Head Start-Assistant Teacher 2024-2025 School Year

***All interested applicants MUST submit an application at www.wacog.com/careers to be considered***

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under general supervision, develop and implement age and developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities designed to promote the social competence, cognitive and language development, and physical growth of pre-school children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Assume responsibility for the care, safety, and welfare of the children through active supervision; abide by the Program Standards of Conduct.
• Coordinate with Head Start Teacher and other center staff to plan and facilitate comprehensive and culturally sensitive early childhood experiences using the Creative Curriculum and State standards; implement developmentally appropriate practices which meet the needs and interests of the children.
• Apply age appropriate teaching techniques and positive behavior management skills while working with preschool age children. Provide children a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and enjoyable learning environment through positive behavior management techniques and constant ("Active") supervision during all activities including instructional, playground, combined staff and child meal times, hand washing, and teeth brushing.
• Evaluate and report student progress while working with the Family Development Team and Program Specialists to ensure screenings and delivery of services to children and families.
• Apply Coaches' reflections to enhance and improve the overall teaching experience.
• Understand and adhere to all WACOG and applicable external regulations, policies and procedures, and safety standards to include Head Start Performance Standards, Arizona Child Care Licensing, CACFP, and all Mandated Reporting requirements regarding suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
• Develop and maintain respectful partnerships with families, including communicating with parents professionally on a daily basis, that support family well-being, strong relationships between parents and their children, and ongoing learning and development for both parents and children.
• Actively participate in the development of weekly lesson plans that include individualized activities for each child in a timely manner aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and WACOG's School Readiness Goals to ensure children's daily experiences provide multi-cultural and dual language opportunities that lead to improvements in cognitive, social/emotional, and physical growth. Follow up on goals on a monthly basis.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records including ongoing observations to evaluate each child's growth and development while maintaining the confidentiality of child, family and program information.
• Conduct developmental screenings and ensure each child's ongoing assessment is linked to curriculum goals. Use screening results to develop written referrals for children with suspected disabilities.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences; attend home visits and screenings on a regular basis.
• Attend IEP reviews and apply goals to meet children's needs. Write needed IEP referrals in a timely manner.
• Track, prepare, and submit In-Kind documentation in a timely manner through the appropriate channels.
• Remain prepared and organized with necessary forms for meetings and everyday classroom needs. Take responsibility for the completion and accuracy of sections five and six of the family files.
• Perform data entry into assigned electronic systems and paper files to include MTS and ChildPlus.
• Actively participate to build and maintain a professional and collaborative instructional team that includes Assistant Teachers, parents, and volunteers; mentor and lead other classroom staff.
• Clean and disinfect assigned areas on a regular basis and as needed.
• Develop professionally by taking educational training or workshops as required.
• Travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel maybe required.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
• Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality; project a positive and professional image of WACOG at all times.
• Other duties as assigned or required of the position.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Per Head Start Program Performance Standards, currently:

Enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential program to be completed within two years of hire, or

Enrolled in an Associate degree in child development or early childhood education to be completed within two years of hire, providing continuous enrollment

WACOG REQUIREMENT- must provide proof of continuous enrollment/progress each Spring/Fall semester

Per Arizona Licensing Requirements (R9-5-401), currently:

16 years of age, and

Current and continuous enrollment in high school or a high school equivalency class, or employment as a teacher-caregiver aide for 12 months

WACOG REQUIREMENT- must provide proof of high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma within two years of hire.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Two years experience working in early childhood education and with federal grants.

EOE/ADA

***All interested applicants MUST submit an application at www.wacog.com/careers to be considered***

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $16.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Work Location: Multiple locations