EARLY HEAD START TEACHER

Description

 Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit.
THE IMPACT YOU WILL BE A PART OF WITH JOINING MATRIX

• Over 30 program locations throughout Detroit and surrounding areas
• 20,000+ individuals benefiting from Matrix services every year
• The largest Head Start Program in the city of Detroit
• The largest HIV treatment and prevention program in Detroit
• After school youth services and academic enrichment
• Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Programs
• Housing Education and Home Buying Assistance
• Healthy Senior Living Program

FOCUS ON PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Tuition Assistance. Professional Development Support. In-House Learning and Professional Development Platform.
WE EMBRACE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Vacation Banks. Paid Holidays.
BENEFITS OPTIONS. Medical/Rx. Dental. Vision. Life/AD&D Insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Combine Short- & Long-Term Disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403(b) Retirement Account.
CEO Starr Allen-Pettway has been honored by the Michigan Chronicle as a distinguished nonprofit leader in Southeast Michigan.
CORE VALUES:

• Positive Attitude
• Always Learning
• Results Through Accountability
• Building Relationships

JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTIBILITY:

The EHS Teacher provides a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. They plan for, assess, and meet the general and individual needs of children. The Teacher plans specific activities that reinforce the program philosophy, promote developmentally appropriate activities, and insure children are School Ready. The EHS Teacher also works with a co-teacher and volunteers in the classroom to build a team approach to educating children. At all times the EHS Teacher provides active supervision for all children. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a safe, healthy classroom environment appropriate for infants/toddlers, and cleanliness of the facilities 
• Respond swiftly and appropriately (both mentally and physically) to an emergency or crisis situation 
• Implement active supervision health and safety practices that ensure children are kept safe at all times, as determined by program policy 
• Work in collaboration with families to develop individual goals for all children 
• Gear the program to the needs of individual children with concern for their developmental level, interests, special needs, special talents, and individual style and pace of learning 
• Provide for the physical needs of infants/toddlers, including diapering and feeding 
• Supervise, guide and facilitate learning for infants and toddlers 
• Ensure that all Early Head Start component areas are included in planning of daily lessons and classroom/outdoor environment: physical, cognitive, social/emotional development; health; safety; nutrition; and culture 
• Treat children and families with dignity and respect 
• Encourage and support family involvement in all aspects of the Early Head Start program 
• Help children develop social awareness appropriate for their age and developmental level 
• Follow a consistent schedule that meets the individual needs, including small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, small and large motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities 
• Complete the daily sanitation log and classroom health and safety checklist 
• Conduct two parent conferences and two home visits to share information with families on all areas of their child’s development 
• Ensure that all developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment 
• Use appropriate observation and ongoing assessment, and tracking to ensure positive child outcomes 
• Maintain ongoing anecdotal notes to monitor children’s individual development 
• Input COR notes into data base system within timeline set by the program 
• Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information 
• Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner 
• Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources 
• Must be willing to “fill in” where needed 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential, and trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development. 
• Associates or higher in early childhood education or child development preferred 
• One year experience working with infants and toddlers preferred 
• Able to assist and supervise infants/toddlers and ensure a safe learning environment, including the ability to monitor and respond at all times in the classroom and outdoor play areas. This includes the physical ability to move quickly, keep in visual contact, and assesses situations with good judgment 
• Knowledge of Birth-to-Three Early Childhood Education and Development 
• Strong working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations 
• Effective in an environment of cultural diversity; comfortable in a collaborative, team-based work setting 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 
• Reliable transportation is required 
• Follow appropriate chain of command for all conflict situations 

WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues; Possible exposure to communicable diseases; Job may require lifting up to 45 pounds, sitting, standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and bending for periods of time. 

CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:

• All staff will use data to help achieve program goals; apply techniques and strategies that promote a culture of learning; identify and address gaps that continuously improve our programs. 
• All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance. 
• All Head Start employees must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Program Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and the NAEYC Code of Conduct 
• Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services.