Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for assisting with all types of classroom activities such as providing services in compliance with program guidelines, policies and procedures, implementing developmental assessments, maintaining active supervision of children, assisting teachers with preparing lesson plans, promoting parent participation, and assessing/screening children's learning.

Essential Functions (Not All Inclusive):

• Assists with providing comprehensive services for children aged birth to three and/or three to five years of age.
• Maintains awareness of the developmental level of all children in the classroom, continually supervising and interacting with children.
• Assists with designing a safe and attractive learning environment.
• Assists with daily inspection of the center, classroom and playground daily, ensuring that materials and equipment are safe.
• Assists in implementing Head Starts’ approved curricula by writing detailed and comprehensive lesson plans which include goals to achieve measurable outcomes in each curriculum area.
• Assists in promoting parent participation in all areas of the Program.
• Strictly adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality and ethics when working with children, parents and peers.
• Assists with coordinating the Head Start classroom environment by integrating information and services from all Head Start Service areas and community partners.
• Assists with implementing developmental assessments, child observations, anecdotal records, and other relevant information to share with the team.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of Rule 3 Licensing Guidelines, all relevant Health and Safety regulations, Federal Head Start Performance Standards, principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), and established agency policies and procedures.
• Is an active participant in center, agency and community meetings, and participates in classroom team meetings.

Requirements

Education & Experience: Must meet one of these three requirements:

• A current Preschool CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential; OR
• Enrolled and actively pursuing an AA/AS or BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or a degree in a related field. 6 months of experience in an early childhood setting, 9 semester credits OR
• Committed to completion of a Preschool CDA .or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential within 12 months of hire, with the support of the Agency
• CAPRW offers paid training to those who don't meet the above requirements.

Abilities & Skills:

• Ability to effectively relate and communicate to people of varying multi-ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have the stamina to model best practices in the classroom and act appropriately in an emergency situation.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation on a daily basis is preferred.
• Able to successfully pass pre-placement Head Start physical exam.
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Language fluency in Spanish, Karen, Nepali, or Somali preferred.

Certifications: Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications.

Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation on a daily basis is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have the stamina to model best practices in the classroom and act appropriately in an emergency situation.
• Physically capable of reacting to the demands of active 3-5 year olds.
• Must possess the stamina and ability to physically model best practices in the classroom.
• Must be able to successfully pass pre-placement Head Start physical exam.

Benefits

Department: Head Start

Salary: $17.65/Hr or $18.09/Hr (Bilingual)

Languages: Spanish, Karen, Hmong, or Somali Preferred

Schedule: M-F, 40 Hours/Week, Seasonal (9-10 Months/Yr) or Full Year

Remote Capability: This position has 0% -10% remote capability.

Posting Dates: 4/3/2023-until filled

Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, health, dental & life insurance, retirement, employee discount programs and more.

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Some positions require additional fingerprint and photo verification. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.