Infant/Toddler Teacher Jobs

Job Summary: Job incumbent provides safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate care to infants/toddlers enrolled in the TCC Comprehensive Prenatal to Five Head Start program. Incument conducts a comprehensive program and supervises all teaching aspects of the classroom as well as works closely with parents and other staff members.

Adhere to the TCC Ch'eghwtsen' model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.

Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbent(s).

Representative Duties: Under general supervision of the Education Coordinator or Staff Development/Regional Site Coordinator job incumbent will:

1. Plan a schedule of daily activities, which integrates child health and safety, early childhood development, child mental health and family and community partnership into the curriculum.

2. Develop individualized activities to meet individual child's needs using a team approach. Develop classroom activities that reflect the specific cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the children.

3. Maintain a safe and positive learning environment for the children.

4. Involve parents in education activities to enhance their role as the primary educator of their children.

5. Completes observations and screenings to identify each child's strengths and interests within the first 45 days of enrollment. Continues this process by completing prescribed educational assessments three times during the program year to track the child's development and growth throughout the year. Teacher uses this information to develop materials and activities for the child, and shares assessment results with child's caregivers.

6. Advise an appropriate coordinator of health, family services, and educational concerns as necessary.

7. Conduct monthly fire drills, ensuring children, volunteers, and Teacher Assistants know appropriate drill procedures.

8. Assist the Health Coordinator with gathering pertinent information such as dental and medical follow-up.

9. Clean the classroom every day, including putting supplies in proper space and sanitizing surfaces and toys.

10. Maintains organized, accurate and up-to-date child file information and documentation, and promptly reports updates to central office.

11. Completes and submits accurate daily/weekly and monthly reports and contacts in the required time frame.

12. Attends scheduled parent meetings and reports on program activities, provides parent educational opportunities. Supervises parent night activities and other group social events.

13. Provides supervision of the volunteers in the classroom.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED.

2. Must be eighteen years of age.

3. Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or ECE Certificate. If does not meet minimum requirements, must enroll in and complete a CDA program within 12 months of hire and must complete a Training Employment Agreement at the time of hire.

4. Six months experience working with children ages birth to three.

5. Complete all mandatory Head Start Performance Standard Trainings per 1302.47 (4) within three months of hire and complete ongoing training as necessary to include:

6. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

7. A pre-employment health check to include negative TB clearance upon hire and every three years thereafter. DTaP and Hepatitis B vaccinations highly recommended.

8. Must obtain a Food Worker's card within 30 days of hire and maintain certification as required.

9. Must pass background check pursuant to Alaska DHSS and Federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of (or ability to quickly learn) Head Start Performance Standards and Regulations.

2. Strong understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultures and lifestyles, with demonstrated experience working effectively with Alaska Native populations.

3. Willingness to travel outside of the community to attend training and conferences.

4. Demonstrated respect for the family as the child's first teacher and demonstrated ability to represent TCC Prenatal to Five Head Start well in the community.

5. Must be dependable, responsible, self-motivated, and independent.

6. Ability to maintain an effective working relationship over many months with families from diverse backgrounds, while respecting individual differences.

7. Ability to interact with children in a positive manner.

8. Desire to learn about best early childhood practices and implement them in the classroom.

9. Ability to be a team player and work with others to produce the best outcomes for children and families.

Supervision: This position has oversight of the Teacher Assistant, and any substitutes or volunteers. All staff are supervised from Central Office, and are dually supervised by a Tribally designated on site supervisor.

Physical demands: Some work in the evening hours may be required in order to complete home visits with families. Must be able to work in a classroom setting with children birth to three years of age. Must be mobile enough to get up and down from the floor in order to interact with the children on their level. Must be able to lift up to twenty five pounds, in support of supplies. Periodically lifts and carries children, when necessary. Some periods of standing for long periods of time. Some risk of exposure to communicable diseases. Scrubs (provided) are required in order to minimize risk of spreading illnesses.

Summation: Job incumbent must possess the ability to interact with children and their families in a positive manner. This is critical in the success of this position. The person helps educate the youngest and most vulnerable members of their community so a caring and compassionate attitude are of utmost importance.