Description

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Curriculum Specialist is responsible for providing a stimulating environment for the growth, well-being and development of the children, and the creation and implementation of lesson plans that successfully prepare children for Kindergarten readiness.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Classroom Environment: Provides a safe and stimulating environment that meets Head Start standards.
  • Selects appropriate materials and equipment and arranges the room to provide an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level and learning style of the children.
  • Provides the group with a positive routine and with simple rules that are understood and accepted by children and adults.
  • Help children to know, accept and appreciate themselves as individuals. Help each child develop a sense of independence and acquire the ability to express, understand and control feelings. Encourage feelings of mutual respect among the children in the group.
  • Follows written policies and regulations established by the Center, Health Department and granting agency.
  • Makes regular inspections and reports the need for repair or replacement of classroom supplies and equipment to their supervisor, using proper work order and supply request forms.
• Curriculum: Plans lessons and creates activities that successfully prepare children for kindergarten readiness.
  • Develops written weekly lesson plans utilizing Creative Curriculum as well as written individualized education plans.
  • Provides daily activities and experiences which encourage questioning, probing and problem-solving skills appropriate to developmental level and learning style of the children.
  • Provides experiences that stimulate children to explore and express their creative ability
  • Assists children in using language as a means of communicating their thoughts, feelings and understanding of others.
• Assessment and Documentation: Assesses all children’s level of development and documents progress throughout the year using the work sampling system.
  • Observes children on a daily basis recording at least 2 observations per week per child by individualizing for each child.
  • Formally assesses each child's development using working sampling data 3 times per year.  Planning for children after assessment using data from Work Sampling Summary reports.
  • Makes appropriate referrals based upon assessments, team planning sessions, CDT etc.
  • Maintains all necessary record keeping, including daily meal count, attendance.
• Parent Involvement: Encourages parent involvement and coaches parents on their child’s continuous education.
  • Establishes positive and productive relationships with parents and encourages them to participate in the Center's activity.
  • Plans at a minimum 2 parent conferences per year and completes 2 home visits per year.
  • Organizes and serves as a partner with the parents and the classroom FSC for the Class Committee.
• Professional Development: Strives to improve skills and knowledge base on an ongoing basis.
  • Participates in all professional development initiatives and assigned trainings organized by the program and the grantee office.
  • Participates in outside workshops, seminars and training programs that will facilitate ongoing professional development.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Works cooperatively with all other staff members in the implementation of Center plans, activities, policies and rules.
• Serves as a member of CDT when appropriate.
• Participates in all supplemental and enrichment activities such as parent orientation, transition night, and male involvement activities, total parent meetings and more.
•  Attends all staff meetings and team meetings as assigned.
• Upholds the vision, mission and values of St. Vincent de Paul.
• Assists with and attends special events held by the Center and St. Vincent de Paul as necessary, attends meetings etc.
• Creates an atmosphere of care and respect for staff, volunteers and clients.
• Supports a welcoming and positive environment for volunteers and works with them effectively.
• Other duties as assigned, within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s Degree in Education, required, Early Childhood Education, preferred
• 1 year classroom experience, preferred
• Experience working with people who are/have experienced homelessness, living with substance abuse/mental health problems, and/or at-risk populations,
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience setting and accomplishing program outcomes.
• Ability to interact with people of varying ages and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sound computer skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

__X__ Primarily Indoor Work                

TYPE OF WORK

___X__MEDIUM WORK:  Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects up to 25 pounds.