Head Start Floater

This position entails tasks that are diverse in nature. This position is part-time, and the hours are set by the Site Leader to accommodate the needs of the classroom and Center.

JOB TITLE SUMMARY

The Floater is responsible to the Site Leader. The Floater is responsible for assisting the teaching staff in preparation of lesson plans and activities, interacting appropriately with children, and maintaining records. Noise level could be moderate to loud in working in center.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment, both indoors and outdoors. Complete an outdoor safety checklist as required

• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities in all classroom functions, including assisting children with self care activities, indoor and outdoor learning activities and meal or snack time activities and document on lesson plans.

• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and community resources

• Coordinate and interact positively with parent/volunteer assigned to classroom

• Encourage the involvement of families in the classroom and in all activities of child literacy, Reading Is Fun activities and implement learning experiences on a weekly basis, posted each Friday for the following week

• Assist Lead Teacher or Teacher Assistant in the development of lesson plans and implementing learning experiences on a weekly basis

• Must be able to set up individual activities for children and document on Individualization form

• Conduct assessments in LAP-D Quick Screen and Full LAP-D, LAP-3 ongoing assessment for children in program in accordance with established guidance

• Show initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness in the classroom

• Maintain records on enrolled children and families in accordance with established performance standards and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) licensing standards, including children’s brown folders and anecdotes

• Assists in ensuring all program areas are integrated in classroom curriculum (education, nutrition, mental health, health, disabilities, and transportation) and documented on lesson plans

• Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child’s family, encourage their involvement in the program, and promote parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationships. Encourage parents to document and submit Parent Ideas for Education and to volunteer.

• Keep and document Parent Ideas for Education forms up to date

• Promote feelings of security and trust in children by being warm, supportive, and comforting, and by establishing strong and caring relationships with them

• Provide experiences to allow children to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving, creativity, sense of self and group belonging

• Coordinate with Lead Teacher and Teacher Assistant on all classroom activities

• Promote Parent Engagement Activities

• Ensure TDFPS regulations are followed to maintain license

• Must be knowledgeable in the various disciplines of Head Start program, including, but not limited to social services, parent involvement, and health and services to children with disabilities

• Conduct health checks for children each morning and document on health check form

• Show initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness in the classroom

• Assist in the décor and set up of the room and activities according to weekly themes

• Use positive methods of child guidance in accordance the Child Guidance Plan

• Use Behavioral Tracking with appropriate documentation when needed and according to Child Guidance Plan

• Assure child-staff ratios are maintained at all times according to Head Start performance standards

• Regularly monitor children on playground to ensure safe, appropriate play and that children are visible at all times,

• Monitors play area to ensure safety and cleanliness of the equipment and document daily on outdoor safety checklist

• Responsible for cleaning and general maintenance of classroom including mopping, sweeping, dusting, cleaning restrooms or any other cleaning duties as assigned by the Site Leader.

• Responsible for reporting to their immediate supervisor or designee, if they witness or see anything present or anyone not following the SPCAA procedures or processes that place a person or program records at risk

• Capture, value, and appropriately document In-Kind, non-federal share

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OR JOB REQUIREMENTS

• In the absence of the Lead Teacher and/or Teacher Assistant, assume all essential duties of the teaching staff

• Assist with and/or attend parent meetings, orientations, and special functions

• Assure that any accident/illness for children or staff is reported immediately and followed-up with appropriate forms.

• When assisting in transportation of children/parents:

► maintain a calm atmosphere on the vehicle.

► Assist the driver in transporting children and families safe and proper manner

► Ensure compliance with all laws regarding proper transporting policies

► Assist and be responsible for children and adults during boarding and un-boarding of the vehicle

► Ensure that all children and parents are properly secured in the vehicle according to the transportation laws

► Make sure no obstructions exist on the bus and that all exits are properly marked

► Assist the driver with pre-trip inspections

► Maintain discipline when children are being transported

• May conduct home visits and parent conferences

• May assist in kitchen or with duties of Cook or Cook Assistant

• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrolled in a child development credential program to be completed within 12 months

• High School diploma or GED required

• Be at least 18 years old

• Teacher assistant or daycare experience highly preferred

• Embrace the principle of the parent as the primary educator and support attachment of parent and child

• Ability/knowledge of personal computer operations within a Windows software environment required

• Available for a light amount of night and weekend work

• Must possess ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel. Must possess and maintain valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification

• Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks may be conducted by the agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting or standing for extended periods of time, drive or ride in sedan, bus or van, and interacting with children at the child’s eye level (which includes floor activities) or other duties assigned.

• The usual requirements in a classroom environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustments of office furniture

• Occasional pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time

• May require long periods of standing or walking

• Occasional bending or squatting required