General Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Teacher, the Assistant Teacher assists in daily planning and preparation of the classroom learning environment. Assists in guiding and teaching three to five-year-old children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans, coordinates and implements a developmentally appropriate classroom-based program for three to five-year-old children using the approved curricula.
• Assists with preparing daily lesson plans and provides activities and experiences that encourage questioning, probing, and problem-solving skills appropriate to the developmental and learning styles of each child.
• Collects and enters data and utilizes computerized records to plan around the children’s needs and interests.
• In coordination with their supervisor, develops home and school goals for each child and participates in home visits.
• Enhances the parent-child relationship and supports parents’ roles as the first and life-long educators of their children.
• Completes required screenings and ongoing assessments of young children’s development according to established time frames.
• Works within required state and federal guidelines and follows agency policies/procedures in all areas.
• Works as a team player with center staff, NRCA staff, parents and other community organizations to ensure all service area requirements are met to carry out the goals and objectives of the Head Start program.
• In the absence of Teacher, the Assistant Teacher is responsible for the daily classroom operation, and supervision of substitutes and volunteers.
• Maintains confidentiality of family records and information.
• Actively recruits new families for the program.
• Completes documentation, to include necessary data entry, and submits all appropriate paperwork and reports as required by deadlines.
• Assumes bus monitoring position to meet the needs of the program.
• Actively participates in opportunities that lead to completing their individualized professional development plan.
• Supports staff, substitutes, and volunteers in the classroom. Maintain confidentiality of staff information.
• Professionally represents one’s self, as well as NRCA, in the community by supporting the agency’s customer services beliefs.
• Reports to Department of Social Services all suspected child, aged or incapacitated adult abuse and neglect as required by law and document accordingly. The commonwealth of Virginia mandates the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect within 24 hours to the local DSS. Informs Site Administrator and Family Services and Community Specialist of all reports to Department of Social Services.
• Supports the day-to-day operation of the center. Performs all other duties that advance the philosophy and goals of the program and NRCA as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

Must:

• Be friendly, positive, responsible, and capable of exercising good judgment in dealing with children and adults.
• Have the capacity to problem solve, handle crises, and work with families and children of various cultures from at-risk backgrounds.
• Respect and respond appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served in the community.
• Be willing to work in the homes of families residing in high-risk communities.
• Maintain regular attendance and perform job duties and responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. Notifies supervisor by 6:00 am if unable to report to work. Is responsible for securing classroom substitutes.

Prior to employment, the applicant must sign authorizations for NRCA to perform DMV and Criminal Record Checks. These will be used to demonstrate that a satisfactory driving record and no pending or found charges or convictions related to abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children or adults are present. This information can also be used to determine if any other felonies or misdemeanor charges which would conflict with the mission and philosophy of the agency are present.

Driving is an essential function of the job. Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. If currently holds a Commercial Driver’s License, must maintain that license. Must be able to drive up to 4 hours per day, but may be required to drive more than 4 hours in a given day. Some night/overnight driving may be required for training or meetings.

If an agency vehicle is unavailable, must have a vehicle with valid inspection and insurance meeting minimum state requirements available for transporting individuals and families within the New River Valley, and in pre-approved cases outside the New River Valley. Mileage reimbursed by NRCA.

Must pass a physical exam in which a physician documents the employee's capability of transporting clients. The physical must also include a TB test and document that the employee can perform essential duties specified in his/her job description.

Must be willing to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

• Respects and promotes the unique identity of each child and family and refrains from stereotyping based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.
• Follows program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families, and other staff members.
• No child will be left alone or unsupervised while under the care of Head Start staff.
• Uses positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse or humiliation. Will not employ methods of discipline that involve isolation, the use of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.

Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, bending, and standing, occasionally lifting up to 80 pounds.

Education and Experience

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or be enrolled in or willing to enroll in an Associate or Bachelor's degree program in early childhood or a related field.

Classification:

Full-time, 40 hours per week, full benefits, eligible to for unemployment in the summer when not working. Starting pay is between $13.48- $16.41 depending on experience and education.

NRCA conducts pre-employment criminal backgrounds (including fingerprints), a child abuse and neglect check, and driving record checks. Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record is required. Pre-employment drug testing, TB testing or screening, and an employment physical are required (all costs covered by NRCA).

Application Deadline: November 14, 2022, at 5:00pm or until the position is filled. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. EEO/AA