive services.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.                           
• Attend training, planning and regular meetings as needed/required.    
• Foster communication among staff and families to promote strong, supportive teams and resolve conflict in an appropriate problem solving manner.                         
• Maintain accurate documentation and complete written reports as required by position.        
• Be familiar with and adhere to the child/elder abuse and neglect reporting laws         
• Encourage volunteerism and maintain accurate documentation of In-Kind contributions.                                                                              

General Essential Functions:

• Follow classroom guidelines and rules regarding the health and safety of children.
• Follow the ECS service plans for job specific functions
• Promote learning and social skills.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and caring for the classroom and outdoor environment.  
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making in the classroom and outdoors.
• Interact with all children with dignity and respect, ask open-ended questions, listen carefully to their answers, be aware of non-verbal cues and understand each child’s individual communication style.
• Share information and assist other classroom staff in maintaining accurate written records; including anecdotal observations and records on each child.
• Assist with the daily evaluation of children’s health status, hygiene, social-emotional and physical well-being.
• Knowledge of typical behaviors and developmentally appropriate expectations of children birth-5 years.

        

Position Specific Essential Functions:           

• Assist with planning and implementation of the daily program according to the principles in the Creative Curriculum.
• Assist in implementing large and small group activities.
• Assist in providing a variety of ways to ensure frequent and consistent contact with families.
• Assist in the continuity of care for all children.
• Assist classrooms in the distribution, delivery and clean up of meals.
• Perform duties as assigned to maintain clean, organized and inviting classroom such as food service, washing dishes and organizing supplies.

 

Professional Competence and Job Knowledge:

• Demonstrates good judgment and decision making                            
• Participates in training opportunities in addition to required agency training.                          
• Reliability, dependability and attendance                               

                                               

The statements listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by such a person.

                                                                                                                    

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education:  This position requires knowledge normally acquired through a general high school education or its equivalent. Staff hired in this position will be required to take a 3 credit Early Childhood Education course annually until a CDA is obtained (Coursework in Infant Toddler Development is recommended for staff in buildings with EHS). 

 

Experience:  Minimum of six months experience in early childhood development is preferred. 

 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to apply Early Childhood Development theory in daily classroom activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.
• Working knowledge of available community resources.
• Knowledge of typical behaviors/expectations of three and four year old children
• Ability to supervise and ensure a safe learning environment for children.
• Ability to adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all children.
• Willingness to continue professional growth through continued education.
• Ability to monitor and guide classroom staff.

 

The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted to perform the duties of the job.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

 

Employees within this classification are required to:

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
• Pass a physical examination every two years.
• Complete Tuberculosis (TB) test every two years with negative results.
• Maintain a current First Aid and CPR certification (training provided).
• Valid driver’s license with driving record in compliance with Community Action insurance carrier requirements.
• Reliable transportation with appropriate insurance coverage.
• Be able to bend, stoop and kneel and lift up to 60 lbs.
• Be able to sit on floor with children.