DEFINITION

Under the direct supervision of the Center Director and the appointed guidance of the Lead Teacher, will assist in planning, supervising, and implementing the education program within the classroom in accordance with the policies, procedures, and philosophy of MAAC Head Start.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that Locatimay be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Provides input and assistance into daily classroom activities and lesson plans
• Assists in designing and implementing classroom activities to meet the needs of the individual child
• Assists in implementing the approved curriculum and multi-cultural education
• Assists with classroom arrangement and related physical requirements to provide a safe, healthy, interesting, and enjoyable learning environment
• Develops and maintain an open, friendly, and informative relationship with parents and volunteers
• Assists in the interpretation and explanation of Head Start policies, programs, and principles
• Records individual children’s behavior and observations on appropriate record keeping forms
• Provides experiences for growing and learning for the individual child in relationship to his/her cultural and socioeconomic background
• Performs accurate numerical counts, such as attendance and meal counts
• Assists in maintaining classroom cleanliness; assists in set-up and maintenance of the classroom lunch area; assists in laundry and other maintenance; supervises children on bus as needed
• Assists in home visits at times convenient to the parent(s); assists in developing an Individual Family Plan for each child and family beginning at time of enrollment (phase-in) and updating it at least three times in the school year
• Attends mandated training programs, conferences, meetings
• Ensures personalized special services are provided to special needs children (i.e., feeding, assistance with toileting, including diapering, catheterization, training, urine bags, physically carrying the child – specialized training and equipment will be provided as needed)
• Assists in the development of individual education plans and teaching
• Provides an environment that facilitates growth and positive self-image for children
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Development and developmental patterns of children ages 3-5 years
• Oral and written English and grammar; basic arithmetic; developmental needs and requirements of preschool age children; methods and techniques of early childhood development; health, safety and nutritional requirements of preschool age children; methods for effective cooperation with teachers  children, and parents; general goals and purposes of early childhood education and family development
• Head Start philosophy, principles, and comprehensive services preferred
  Ability to:
• Learn and apply curriculum methods and procedures at MAAC Head Start; project a mature, constructive, stable and healthy team attitude in a learning environment
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
  Note: Submission of transcripts, certificates, diplomas, verification of work experience may be required for certain positions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Twelve (12) units (including core units) from an accredited college/university in Early Childhood Education OR Child Development
• California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or California Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
  1^st Preferred Experience Requirement:
• One (1) year Head Start experience with children in a classroom setting
  2nd Preferred Experience Requirement:
• One (1) year preschool experience with children in a classroom setting
  AND

Valid CPR, First Aid and Food Handlers Cards must be obtained within first two months (2) of employment and maintained throughout employment (paid, designated training available through MAAC).   In the event employees do not attend the scheduled training, they must obtain the cards through outside resources and costs will not be reimbursed.  The cards must be obtained and maintained within prescribed timelines.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions
Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers
Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development
Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines
Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems
Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes
Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.