Job Summary:
Under the supervision of the Education Operations Manager in conjunction with a Center Education Coordinator and/or Assistant Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for providing comprehensive educational services in compliance with Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, program guidelines, policies, and procedures. The Assistant Teacher Substitute is responsible for implementing the early childhood curriculum into the classroom and for maintaining active supervision of children at all times. In a substitute position, this role will will work on an irregular schedule and will not have a set schedule. Employees will be offered opportunities to work as they become available and will not have a set schedule. Opportunities for long term subbing may be available.
Essential Functions:
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide comprehensive services for children in early care and education classrooms (ages 0-5) maintaining compliance in the program’s guidelines and procedures. Adhere to Head Start performance standards as well as MN DCYF licensing regulations and Child & Adult Care Food Program.
Strictly follow the highest standards of confidentiality and ethics when working with children, parents, and peers.
Engage each child in the classroom with hands-on learning and assist the lead teacher as they execute their role.
Assist in the implementation of detailed and comprehensive lesson plans using Creative Curriculum (per Curricula and Intentional Planning Procedure)
Ensure a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment and ensure active supervision is maintained at all times (per Teaching and Learning Environment Policy).
Actively participate in the Inspection of the classroom indoor and outdoor space daily ensuring that materials are safe(per Daily Potential Hazards Checklist),including cleaning and safety checklists. Report all major issues to management. Conduct daily informal health checks of each child. Actively participate in all emergency drills (per Emergency Safety Lockdown policy).
Assist in implementing trauma-informed classroom supports. Utilize and follow the program’s social-emotional curriculum. Create opportunities for children to build trusting relationships within healthy boundaries. Model appropriate expression of feelings (per Promotion of Children’s Mental Health, Social and Emotional Well-Being policy and Pyramid Implementation in Classrooms policy).
Provide positive behavior supports with the understanding that behavior of children is a form of communication that can be shaped through the development of strong relationships with children (per Behavior Guidance Licensing and Classroom Approach policy and Pyramid Implementation in Classrooms policy), consistent expectations, natural consequences, and on-the-spot behavior replacement guidance.
Teach skills using evidence-based strategies to enhance children’s social emotional development. Model appropriate behavior and allow children to practice and implement new skills and language related to conflict resolution, sharing, and taking turns.
Attain and maintain reliability certifications within established program deadlines.
Actively participates in required and optional professional training classes and workshops as available.
Maintain personal training logs. Complete required number of annual training hours necessary to remain in compliance with Minnesota Rule 3 Licensing guidelines.
In response to the staffing needs of the center, this position will be expected to support all age groups (0 to 5) at the site, if needed.
Staff will be required to work at multiple locations and will be expected to support all classrooms, children ages 0-5 years.
Perform other functions as necessary or as assigned.
Safety: Responsible for the area of supervision and daily enforcement of safety regulations and practices.
Affirmative Action: Responsible for following the affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
Must meet one of these four requirements: (Add new information based on enrollment reduction)
A current CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential
OR
an AA/AS or BA/BS in Early Childhood Education or a degree in a related field with 6 months of experience in an early
childhood setting, and 6 semester credits
Must meet minimal experience required by MN DCYF Rule 3 for licensed child care centers
Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:
Ability to effectively relate and communicate to people of varying multi-ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Flexible and willing to work in a team-teaching environment.
Capable of using good judgment in daily teaching situations, and in interactions with staff, parents and community volunteers.
Must successfully complete and pass the criminal background check.
Core Technology Competency: Level 1-Basic
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 0-5 year-olds.
Must possess the stamina and ability to physically model best practices in the classroom.
Must be able to successfully pass the pre-placement Head Start physical exam.
Mental Requirements: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to make modifications at their discretion.
Environmental Requirements: School environment (classroom and playground)