Xiente’s Early Childhood programs is a multi-site, multi funded, dual language immersion program, offering high-quality Early Childhood Services in both English and Spanish. We offer a state-licensed, full-day program for children ages birth-5 years old. We provide a safe and nurturing environment that encourages physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through a developmentally age-appropriate curriculum. Our philosophy is child-centered, rather than adult-directed.
Curriculums are realized through structuring the environment into interest areas and planning program activities to meet each child’s individual needs! As an educator, you will have the opportunity to pass on your love of early childhood education to eager young minds so that they can develop their social skills, enhance their fine and gross motor skills, engage in creative learning and pre-literacy skills. Under the supervision of the Center Director, teachers will work to maintain and implement appropriate activities for children aimed to enhance growth and development while maintaining Head Start Performance Standards, Keystone Stars Standards, NAEYC Standards, CACFP standards, and state licensing standards. Teachers will also maintain a clean, sanitary, safe and well-organized classroom.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide emotional support through establishing a positive climate, being aware of and responsive to children, and encouraging child expression and autonomy.
- Use positive behavior intensive support strategies for behavior management: clear behavior expectations, be proactive and redirect misbehavior.
- Provide instructional support through concept development, fostering children’s analysis and reasoning, engaging in feedback loops, and modeling and supporting high-quality language in both English and Spanish.
- Assist Lead Teacher in ensuring that classroom arrangement, materials, and displays are conducive to children’s learning and meets the Creative Curriculum standards, Iters/ ECERs/ NAEYC and CLASS requirements.
- Assist Lead Teacher in using the Creative Curriculum, design developmentally appropriate lessons and select appropriate instructional materials to meet students' learning needs and instructional outcomes. Ensures that lesson plans align with PA Learning Standards and Early Learning Outcomes Framework. (ELOF)
- Provide consistent classroom routines and facilitate all parts of the routine to support child learning and model expectations, procedures, and scaffolds appropriately.
- Strive to meet School Readiness Goals.
- Document children through ongoing observation, embedded and direct assessment activities. 1 observation per child weekly is the minimum.
- Complete quarterly Teaching Strategies Gold assessment checkpoints for each child.
- Analyze Child assessment data to plan, monitor progress, and individualize. Also, align assessment with instructional goals and standards and use assessment results to monitor progress and adjust instruction in literacy, mathematics, and science in both English and Spanish.
- Complete ASQ’s developmental and social-emotional screenings on all children within the 45 days.
- Complete bimonthly SLO assessments on time in both English and Spanish. 80% of transitioning students should meet the minimum benchmarks.
- Complete Monthly Individualized plans to identify specific goals and strategies for each child in the class.
- Integrate IFSP’s/ IEP’s or referral action plans for children with diagnosed or suspected special needs.
- Establish positive and productive relationships with families, building rapport and trust, by keeping positive communication with families and responding to concerns with professional and cultural sensitivity.
- Hold 2 home visits and 2 parent-teacher conferences each year per child.
- Engage family members to serve as classroom volunteers.
- Collaborate with Family Advocates to support families and extend learning into the home and meeting expectations for attendance.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and up to date children files and portfolios.
- Completes data entry on time to meet progress monitoring requirements.
Professional Growth and Collaboration
- Participate in ongoing reflective coaching and self-assessment.
- Participate in the mandate and ongoing professional development identified by assessment, interest, and needs. Develops own professional development plan on PA Keys.
- Collaborate with other staff in the center.
- Share pertinent information with family services, disabilities/ mental health or health/ nutrition staff to meet the needs of individual children and families. Participate in case conferences/ interdisciplinary conferences.
- Create and maintain a safe, clean, healthy learning environment with full supervision of children at all times, per head start and childcare licensing requirements.
- Conduct Daily health and safety monitoring indoor and outdoor. Follow health and hygiene practices.
- Ensure the CACFP point of service is being met and implement family-style meal services.
- Document all activities: child and family information, assessment data, volunteer logs, checklists, etc.
- Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding children, families, and staff.
- Attend all staff meetings, training, workshops and conferences in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC, Keystone Stars, and childcare licensing requirements.
- Report to work at a scheduled time and maintain good attendance. Perform all duties in a safe, timely, and professional manner. Participate with a positive attitude and behavior in all program activities.
- Responsible for reporting potential child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment according to the Head Start/Early Start Policies and Procedures
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
- CDA in Preschool (Must bring Highschool Diploma or GED.)
- Minimum of one year of teaching experience in a comprehensive Head Start program.
- Ability to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all children including at-risk, special needs, gifted, and culturally diverse populations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to converse, read and write Spanish and English (preferred).
- Commitment to dual language learning (English and Spanish).
- Demonstrated ability to implement the use of appropriate curricula and instructional materials to enhance teaching and learning.
- Awareness of Puerto Rican culture/community (preferred).
- Ability to analyze and use data to inform decision-making.
- Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet, and e-mail.
- Ability to secure clearance for PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History, FBI, and National Sex Offenders Clearance (required).
- Ability to secure health clearances every two years and TB once (required).
- Hold certification for Infant/Child CPR and First Aid, or ability to complete the required training within one month of hire.
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Ability to climb steps
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.71 - $21.75 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Grade levels:
Schedule:
Work Location: In person