Lead Child Development Teacher - Vestal

This position is responsible for academic, social-emotional growth and development of all children in their care, which may include infants, toddlers and/or preschool age children; develops partnerships with parents, children, and caregivers to engage and encourage participation in the program. He/she is also responsible for assuring compliance with State and local governing entities and works collectively with other staff member of AVANCE.

• Early Head Start Program and Parent Child Education Program (PCEP) works directly with children ages 6 weeks through toddler.
• Head Start works directly with toddlers through pre-k age children.
• 
  

Job Responsibilities

Promotes and models the organization’s Core Values.

• Always ensures the safety and well-being of children while under AVANCE’s care.
• Follows program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.
• Ensures that no child will be left alone or unsupervised while under our care.
• Uses positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. In addition, staff will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.
• Maintains an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child’s family, encourage their involvement in the program, and promote parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationships.
• Promotes feelings of security and trust in infants and toddlers by being warm, supportive, and comforting, and by establishing strong and caring relationships with them.
• Provides infants and toddlers with experiences and opportunities that allow them to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving skills, and creativity, as well as a sense of self and a feeling of belonging to the group.
• Conducts developmental screenings of infants’ and toddlers’ motor, language, social, cognitive, perceptual, and emotional skills as directed.
• Develops and teaches weekly lesson plans for each child according to the early childhood and assessment tool standards as directed.
• Reports suspected neglect, abuse, and medical conditions/illnesses immediately.
• Responsible for maintaining an average daily attendance of at least 85 percent in applicable programs.
• Attends required professional development.
• Actively encourages parents to participate in two home visits annually for each child enrolled in a center-based program option. These home visits must be initiated and carried out by the child’s teacher. Ensures that procedures are followed in accordance with State and Federal regulations. (*Positions in PCEP do not require home visits.)
• Ensures all performance, program and licensing standards are followed consistently.
• Will be the designated person in charge in the absence of the Center Director/Coordinator of Education to meet Licensing requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Required:

• Current CDA in Infant and Toddler required for Early Head Start, PCEP, School-Based, and Expansion positions.
• Minimum associates degree in child development or early childhood education for Head Start positions.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in child development or early childhood education or 18 hours equivalent coursework.

Work Experience

Required:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with an EHS/HS Program; knowledge of the Performance Standards and Texas Licensing Standards.

Preferred:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience with and EHS/HS Program and knowledgeable of the Performance Standards and Texas Licensing Standards.

Additional Skills Required

• Must be computer literate, and have proficient working knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Must have Interpersonal and team building skills.
• Spanish fluency helpful, but not required.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships.
• Strong verbal and written communication, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to travel to various training sessions.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must have dependable transportation daily, valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, current auto liability insurance and be bondable by AVANCE, San Antonio, Inc.

Disclaimer(s)

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Nothing in this job description forms or is intended to form a contract of employment. Neither shall the content in this job description be interpreted to conflict with, or to eliminate or modify in any way, the “at will” employment status of AVANCE San Antonio employees. Employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Travel

0-5% annually on average, mostly local.

Equipment

Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, resource materials and equipment, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental and Physical Demands

General office and sedentary. Regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Use of personal computing equipment.

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with interruptions and deadlines; walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; occasional: lifting/carrying, pulling/pushing 10-30 pounds. Work evenings and weekends as needed.

Environmental Factors

Occasional exposure to biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.). Occasional exposure to weather related conditions when working in outside environment/neighborhoods and events.