Characteristics of Work

Under the direction of the Early Head Start Specialist, the Infant and Toddler Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing services as required to support the development and education of children enrolled in the Early Head Start Program.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Planning and Developing

• Prepare and implement daily plans, schedules, and activities.
• Arrange classroom space into well-organized learning centers.
• Plan for field trips in accordance with program schedules.
• Participate in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings.
• Make a minimum of two (2) scheduled home visits a year.
• Participate in staff-parent conferences.
• Provide positive guidance, opportunities, and supervision for children at all times.

Implementing Activities

• Assess and request classroom supplies and equipment.
• Demonstrate and encourage good nutrition habits.
• Maintain a secure, safe, and healthy learning environment.
• Provide opportunities for children to develop social and emotional security.
• Demonstrate support for individual children in a positive, non-threatening manner.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Conduct development screening, assessment, and evaluation of children.
• Distribute developmentally appropriate activities and resources to promote the parent as the child's primary educator.
• Refer children to appropriate components for services.
• Document and maintain required child records.
• Prepare and submit program reports as required.
• Report cases of suspected child abuse/neglect in accordance with state law.

Communicating and Guiding

• Meet, greet, observe, and assess children daily.
• Recruit volunteers and in-kind contributions.
• Serve on program committees and boards of other organizations affiliated with children and families.

 Training and Supporting

• Participates in staff meetings, parent meetings, and training sessions.
• Participates in educational and professional training as required to maintain appropriate credentials.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties and assignments as directed by the supervisor.

Qualification

B. S. Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Family Education, Elementary Education,  – OR – Associate of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development Associate (CDA), or directly related field with one (1) year of experience working with preschool children.

Special Requirements

Applicant must:

Ø  pass Criminal Background and Child Abuse Central Registry checks

Ø  meet State health requirements

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hand-to-finger motion, and hand or feel objects when interacting with children. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 lbs., if necessary, to lift a child. The employee primarily works in an indoor environment.

Supervisory Control

The Infant and Toddler Teacher is directly responsible to the Early Head Start Specialist, who is responsible to the Children’s Services Director. The Early Head Start Specialist will evaluate the infant and toddler teacher semi-annually. The evaluation will be conducted through performance monitoring and progress reviews, and the Children’s Services Director will review it.

Hinds County Human Resource Agency will provide reasonable accommodation for any known disability that an otherwise qualified employee might have to assist the employee in performing essential job duties, provided that these accommodations do not result in an undue hardship for the Agency. This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards for the position. Incumbents may be required to follow instructions and perform other duties required by their supervisor.