Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Trains to work as a team with the Teacher in planning and carrying out the day-to-day activities of the classroom to support meeting the educational needs of program-eligible preschool children. Trains to become knowledgeable of all Head Start (ACF) Policies, performance standards, and CAA procedures. Will work with a Mentor Teacher to meet on-the-job training requirements over a period of two years. Will attend classroom instruction as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Learns proper classroom teaching techniques through training and observation to become proficient in the preschool classroom environment.
• Assists with the guidance of classroom activities by choosing or designing appropriate materials, answering questions, guiding discussions, and using guidance techniques that build independence.
• Assists with housekeeping tasks such as attendance records, meal census, lunch and snack routines, bathroom and tooth-brushing routines, and group activities in the classroom.
• Initially observes the recording of ongoing assessments of each child’s growth and development to assume responsibility for the assessment and development of assigned children.
• Must become knowledgeable and work toward proficiency in all areas of screening and assessments including the overall curriculum and the LAP-D instrument.
• Participates with other staff members in the accomplishment of other ongoing center activities such as recruitment, volunteer orientation, placement, planning special events, and substituting in other classrooms as needed.
• After becoming knowledgeable of the needs, work with the Teacher in identifying the needs of each family in the areas of health, nutrition, and social services. Participates in the team approach with the Family Advocate to make appropriate written referrals and ensure necessary follow-up.
• Follows written lesson plans and class schedule.
• Coordinates with the Family Advocate with the completion of all necessary forms required for health, nutrition, and social service.
• Trains to assist the Teacher in the development of plans, emphasizing the parent as the prime educator of their child. Trains on the use of information contained in medical, family, and child records.
• Coordinates with the Teacher in developing a parent/teacher team approach in planning activities to meet the child’s needs. Trains to make home visits and conduct parent/teacher conferences. Attends parent meetings, etc. Trains to become proficient in recording all contacts on Contact Record in family folders, coordinating with the Family Advocate.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Maintain progress on attaining Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, with at least 2 hours per week allotted to related coursework and observed classroom hours. 
• This position requires frequent travel to offsite locations. 
• Performs other related duties as required to accomplish the Head Start mission.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a licensed childcare facility with children ages from one to twelve years of age, most of the children are between the ages of three and five. Activities are performed in all areas of the building including the classroom, restrooms, cafeteria (if separate from the classroom), and on the playground. Activities are not limited to the center but will include field trips to child-oriented activities. Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning the body as to be on the child’s level and floor level. Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and able to run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• High school or GED graduate.
• Be willing to obtain a CDA or Certificate of Mastery in Child Development within two years from the date of hire.
• Must be willing to train in all areas of Head Start.
• Have no physical restrictions that would preclude working with pre-school-age children.
• Must meet all applicable requirements established by state and funding sources including fingerprinting.
• Have transportation available and a valid Oklahoma State driver’s license.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures.
• Meet required Work Environment standards.

SUPERVISION:

• Reports to: Head Start Center Director
• Supervises: None Assigned
• Coordinates with: Head Start Staff

The Community Action Agency of OKC/Oklahoma County was established in 1966, and initially was financed by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which launched the nation’s “War on Poverty.” Eventually the funding was consolidated into the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The Community Services division was implemented early on, serving low-income residents of Oklahoma County. Early programs included implementing the Food Stamp program and offering a nutrition program for seniors at meal centers.Today the division has greatly expanded to offer legal assistance; tax assistance; summer youth programs; senior transportation to meal sites, medical appointments, and shopping; rent and mortgage assistance; and other community needs.HEAD STARTThe Agency’s first Head Start center opened its doors to 39 families in 1965. Within two years, nine new centers and 575 children entered Head Start in Oklahoma County. Today we have 26 Head Start classrooms in 15 public schools, and 98 Head Start classrooms total providing services to thousands of children in Oklahoma County.

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