Early Head Start CO-TEACHER

Summary:

Carry out the mission statement of BRAD Child Development Programs: Close the achievement gap by focusing on positive child and family outcomes; resulting in a better future for children, families and communities.  Instruct children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for later success in life.

Duties:

Plans and organizes center classroom activities that are aligned with specified early childhood practices to address the needs of children ages six weeks to three years.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: In addition to the following, other duties may be assigned.

Education:

• Plan, implement and individualize learning experiences that advance the development of the whole child using the Creative Curriculum in a nurturing, learning environment.
• Improve school readiness for children in literacy and math with classroom experiences that enrich social, cognitive, physical and emotional development utilizing appropriate early childhood education practices.
• Utilize the online Teaching Strategies Gold platform for documenting and assessing each child’s development to ensure that appropriate activities are planned and executed to meet individual needs.   
• Maintain an environment that allows children to explore and learn by utilizing lesson plans and creating meaningful experiences.
• Use provided professional development opportunities to grow teaching practices in addition to working with assigned mentor coaches.
• Create a partnership with families that allows for learning opportunities to occur in the home.
• Conducts and documents developmental, speech, behavioral, and growth screenings for children.
• Develop an understanding of the assessment tools used to monitor classrooms at the state and federal level.

• Plans, schedules and conducts parent conferences and home visits. 

Health & Safety:

• Follow Mandated Reporter protocols in an effort to protect young children from suspected neglect/abuse
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children’s health at all times
• Prioritize the safety of children using active supervision at all times 
• Maintain and follow Emergency Healthcare plans for children
• Complete required protocol for health practices with and for children.
• Assist/role model for children appropriate self-help skills 
• Extend learning opportunities in small groups about health and safety
• Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment through cleaning & sanitation

Family Services/ERSEA:

• Serves as the Family Advocate for the four children on assigned caseload.
• Collaborate with families in a partnership that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, services and resources that support family well-being
• Provide opportunities for volunteering in our program
• Encourage attendance and participation in Parent Meetings and Parent Engagement Activities
• Track Volunteer hours for non-federal match
• Encourage parents to read at home and track lending library books
• Recruit and promote regular attendance

Nutrition:

• Maintain accurate daily meal count records according to Child Adult Care Food Program
• Assist children and model family style dining (setting the table/ serving) 
• Encourage healthy food habits among children. 
• Extend learning opportunities at meal times by engaging children in conversation
• Maintain and monitor accurate height/weight charts for all children

Mental Health:

• Implement trauma-informed social-emotional curriculum, Conscious Discipline, in the classroom setting.  
• Conduct social-emotional assessments per agency regulations.
• Provide positive support in teaching practices with children and families.

Professional Development:

• Complete and/or maintain all applicable certifications as required for the position
• Provide guidance to volunteers and other classroom personnel. 
• Actively participate in center-based meetings, as applicable.   
• Attend workshops and training programs to improve skills, increase awareness and enhance knowledge. 
• Participate in cross-training initiatives for various roles to promote a well-rounded understanding of departmental functions.