Assistant Teacher/Caregiver I

SUMMARY The Assistant Teacher/Caregiver will support the care-giving staff in implementing all components of quality in the Head Start 0 to 5 Child Development Center. Job duties include supporting the Teacher/Caregiver in: working effectively with parents, maintaining positive staff relations, developing age appropriate programs and caring for young children under the age of 36 months per the Head Start Program Performance Standards, philosophy and mission. Assists in achieving the agency’s vision, “For Those We Serve,” by empowering individuals who thrive as healthy, self-sufficient and contributing members of our communities.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Personal and Professional Behavior:Adheres to all Fresno EOC personnel policies and procedures.Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth.Maintains excellent work habits.Maintains confidentiality at all times.Early Childhood Programming:Assists in the planning and implementation individualized developmentally appropriate curriculum as per Head Start Program Performance Standards.Assists in developing age appropriate classroom environments that include displays of children’s work and interest areas.Assists in providing an equitable environment that makes understanding, acceptance, and respect for all persons an integral part of daily programs.Assists staff in evaluation/assessment of the developmental level of each child and integrate this knowledge into the daily program.Assists in the completion of observations/assessments of each child.Participates in ITERS (Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scale) evaluation and other aspects of Ongoing Self-Assessment and data analysis.Facilitates smooth transitions between activities.Health, Safety, and Nutrition:Supervises children and staff at all times to maintain a safe environment according to Cal OSHA Guidelines (SB198) plan, Community Care Licensing and Head Start Program Performance Standards.Implements healthful practices within the classroom environment using universal health precautions. Changes diapers and assists with toileting on a regular basis. Keeps accurate emergency information and authorizations for all children.Maintains first aid materials/supplies in the classroom.Implements Center’s plan for medical and disaster related emergencies according to SB 198 and State licensing regulations.Working With Children, Families and the Community:Treats all children and their families with respect. Assists infants and toddlers to resolve conflicts by enforcing limits in a consistent manner and by helping children find the appropriate ways to deal with their feelings.Communicates all family updates to the Site Supervisor/Center Director and other caregivers as needed.Keeps parents informed regarding their child’s progress on a regular basis through informal communication and formal conferencing.Promotes advocacy for children and families.Demonstrates a professional attitude and appearance. Involves parents in center activities, Local Parent Meetings activities, etc.Supporting Positive Staff Relations:Implements positive communication and problem solving skills.Works cooperatively with other staff members (including the administrators of the program) and contributes to the effectiveness of the team.Brings concerns/problems to the attention of the Teacher/Caregiver and Site Supervisor/Center Director in a timely manner.Organizational Tasks:Obtains materials and supplies needed for instructional activities.Completes general housekeeping tasks as needed. Completes tasks on schedule and demonstrates efficient use of time and materials.Other Duties:Follows procedures for mandatory reporting for suspected child abuse.Attends and participates in conferences, meetings and trainings, as required. Interacts with all children, families, co-workers and community members in a responsible and respectful, kind and friendly, and professional manner per Head Start 0 to 5 Pyramid Teaching Model expectations,Models professionalism for staff, parents, children, clients, and community members. Promotes a collaborative environment within the service areas, program, and agency. Adheres to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA-1992) which prohibits discriminatory actions toward children and/or adult with disabilities. In particular, children with disabilities are enrolled in the classroom as mandated by Federal Law.Maintains strict compliance with universal precautions.Travels for agency business using personal transportation.Maintains regular attendance and punctuality. Works evenings and weekends as required.Performs other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EDUCATION:Child Development Associate Teacher Permit plus 12 units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) including three (3) infant/toddler units is required. OrMust complete (3) Infant/Toddler units within 12 months of employment required.Must pursue additional education in ECE/CD until 30 units are completed. Obtain a CD Teach Permit within the guidelines of Office of Education (10 years of issuance of original CD Associate Teacher Permit).ORAssociates Degree in ECE/CD with three (3) Infant/Toddler units required. EXPERIENCE:One (1) year work experience with infant/toddler age children or in ECE/CD classroom required.OTHER REQUIREMENTS:Possess and maintain valid CPR/First Aid certification or obtain certification within one year of hire, required.Must possess and maintain Food Handlers Certification or obtain within thirty (30) days of employment.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software. Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload.Bilingual in English and Spanish or other secondary language may be required based on the needs of the clients and the program.Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation and adequate auto insurance as required by State law. Proof of insurance will be required.Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification within the first three (3) days of employment.Pass and maintain Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings annual certification as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA). Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment.Immunized against influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and measles. The influenza vaccination must be obtained annually during flu season, August 1 through December 1. A person is exempt from the immunization requirements for the following circumstances:1. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician declaring that because of the person’s physical condition or medical circumstances, the immunization is not safe.2. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician providing that the person has evidence of current immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and/or measles.3. The person submits in writing declaration that he or she has declined the influenza (flu) vaccination. This exemption only applies to the influenza (flu) vaccine.Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations: Department of Justice/FBI, Criminal Record Statement Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment.Former Head Start 0 to 5 parents preferred.PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and reach with hands and arms; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to walking on uneven ground and outside weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to blood borne pathogens. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Fresno EOC.Revised: 3/4/2025 Monday - FridayStart time: 7:15 to 9:30 End time: 3:15 to 5:45