Planning and Implementation
- Follow procedures and guidelines described in ECMHSP Manuals, including but not limited to the Early Childhood Development Services Manual.
- Adhere to and practice ECMHSP Positive Guidance and Child Abuse & Neglect Policies.
- Assist the teacher with the development of the School Readiness Reports
- Under the assigned classroom teaching staff directions, support the development of children's school readiness skills. May be assigned to provide direct instruction to children in their home language for short times, such as songs, poems, and story time.
- Recognize and respect the variety of cultures and ethnic background represented as well as needs of children with disabilities in the classroom.
- Assist Teacher in the implementation of activities recommended by the Mental Health Consultant, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)/Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and technical assistance providers.
- Assist in providing and maintaining a safe environment to prevent injuries to children and staff. Keep the classroom and playground clean and free of dangerous equipment and debris. Care for equipment and supplies.
- Encourage and model feelings of empathy and mutual respect among children and adults.
- Assist in promoting good health and nutrition. Help to provide an environment that does not contribute to or cause disease.
- During evacuations or drills, assume role as indicated in established procedure.
- Under the assigned classroom teaching staff directions, assist with communication with families when they are at the center and during home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
- Report immediately to supervisor, violations of policies which are detrimental to ECMHSP or the children and families served. Follow appropriate agency guidelines for reporting suspected child abuse.
Communication and Collaboration
- Establish open communication and strong collaboration with the classroom team. Model acceptable social behavior; encourage sharing and cooperation among children and staff.
- Maintain positive communication and a professional attitude of respect with children and their families, staff members and community representatives.
- Maintain standards of confidentiality regarding children, families and fellow staff members.
Professional Development
- Attend and participate in trainings and meetings as requested/approved by supervisor.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
ECMHSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
- Meet all current ECMHSP, state and local childcare employee regulations; including First Aid and CPR.
- Complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of professional development (age group specific) per year.
- Bilingual: English-Spanish or English-Creole required, as applicable.
Education and Experience
Accepted: High School Diploma/GED or in process of completing a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Skills, Knowledge and Ability: Excellent communication skills; ability to read written and electronic information efficiently. Able to organize, file and distribute information and work under stressful conditions with multiple deadlines.
Working Conditions: Office/Head Start center environment; flexible work hours occasional (evening/ weekend/overtime). Travel independently into rural areas and occasional overnight stay. Work outside a minimum of one (1) hour per day in varying weather conditions. Lunch will vary depending on needs of the center.
Physical Requirements: Physically able to perform tasks, including but not limited to, bending, lifting and moving a minimum of 25 pounds.