EHS Teacher (PLUM)

Under the direction of the Site Manager of Porter-Leath Early Head Start, the Teacher will have the responsibilities of being the primary caregiver for one group of children in the Porter-Leath Early Head Start facility.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or Certified Development Associate Certification with Infant Toddler Endorsement; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience with infants and/or toddlers (0-3). CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no supervisory requirements for this position.

Essential Job Functions

1. Perform according to the standards set forth by Head Start, the NAEYC, CWLA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing, CACFP and Porter-Leath.
2. Assume responsibilities as the primary caregiver for one group of children that includes children with special needs.
3. Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities of enrichment and care for one classroom of children according to the standards set forth by Head Start, the NAEYC, CWLA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter-Leath standards on a daily basis.
4. Work cooperatively with program staff to provide a continuum of health, education and support services to children and their families.
5. Cooperatively work with other staff members in creating a positive environment for children, families and staff.
6. Assist in maintaining appropriate records of attendance, meal counts, etc. necessary to produce reports. Serves and supervises meals in accordance with CACFP requirements.
7. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring a coordinated plan of care for each family.
8. Act as mentor to families of children in group.
9. Support and teach good parenting practices.
10. Conduct regular parent conferences, contact and home visits with families. Conduct Parent Involvement activities. 
11. Maintains a healthy classroom environment by following health and safety precautions and sanitation procedures.
12. Keep Supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely and concise manner.
13. Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups.
• Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.
• Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs.
• Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.
• Possess an attitude of continuous improvement.
• Possess a commitment to continued education to include regular participating in workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc.
• Ability to provide a continuum of care to pregnant women and children ages birth to 3½ years old.
• Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
• Ability to follow through on given directives in a timely manner.
• Flexibility in scheduling.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships within a client’s home.
• Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary.
• Possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families, conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change, the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger/handle/feel. Occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision. Work in a non-smoking environment.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record with appropriate level of insurance.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.