QUALIFICATIONS: Possess a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/ Child Development, or related field and 1 year of experience; or a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/ Child Development or related field and 2 years of experience; or an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or related field and 3 years of experience. In the Early Head Start program only, teachers qualify with a Child Development Associate Credential specific to Infants and Toddlers. Must be at least 19 years of age. Must be physically able to lift (up to 50 lbs.) repeatedly, bend, stoop, stand and walk for extended periods of time.

Positions requiring the use of personal owned vehicle to perform job tasks; successful candidates must:

• Be 19 years of age
• Have a current valid state driver’s license
• Provide proof of current automobile liability insurance with a minimum bodily injury limit of $100,000 per person $300,000 per occurrence $50,000 property on personal owned vehicle
• Provide a current Motor Vehicle Report in order to be insurable by the program’s non-owned insurance plan

All job offers/work agreements are contingent on a clear report from the State Child Abuse/Neglect registry check, a suitability letter from the State/Federal criminal history background check, and negative results on drug/alcohol screening (pre-employment and random). All newly hired employees will be evaluated at the end of 90 days and 180 days (6-month) introductory orientation and evaluation periods. The time worked during the introductory and evaluation period will count toward the employee’s length of service for the purpose of determining eligibility of leave benefits upon approval of full-time status. The introductory period may be extended at TCR’s sole discretion.
STATUS: Non-Exempt/Hourly

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Develops and implements developmentally appropriate lesson plans which as directed by research based curriculum that aligns with the child development and Early Learning Frameworks, Alabama Early Learning Guidelines ad Alabama Pre-k Standards.
• Prepares learning environment for all children, which includes indoor and outdoor settings.
• Displays children’s work at their eye level, work displayed includes art, group projects, science experiments, block creations, etc. Work should be labeled with children’s name and a brief description of activity for parents and visitors.
• Have the ability to work with children and families from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Develops a “print-rich” learning environment, including using environmental print, labels, children’s writing, symbols, street signs, etc.
• Encourages parents/guardians input on lesson plans, menus, IEP’s, etc.
• Plans daily schedule to provide a variety of activities and creates learning experiences.
• Selects and uses a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and equipment in daily activities.
• Permits children to move about freely and explore their environment
• Initiates and observes play with and between children in an effort to provide ongoing monitoring and assessments.
• Plans and implements a variety of activities and materials that:
• Fosters a positive self-image through activities, which focus on children as individuals, ex. self-portraits, family, pets, feelings, etc.
• Develops social skills through activities, which focus on problem solving, communication, manners and working in groups.
• Encourages language through activities such as storytelling, rhyming, exploring different types of children’s books, music/movement, repetitive stories, exploration of sounds through nursery rhymes and other children’s literature, etc.
• Enhances physical development and skills through activities, which focus on fine and gross motor development such as activities, which exercise hand-eye coordination, pre-writing skills, group games, music/movement activities, etc.
• Facilitates opportunities for children to think, reason, question and experiment throughout the day, including transition times.
• Ensures that all children areas are properly labeled using a variety of examples of print including environmental print, signs, children’s writing, symbols, lower case/upper case print, etc.
• Encourages and models sound health, safety and nutritional practices.
• Encourages and welcomes parent participation in the classroom. Looks for creative ways to engage parents in their children’s early education, ex. Parent response journals, parent workshops, parent information boards, parent advisory committee, etc.
• Respects cultural diversity in staff and children and includes developmentally appropriate culturally diverse activities in the classroom based on children’s interests as appropriate with input from parent.
• Demonstrates respect for children, families and staff at all times.
• Conducts smooth, creative and varied transitions, frequently using music, rhythm, movement and puppetry activities to move from one activity to the next.
• Changes planned or routine activities according to needs and interests of children.
• Incorporates routine tasks as a means of furthering children’s learning (self-help/social skills, toileting, feeding, etc.).
• Incorporates key experiences into all elements of the daily routine, including transition times.
• Makes appropriate provisions for early risers or for those children who do not nap.
• In a timely manner, prepares requisitions for Center Director/Designee to purchase and replenish classroom supplies and equipment.
• Arranges for community resources with prior approval of the Center Director.
• Practices and adheres to TCR discipline policy.
• Makes appropriate professional referrals when necessary.
• Supervises children at all times.
• Interacts with children showing affection (smiling, touching, holding, etc.).
• Communicates to children at child’s eye-level.
• Available and responsive to children (engages in conversation, encourages children to express themselves and share experiences).
• Treats all children, families and co-workers with respect and consideration.
• Abstains from corporal punishment, raised voice, or other humiliating or negative techniques.
• Is consistent in implementing positive techniques of guidance and abstains from corporal punishment, raised voice, or other humiliating or negative techniques.
• Greets children upon arrival and conducts daily well child check.
• Participates in mealtime. (Practice family style serving, sits and eats with children, engages in conversation, models appropriate table manners.)
• Dismisses children in a courteous manner. (Example: hugs child, makes positive comments to parent.)
• Follows rules concerning daily health inspection. Reports any concerns to Center Director.
• Reports any accidents to Center Director regardless of severity so that parents can be contacted and report made.
• Reports any suspected child abuse or neglect to the Center Director. Prepares written documentation of same.
• Is attentive to and participates with children on playground. Keeps gate secured.
• Assists children in toileting and hand washing. Children are never left unattended or sent to restroom unattended.
• Assists children in brushing teeth.
• Adheres to guidelines for transporting children at all times.
• Uses Cintas Cleaning products provided by the agency and follows guidelines stated in Universal Infection Control policy as required by Alabama Minimum Standards.
• Meets health requirements as required by license and furnishes evidence of same.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude in dealing with parents, children, staff and other TCR personnel.
• Wears latex gloves when handling any body fluids including tooth brushing and cleaning a child’s nose. Plastic/non-latex gloves are used only for serving food.
• Enforces strict hand-washing procedures (adult and child). Hands are washed before any meal. Hands are washed after toileting. Hands are washed after cleaning noses. Hands are washed before and after water play. Hands are washed before and after diapering.
• Follows USDA Guidelines concerning feeding patterns with all children.
• Possesses skills to take temperature, read thermometer, and apply basic first aid as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of communicable disease and follows guidelines as appropriate.
• Responsible for re-locking storage cabinet after each use and replacing key in proper location.
• Inspects classroom and playground daily to determine that all areas are free of clutter, debris, litter, trash, and/or broken glass or useless material. Report findings to Center Director. Assures that center common areas are properly cleaned after use, ex. playground, hallways, etc.
• Follows proper procedures for tornado/fire drills and other emergency drills.
• Conducts classroom-cooking activities with prior approval of Nutrition Coordinator
• Establishes program goals for improving the school readiness of children participating in its program in accordance with the requirements of section 641 A(g)(2) of the Head Start Act.
• Various other duties as it relate to 1304.21, Alabama Minimum Standards, and Agency Polices.

Positions requiring the use of personal owned vehicle to perform job tasks; successful candidates must:

• Be 19 years of age
• Have a current valid state driver’s license
• Provide proof of current automobile liability insurance with a minimum bodily injury limit of $100,000 per person $300,000 per occurrence $50,000 property on personal owned vehicle
• Provide a current Motor Vehicle Report in order to be insurable by the program’s non-owned insurance pla