Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Center Education Coordinator or Assistant Center Education Coordinator, this position is responsible for providing comprehensive early childhood services in compliance with program guidelines, policies and procedures. The Toddler Assistant Teacher is responsible for integrating the curriculum in the classroom by creating lesson plans and developing individual child goals to meet the needs of children, including observing, assessing, and documenting children’s progress. In addition, the Toddler Assistant Teacher is responsible for maintaining active supervision of children and providing ongoing communication with parents, including during home visits, at parent-teacher conferences, in written daily activities sheets, and at other program sponsored events.

Essential Functions (Not All Inclusive):

• Provides comprehensive services for children 16 months to 36 months of age maintaining compliance of the program’s guidelines and performance standards (including MN Rule 3, Child & Adult Care Food Program), and strictly adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality and ethics when working with children, parents and peers.
• Responsible for a primary care group of 2-4 children acting as the primary caregiver for this group of children, including caregiving activities (feeding and diapering/toileting), building secure and trusting relationships with children and families, documenting daily activities of children, developing child-level goals, and completing ongoing observations and assessment of children.
• Actively engages in developmentally appropriate classroom activities, such as child-directed free play, caregiving routines, and floor play. This includes diaper changing.
• Promotes parent participation in all areas of the Head Start Program. Communicates opportunities such as volunteer opportunities in the classroom, center meetings, family events, parent education opportunities, community events/ resources, Policy Council, and Advisory committees.
• Teaches and develops children’s social emotional skills using evidence-based strategies to teach, model, and reinforce positive behaviors. Assistant Teachers will assist in producing a material-rich environment to stimulate social interactions among children, including predictable and consistent routines, rules and social expectations. Materials will prioritize and promote social emotional health, provide language on resolving conflicts, provide opportunities to share and take turns, and opportunities to practice and implement what they have learned.
• Undergoes annual classroom observations (CLASS) that measure effective teacher and child interactions, providing useful data to drive improvement. Observation scores must meet federal established guidelines.
• Obtains and maintains the program’s assessment tool certification (TSGOLD) within established program deadlines.
• Assists in designing a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment. Inspects the classroom, indoor and outdoor space daily ensuring that materials are safe and removing or repairing unsafe equipment. Participates in emergency drills.

Requirements

Education & Experience: Must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• A current Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (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, with a minimum of 6 semester credits in early childhood completed.
• Required to provide transcripts and/or certification.
• Experience in Early Childhood Special Education or with children demonstrating developmental delays preferred.
• Head Start experience preferred.
• CAPRW offers paid training to those who don't meet the above requirements.

Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at a minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:

• Enjoy working with young children.
• 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
• Use a computer and related software applications

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

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

Physical Requirements:

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

Benefits

Department: Head Start

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

• Salary increase at 6 months and 12 months (upon successful completion of probationary period)

Languages Preferred: Spanish, Somali, Karen, or Napoli

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 Hours/Week, Full Year or Seasonal (9-10 Months/Year), Float

Posting Dates: 11/30/2022- until filled

Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO),14 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.

COVID Vaccination: As a condition of employment Community Action requires all employees to be fully vaccinated or have an accepted exemption form completed upon hire.