Assistant Preschool Teacher

The Highly Qualified teacher in the of Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) in partnership with the Pleasant Valley School District is responsible for developing a nurturing, loving, safe, and educational space for children of all abilities alongside the licensed teacher. 

This individual is in direct care and counted as part of program ratio daily.  In addition to responsibility for direct care of the children at Hand in Hand, the Lead/Highly Qualified Teacher collaborates with other teaching staff to develop weekly lesson plans utilizing Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum®, adapts activities to meet the individuals needs and interests of children, and oversees classroom management utilizing Conscious Discipline and identified crisis prevention model Safety Care. The lead teacher will collaborate with the teaching team to effectively assess each child’s development using Teaching Strategies Gold, making note of goals and needs to support their development. This individual ensures regular family communication and program quality to develop the full child – cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times:
  • Develop weekly lesson plans in Teaching Strategies, posting the       plan conspicuously in the classroom and adhering the plan. 
  • Ensure constant visual and auditory supervision of all       participants.
  • Ensure sanitary procedures are followed by all children and       adults. This includes hand washing procedures, bloodborne pathogen       training and practices, diapering procedures, and soiled clothing       practices.
  • Immediately report all suspected cases of child and dependent       adult abuse according to state Mandatory Reporting requirements.
  • Execute a program schedule with flexible, consistent routines and       planned transitions.
  • Always demonstrate respect for participants, communicating with       empathy and compassion at their level and near the individual. 
  • Meet all personal care needs of assigned children/adults of all       abilities which can include diapering, catheterization, g-tube feeding.
  • Ensure constant compliance with state and agency stated staff to       participant ratios.
• Contribute to the development of an inclusive,      nurturing, safe and engaging space to promote learning and development:
  • Maintain a neat,       organized and engaging program space. 
  • Develop a welcoming       and friendly atmosphere to promote feelings of security, safety and       belonging.
  • Complete Infant/Toddler       Environment Rating Scale (ITCERS) or Early Childhood Environmental Rating       Scale training (ECCERS) training and assessments
    • Implement ITERS/ECERS        to assess and enhance the quality of the school-age care environment.
    • Conduct regular        evaluations using ITERS/ECERS and develop action plans to address areas        needing improvement.
    • Train and support        staff in understanding and applying ITERS/ECERS criteria.
    • Work with the team to ensure ongoing        compliance with ITERS/ECERS standards and strive for continuous        improvement in program quality; identify environmental needs and        cooperate with the Director for acquisition as necessary. 
  • Ensure compliance with HIPAA and privacy       requirements
  • Monitor supplies and       regularly communicate needs to Program Director. 

o Complete daily housekeeping tasks including laundry, dishwashing, floor mopping, sweeping and the general cleaning of surfaces. 

o Utilizing Teaching Strategies assessment processes, implement and document instructional and/or environmental adaptations to support the success for each child with diverse needs, identified disabilities, dual language learners, identified behavioral health needs and/or specialized health needs.

• Implement engaging activities that:
  • Foster creativity,       inquiry and encourages participants to lead the development and learning       process. 
  • Incorporate a wide       variety of experiences, materials, equipment, and instructional       strategies. 
  • Celebrate each participant’s       unique culture and abilities while fostering empathetic interactions with       diverse individuals.
• Facilitate connection and strong      communication:
  • Develop professional relationships       with participants, parents, volunteers and other members of the       community.
  • Facilitate regular and positive       communication with parents/guardians utilizing formal and informal       communication methods approved by the agency. 
  • Serve as an advocate for families.

o Meet with parents of participants to discuss progress, incidents and needs.

o Ensure updated progress reports for participants.

o Meet with parents of participants to discuss progress, incidents and needs as warranted.

o Collaborate with Director, LC and Director of Behavior Support and Training to complete necessary forms and assessments for behavior intervention and progress as necessary. 

o Implement formal orientation checklist for all new participants and families with program/ room information including schedules and communication via Brightwheel.

o Actively participate in HCBS Case Meetings, IFSP, and IEP meetings as requested. 

o Complete a home visit for every child enrolled in Statewide Voluntary Preschool (Preschool Classroom Only). 

o Host twice annual family conferences for each child to formally discuss child development and progress. 

· Accurately and fully complete all necessary paperwork and reports before the end of each shift. 

o Review team notes for accuracy, professionalism, and completion. 

o Ensure timely completion of incident/injury reports, reviewing at each shift before submission to Director. 

o Ensure accurate completion of all Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) records. 

o Ensure accurate completion of all logged daily activities in CRM. 

o Accurately clock in and out, ensuring proper timekeeping for duties.

o Coach team member to ensure Medicaid Waiver notes are thorough and complete.

• Complete all annual required training and      renewals including but not limited to:
  • CPR, First Aid, Mandatory Reporting,       Universal Precautions
  • Safety Care
  • Training related to       professional growth and/or program quality as approved by HHS IQ4K (12       hours)
  • Positive       Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)
  • Medication       Administration from IACP Medication Manager (13 Hours) *3s and PreK       only Med Administration from Scott County Health Department *Infant       and Toddler Only
  • HIPAA       Compliance
  • Social       Emotional Mental Health Training as approved by IA HHS IQ4K (6 hours)
  • Medication       Administration
  • Food Safety Approved Training (at least 1       training)
  • ISU-E’s Passport to       Early Education (within 9 months of employment)
  • Iowa Early Learning       Standards 
  • Appropriate       Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS, ECCERS)
  • Other       Trainings as Assigned

· Other

o Maintain knowledge of all services provided by Hand in Hand to promote our programs in the community.

o Maintain ongoing communication with staff and Director of Programs LC regarding ideas, concerns, safety issues and suggestions for designing and growing Hand in Hand programs. 

o Communicate with administrators, therapists, case managers and other professionals from outside agencies to coordinate services.

o Stay abreast of concerns or issues affecting Hand in Hand participants and families, offering ideas to better serve the population and meet those needs.

o Support Hand in Hand Director of Development and Marketing: market programs; support fund development; assess, write, submit and spend grant opportunities; and provide support for special fundraising events. 

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual must be at least 18 years of age. 

Education and/or Experience Required

· Meet standards for a highly qualified teacher by the state of Iowa Department of education

o CDA Credential, Paraeducator Certificate, Associate’s/Bachelor’s Degree, Two years of College

· At least 2 years’ experience in full-time early care and education or similar field. 

· Certified in infant, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and Iowa’s mandatory reporting of abuse (Hand in Hand will coordinate courses for certification if not yet obtained) 

· Experience working with children and adults with disabilities in a direct care setting preferred. 

· Knowledge of the State of Iowa Childcare licensing rules and regulations. 

Experience using behavior modification techniques.