KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:

· Strong knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and the needs of children:
· Minimum educational requirement of a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or bachelors in a related field that includes classes focusing on early childhood education/development. Note: An associate degree in early childhood education will be accepted; on the condition the employee is already enrolled or enrolls in a bachelor’s degree (ECE) program, which will be mandatory, to maintain teacher status. Failure to work towards a bachelor’s degree will result in the relinquishment of said position.
· Diploma/transcripts will be required to validate early childhood education degree or transcripts to validate related classes if bachelor’s degree is in a related field.
· Prefer two years’ experience in preschool classroom with ability to adapt curriculum to meet the needs of all children including special needs, gifted, and culturally diverse populations.
· Ability to apply early childhood development theory in daily classroom activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.
· Excellent communication skills, especially good listening and writing skills.
· If a licensed driver, employee must have a valid Virginia Driver’s License and proof of current auto insurance where applicable.
· Employment is conditional pending immediate enrollment in Child Care Division - Criminal History Registry.
· Must present current TB/Physical at the time of employment or within 10 working days for TB test and 30 days for physical.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL ABILITIES AND PROCESSES:

· Frequent significant decisions to assure developmental progress of children.
· Demonstrated ability to supervise pre-school children and ensure a safe learning environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom, outdoor play areas and on field trips. This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to insure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.
· Ability to respond appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or a crisis situation.
· Daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.

POSITION PURPOSE:

§ To provide a successful, safe and supervised educational setting for children, while they are in the Head Start environment (classroom, outdoor play area, and field trips);
§ To promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children relative to the Creative Curriculum, Head Start Performance Standards/Domains, and Licensing guidelines.
§ To encourage parental involvement in all aspects of the program;
§ To develop individual goals for children, provide on-going assessment on progress, promote positive child outcomes and facilitate transition into kindergarten.