Associate Teacher

Position Overview

The Associate Teacher works in collaboration with the Early Head Start Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children in their classroom. Under the guidance of the Early Head Start Teacher, the Associate Teacher will ensure that all classroom activities and environment are developmentally appropriate and meet the individual needs of children as mandated by Head Start, state, and local standards.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks

• Must work collaboratively with the Early Head Start Teacher, family members and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.
• Collaborates to create a safe and secure environment in which children can be curious, active and encouraged toward self-discipline, and self-motivation.
• Collaborates with the Early Head Start Teacher to implement and document the developmental assessment for each child.
• Plans and assists in preparing materials and supplies in advance for activities.
• Meets regularly with the Early Head Start Teacher to develop and implement daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with Head Start Development and Early Learning Framework and Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
• On an on-going basis, plans, evaluates and improves the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.
• Prepares developmental progress reports as needed.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for the child's background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the program and lesson plans.
• Supports the Early Head Start teacher with child transition and orientation of the classroom with parents.
• Maintains ongoing, open communication with parents/caregivers.
• Provides a classroom environment that encourages parent participation.
• Ensures that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experiences clear communication with teaching staff.
• Conducts two parent conferences and home visits a year to discuss children's developmental progress, needs and interests.
• Collaborates with Early Head Start Teacher to maintain up to date emergency forms, curriculum plans, individual child development profile and other records as needed.
• Guides the childs behavior in positive ways that support total growth and development, and promotes self-esteem.
• Collaborates with the classroom team to ensure the compliance of Head Start Performance Standards, Licensing requirements, policies, procedures and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of the classroom.
• Assumes responsibility for own personal professional development including attending meetings and trainings, and maintaining the appropriate competencies and abilities as required by the position.
• Develops a warm, caring relationship with each child and parent in the assigned classroom that is based on mutual respect, and serves as a model to the child of appropriate relationships with others.
• Collects in-kind.

Accountability and Performance Requirement

All staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission. All staff will support the agency mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics and strategic directions and support administrative decisions. This must be demonstrated by maintaining a positive work environment, and by behaving and communicating in an appropriate manner with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.

• Minimum of an Infant Toddler Credential or Level 9 or above on the WI Registry.

Special Position Requirements

• Teacher must have a basic understanding of how children develop and learn.

Preferences

• Experience working with infants and toddlers in a group setting.

Safety and Health

Next Door is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. An essential part of each employees' job is the development of safe working practices and the observance of safety rules, including:

• Following safety warnings and directions at all times.
• Using personal safety devices when required.
• Reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Following process for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Reporting unsupervised children, after ensuring child's safety.
• Implement active supervision practices at all times, including transition times.
• Ensure knowledge of each assigned child's location at all times.
• Ensure medication is stored according to licensing regulations (DCF 251) and Next Door policies and procedures.

Physical Demands

• Primarily active work; occasionally lifting, holding or moving up to 50 lbs.
• A biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employment.

Physical Activity

• Bending, stooping, kneeling, sitting on the floor, walking/transporting, handling, feeling reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling, talking and speaking clearly, hearing conversation level, smelling, and seeing; ability to interact daily with children outdoors in varied weather condition.

Work Environment

• Mainly classroom setting and travel to various sites for meetings and/or trainings.

Personal/Physiological

• Ability to make frequent, significant decisions to understand and react to the employees and candidates.
• Ability to respond quickly and competently to an emergency or crisis situation in order to keep children and staff safe.