Head Start Floater

Rolling Plains Management Corporation is seeking applicants for the position of a Full Time (40 hour per week) Head Start Floater for the school year at the Wilbarger County Preschool in Vernon, Texas. All applicants must be 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be willing to obtain CDA Credential. A minimum of 1-year of experience working with children ages 3-5 years is preferred.  Position will remain open until filled.

Under the supervision of the Center Director, the Teacher Assistants assist the Lead Teacher in planning, implementing, and administering the program in compliance with the Child Care Minimum Standards, Head Start performance standards, the Agency's school readiness goals, and all other federal, state, and local regulations relating to children ages three to five. All Teacher Assistants-in-Training staff shall agree to abide by the program's Standards of Conduct introduced during pre-service and /or orientation. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities at all times to ensure their well-being, safety, and security 
• Assist with developmental screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluations to identify developmental and learning needs and develop individualized learning plans
• Assist with planning and implementing classroom activities
• Builds a positive relationship with children which focuses on positive communication, appropriate physical proximity, respect, positive discipline, and guidance
• Per the training plan schedule, complete course work of Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Protect all children from corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment or verbal abuse as a method of discipline
• Follow policies and practices related to toileting and rest time
• Support the individual needs of children who qualify for special education services by participating in the development of an Individual Family Service Plan.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies for immediate resolution
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
• Ensure and implement CLASS strategies to foster continuous interactions with children
• Assure child-staff ratio is always maintained
• Follow all applicable laws and regulations, including the Licensing Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), RPMC policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulations
• Attend all professional development
• Maintain cleanliness of the classroom
• Review and reconcile equipment inventory for your assigned classroom annually or upon request.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned

COMMUNICATION

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about their child's routines, needs, developmental opportunities, and daily activities (written and/or verbally)
• Maintain up-to-date documentation, files, and records according to RPMC, Head Start Performance Standards, and local, state, and federal regulations
• Immediately report any concerns related to the health and safety of the child to a supervisor

TEAMWORK

• Address mitigating concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns requiring intervention
• Observe and address challenging behaviors to determine cause and implement preventive measures, teach a new behavior, communication, and/or social skill to minimize or eliminate the behavior
• Work closely with assigned Education Specialist, other classroom teachers, and the administrative staff to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals, objectives and learning outcomes
• Work as part of the team and show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating a positive attitude and positive working relationships while maintaining strong ethical boundaries

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

• Assist with parent-teacher conferences as required by Head Start Standards
• Assist with home visits as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with other classroom teachers, administrative staff, children, and parents to ensure the children receive a quality learning experience. Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in both interactions with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), other staff, and community members and in the selection of materials and delivery of instruction

*Sign On Bonus Offered

Rolling Plains Management Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

• The Teacher Assistant-in-Training must obtain a Preschool or Infant/Toddler CDA within a year of the hire date.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or the equivalent
• Able to attend training in Early Childhood Development with a focus on preschool development
• Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with the "Drug-Free" Agency Policy.
• Must be able to pass regular criminal history checks.
• Must submit to TB tests as required.
• Must possess the ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel. Must possess and maintain a valid Texas motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate classification and endorsement.
• Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. The agency may conduct MVR background checks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May require extended periods of standing or walking.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting, or moving up to approximately 25 pounds.
• Regularly required to be on the floor and sit for long periods.
• Occasional squatting and bending are required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Possess the ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
• The noise level could be moderate to loud when working in a center.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and deal effectively with stress.
• Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Light to normal travel – the ability to travel for activities such as field trips, meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area. 
• Ability to drive, occasionally long distances.
• Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities.