Under the supervision of the Classroom Teacher.  Assists the Teacher in implementing the Head Start program at the program and classroom level.  Responsibilities encompass all facets of the program, including:  integration of components following Head Start Performance Standards, New Mexico state child care industry licensing regulations and the accreditation requirements for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); health/safety and developmentally appropriate education of young children; involvement of parents/guardians; and maintenance and security of Head Start classroom.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED), CDA or NM Early Child Accreditation, plus six months experience working with children ages 3 to 5.

   

• Must be able to read and write. Must be fluent in target language (both written and spoken). Must be able to demonstrate oral and written ability of second language

   

• Is familiar with or is willing to acquire knowledge of dual language/maintenance program models and curriculum.

   

• Ability to exhibit emotional maturity and good judgment, to include high standards of morals and speech.

   

• Ability to establish an effective professional manner in all dealings with clients and the general public.

   

• Must be dependable and flexible with regard to working hours.

   

• Child Development Associate (CDA) bilingual endorsement preferred.

This is a professional position which requires organizational and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact and diplomacy in contacts with Head Start employees, community residents, parents and local government agencies.  Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.

Good general health and ability to lift and carry 55 lbs. are essential.

Background investigation to include fingerprinting is required.  Physical and TB Skin test is required upon hire, and may be required intermittently. 

Frequent travel is required by employee and proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer.  Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice.  YDI reserves the right to change work hours, work location, and status of position at any time.  This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

• Assist the classroom Teacher in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate program for young children based on early childhood principles, best practice, and Head Start philosophy.
• Will assist classroom teacher in the provision of dual language/maintenance instruction in English and second language (Spanish) in 50-50/maintenance program model where 50% of instruction is in English language and 50% in second language (Spanish).
• Co-teaches early childhood education concepts in two languages and integrate the teaching of content area.
• Will provide lesson plans in English/Spanish that incorporates all learning concepts
• Understands the core purposes of the dual language/maintenance program model and research behind the program’s effectiveness.
• Works cooperatively with parents/families who are culturally, racially and linguistically diverse.
• Maintains professional competence in dual language/maintenance instruction through participation in pre-service/in-service staff development opportunities provided by the agency.
• Assists in implementing (with fidelity and consistency) the curricula selected by the agency in all domains, such as education, mental health, nutrition, health/safety, etc.
• Assists in utilizing, organizing, and safe keeping classroom resources and curricula materials, ensuring materials are readily available at any time in the classroom, and accounted for in the beginning and end of each school year.
• Must have knowledge and comply with Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start component work plans, as well as local and state licensing regulations and policies.
• Assists Teacher in developmental screening and assessment of each child based on the agency’s timeline, assisting in making relevant referrals to component coordinators. Supports Teacher in referral processes and implementation of IEP’s.
• Assists in developing and implementing written daily lesson plans which meet individual developmental needs of children in the classroom.
• Develop and maintain strong, positive home/school relations.
• Participates in and scheduled and non-scheduled home visits and teacher/parent conferences.
• Attends Center Parent meetings as assigned.
• Assists in completion/maintenance of all records and reports, including, (but not limited to) meal counts, attendance, in-kind and accident reports.
• Works as team with teacher in planning and implementing all aspects of the program in the classroom.
• Assumes the responsibilities of the Teacher in his/her absence.
• Participation in required in-service training provided for Head Start staff.
• Participate in regular job performance assessments, including development and implementation of individual professional development plan.
• Comply with all program performance standards, agency, local, state and federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and records.
• Carry out all job-related duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner (refer to Head Start Employee Code of Ethics and NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Comment).
• Assist the Classroom Teacher in reporting the health and other needs of children.
• Upon arrival of children, must assist the Classroom Teacher in daily health checks.
• Responsible for knowledge of State Laws and Head Start Polices regarding child abuse.
• Responsible for knowledge of State Licensing requirements regarding child code.
• Assist teacher in kindergarten transition process and activities.
• Assist Teacher in center activities.