Associate Teacher

General Responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation of a developmentally appropriate program for eligible children following the curriculum and funding source guidelines in coordination with management staff.


• Ensure quality program service delivery.


• Protect the privacy of customers/families and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of service.

Specific Duties:

• Assist in executing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, providing activities to meet required components of the Service Delivery Plan, enhancing the physical, intellectual, social and emotional growth of young children.


• Responsible to assure the safety and well-being of every child in care.


• Promote a team approach in program coordination with site staff, management staff, Policy Council and area school personnel.


• Must be able to actively engage young children in intentional learning.


• Fulfill the role of lead teacher as deemed necessary if the Teacher is unavailable.


• Must actively engage family involvement in the program, including child and family goal setting.


• Must observe and assess children’s learning and enter necessary data into applicable databases.


• Assist in creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate and safe classroom environment.


• Be able to perform as an effective team member and promote positive concepts in the classroom.


• Must participate in conducting two home visits and two parent teacher conferences annually.


• Assist in the distribution and collection of in-kind.


• Assist in analyzing child outcome data for use in daily planning and individualization.


• Accurately enter necessary data into Child Plus as required.


• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.


• Work effectively with Teaching Team, Regional Coordinator and Component Coordinators in meeting program and overall departmental monthly, quarterly and annual goals and objectives.


• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.


• Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.


• Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.


• Attend community events and meetings to support the agency programs; including evening and weekend events/meetings.


• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, or Child Development or a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).


• Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire or the first session offered thereafter.


• Must complete 16 hours of annual training in addition to CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen training.


• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.


• Demonstrated ability as a strength-based leader.


• Demonstrated ability to present information to community groups.


• Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Great Start Readiness Program Implementation Manual, and State Licensing Regulations.


• Teaching Strategies Gold, Creative Curriculum, and Child Plus preferred.


• Head Start/GSRP experience preferred.


• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies Gold/Child Plus preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Possess a solid knowledge base with respect to child development and family services and seek to expand knowledge at every opportunity.


• Complete additional certifications as required.


• Maintain confidentiality and code of ethics at all times.


• Must have Proficient Computer Skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)


• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and MMCAA’s “Insurance Carriers” driving record review.


• Successfully complete required background checks at time of hire and when requested.


• Shall provide written report by a physician stating their physical capability and freedom from communicable tuberculosis.


• Must have good communication and organizational skills and be able to work effectively with people.


• Must be self-directed and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.


• Must possess the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allocated time frames.


• Must be willing to accept new challenges.


• The ability to navigate and effectively resolve conflict.


• Must comply with Agency tobacco free and drug free policies.


• Understand the importance of daily work attendance, and its impact on coworkers, clients, and the agency.


• Must be able to lift and carry a child weighing 45 pounds in an emergency situation.


• Must be able to bend, squat, and sit on the floor.


• Must be physically capable of performing CPR (with appropriate training).


• Must be able to work at the same level as a preschool child –bend, sit on floor or child’s chair, squat.