Infant and/or Toddler Assistant Teacher

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 DHS regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, program guidelines, policies and procedures. The Infant Assistant Teacher is responsible for implementing 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 Infant Assistant Teacher is responsible for maintaining active supervision of children and for 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:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive services for children from birth to 3 years of age maintaining compliance with the program’s guidelines and performance standards (including MN DHS licensing regulations Head Start Program Performance Standards, Child & Adult Care Food Program)
• Strictly adheres to 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.
• 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), 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.
• If assigned to the location of “Float”, staff will be required to work at multiple locations and will be expected to support all classrooms, children ages 0-5 years.
• Performs other functions as necessary or as assigned.

Professional Development

• 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.
• Attain and maintain the program reliability certifications within established program deadlines.
• Actively participates in required and optional professional training classes and workshops as available. Maintains personal training logs. Completes the required annual training hours necessary to comply with MN DHS Licensing guidelines.

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

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, 6 months of experience in an early childhood setting, with a minimum of 6 semester credits in early childhood completed.
• Required to provide transcripts and/or certification.
• Must meet minimal experience required by MN Department of Human Services Rule 3 for licensed child care centers.

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

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, 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 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), Home Visits in the community, trainings at various locations within the community.

Benefits

Department: Head Start

Starting Salary Range: CDA in progress or enrolled in AA program - $20.27/hr - $22.28/hr

Completed CDA or a minimum of six credits in early childhood education or child development - $21.52/hr -$23.67/hr

Your starting salary will be based on whether you have relevant experience above the requirements listed above.

Schedule: Up to 40 hours/week, Full Year or Seasonal (9-10 months of the year) M-F
Remote Capability: This position has 0% remote capability.

Posting Dates: 09/05/2024 - 09/20/2024

Locations:

• University - 450 N Syndicate St. Saint Paul, MN 55104
• Battle Creek - 2181 Suburban Ave Saint Paul, MN 55119
• Agape - 1037 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104
  

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

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.