Primary Care Teacher

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

At NCCDI we subscribe to the Standards of Ethical Behavior as outlined in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. It is expected that all employees become familiar with the code and use it as a model for ethical and professional behavior.

SUMMARY

A Primary Caregiver Teacher provides day to day care for 4 infants or toddlers (age 6 weeks – 36 Months) in an Early Head Start classroom.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Build responsive relationships, plan and implement an appropriate program that fulfills all the requirements as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards as related to EHS.
2. Assist Primary Caregiver Teacher Director/Site Supervisor With Day-To-Day Operations of Center
3. Assume responsibility of primary care for up to 4 children offering consistent, responsive, and respectful care to each child; feed, diaper and offer naps to children on demand.
4. Encourage Parents to participate in program activities through daily positive interaction.
5. Recognize and respect parent’s values and support dual language learning.
6. Assure that each child receives screening within their first 45 days and keep accurate and up to date child observations and records.
7. Work with staff to ensure that children are referred as needed based on screening results.
8. Inform parents of their child’s development ensuring that each family receives two (2) home visits and two (2) conferences, and is encouraged to participate in curriculum planning, goal development, collect portfolio documents to show growth in the development of children.
9. Be inclusive of children with disabilities, consistent with their I.E.Ps or I.F.S.Ps.
10. Assure development and maintenance of lesson plans that are individualized and support children’s interests, goals and Performance Standards using curriculum approved by NCCDI.
11. Ensure a balanced schedule and routine that helps children develop a sense of trust and security in each classroom.
12. Plan for routines and transitions so that they occur in a timely, predictable and unrushed manner according to each child’s needs, assure that each child begins transition process in a timely manner and receives smooth transition services.
13. Assure compliance with licensing regulations and Performance Standards.
14. As a mandated reporter assure that policies and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse are followed.
15. Assure in maintaining required adult-child ratio.
16. Know and follow emergency procedures and scheduled drills for accidents, natural disasters and health emergencies.
17. Follow Sanitation and hygiene procedures for safe and efficient maintenance of classroom.
18. Work with staff to maintain a safe environment for children, staff and volunteers and to report any known safety problems to Supervisor.
19. Conduct a monthly parent meeting in conjunction with the Teacher Director
20. Relates to high-risk families and their children. Develops communication skills to ensure appropriate quality services to parents and staff. Develops relationships with families and encourages them to participate in the program.
21. Is aware of family cultures and is culturally-sensitive to all children and families.
22. Relates to children, parents and staff in a positive and appropriate manner
23. Addresses behavior challenges in the classroom through developmentally appropriate practices.
24. Assist Primary Caregiver Teacher Director in maintaining a CUM file on each child, including updates, referrals, follow-up and complete information on all the children in his/her class.
25. Recruit volunteers in classroom and other Agency activities in order to assist NCCDI’s efforts in meeting Head Start non-federal share requirement.
26. Develop a strong understanding of community resources available to children and families within Tehama County
27. In the classrooms, supervises center staff, parents, volunteers and substitutes. Provides input to Primary Caregiver Teacher Director for staff appraisals, as needed.
28. Submit documentation of non-federal share to Supervisor in a timely manner.
29. Conduct inventory of classroom and facility equipment on an annual basis as instructed by Chief Fiscal Officer.
30. Continues personal professional development by attending workshops, seminars, and classes to maintain required certifications and licenses as required by the State Commission of Teacher Credentialing and/or by the Office of Head Start. Office of Head Start requires that EHS Teachers/Associate Teachers must possess a focus (3-6 units) on infant and toddler development. Therefore, in order to meet this requirement, NCCDI will require you to demonstrate on-going progress towards focus attainment throughout term of employment until requirements are met.
31. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. One year experience working with young children.
2. Ability to speak read and write English at a sufficient level to perform the duties of the job.
3. Supervisory experience is preferred.
4. A current negative TB test and a statement of good health from a physician are required as a condition of employment.
5. Ability to pass criminal record clearance and Child Abuse Index.
6. Must have knowledge of community resources.
7. Must have and maintain current Infant/Toddler CPR/First Aid
8. Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
9. Must have a genuine interest in children and families.
10. Must have the ability to relate to low-income families and their needs.
11. Must be able to serve children with Special Needs in a full-inclusion classroom.
12. Must work cooperatively as a member of a team.
13. Must pursue additional training/professional development

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have a valid California Driver’s License and clear driving record.
2. Must have and maintain current Infant/Toddler CPR/First Aid.
3. Possess Teacher Center permit or be eligible to apply at time of hire and be continuing education toward an AA/BA.
4. Must possess 3 units of an Infant Toddler course.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; to talk, see or hear; to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 60 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Exposure to dust and fumes is minimal or non-existent.