Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Infant/Toddler Early Head Start Teacher provides high-quality, responsive care and education to a group of up to eight infants and toddlers, supporting their health, safety, and developmental progress in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, and RECAP policies.

The Teacher fosters positive, nurturing relationships with children and families; implements the Creative Curriculum with fidelity; and collaborates with education, health, disabilities, and family services staff to promote child development, school readiness, and family well-being.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an Early Head Start or Head Start program.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Planning and Curriculum Development

• Develop weekly lesson plans aligned with Creative Curriculum, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), and New York State Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers.
• Plan individualized learning experiences informed by ongoing assessment data, child interests, developmental needs, and family input.
• Prepare and rotate classroom materials and learning centers to encourage exploration, discovery, and responsive caregiving.
• Maintain a positive, nurturing, language-rich learning environment consistent with Creative Curriculum.
• Incorporate individualized goals that support each child’s learning and development.

Program Implementation and Child Development

• Provide responsive, consistent, and nurturing daily routines, including arrival, feeding, diapering/toileting, rest, and transitions, to support secure attachments.
• Implement developmentally appropriate activities that promote physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.
• Maintain health and safety practices, including safe sleep, sanitation, active supervision, and routine hazard checks, in accordance with HSPPS and OCFS requirements.
• Support family-style meals and nutrition practices consistent with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), including individual feeding plans and allergy accommodations.
• Monitor children’s development and respond appropriately to their individual needs.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment.

Family Partnerships and Engagement

• Build respectful, culturally and linguistically responsive relationships with families and support their role as their child’s first teacher.
• Conduct at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually, as required by program expectations.
• Share developmental updates and collaborate with families to establish and monitor goals for their children.
• Encourage family engagement in classroom activities, ReadyRosie, and volunteer opportunities.
• Support family participation in home visits and other program activities.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of family engagement and communication.

Communication and Service Coordination

• Collaborate with Education Managers, Mentor Teachers, Health and Family Services staff, and specialists to address individual child and family needs.
• Communicate regularly with families using TalkingPoints and other approved program tools.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up services with appropriate program specialists.
• Participate in case conferences and interdisciplinary discussions as required.
• Communicate concerns regarding children’s health, development, safety, or well-being through established procedures.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely daily documentation, including attendance, health checks, incident reports, diapering/toileting logs, and child portfolios.
• Complete Teaching Strategies GOLD observations and checkpoints according to established schedules.
• Document screenings, referrals, and follow-up activities in Go Engage.
• Maintain complete and confidential child and family records.
• Submit required reports and documentation within established deadlines.

Monitoring, Assessment, and Continuous Quality Improvement

• Participate in coaching cycles and classroom observations, including ITERS/ECERS and CLASS-Toddler assessments, as applicable.
• Incorporate feedback from observations, coaching, and program assessments into classroom practices.
• Contribute to program monitoring, self-assessment activities, and continuous quality improvement plans.
• Use child assessment information to inform individualized planning and support developmental progress.
• Participate in school readiness initiatives and program improvement activities.

Staff Guidance and Professional Development

• Support and guide the Teacher Assistant and classroom volunteers.
• Model responsive caregiving, appropriate classroom routines, and positive interactions with children.
• Support onboarding and orientation of new classroom staff, as assigned.
• Participate in required professional development, including applicable OCFS annual training hours.
• Maintain required CPR/First Aid and Mandated Reporter certifications.
• Maintain an active Aspire Registry account and document professional development as required.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, committee meetings, and other program activities.

Program Governance and Leadership

• Contribute to school readiness efforts, center initiatives, and program-wide activities.
• Recruit and support classroom volunteers in accordance with program procedures.
• Ensure volunteer participation and in-kind contributions are accurately documented and submitted monthly.
• Support family and community engagement efforts consistent with program goals.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

HEAD START COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Comply with Head Start Program Performance Standards, applicable OCFS regulations, CACFP requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Follow RECAP policies and procedures regarding child safety, supervision, confidentiality, attendance, mandated reporting, and safe work practices.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete classroom, child, and family documentation.
• Follow required health, sanitation, safe sleep, emergency, and incident-reporting procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.
• Participate in required program monitoring, self-assessment, training, and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Support inclusive practices and individualized services for children with disabilities and other developmental needs.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, initiative, flexibility, and accountability.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Cooperate with coworkers and promote positive staff relationships.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with children, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and respect for diverse backgrounds and family circumstances.
• Maintain a nurturing, responsive, and child-centered approach.
• Exercise sound judgment and follow established safety and reporting procedures.
• Support RECAP’s mission, values, and commitment to quality services for children and families.
• Remain informed about Head Start requirements, state regulations, and changing community needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an Early Head Start classroom and may include home visits, community activities, and travel between program sites. The position involves frequent interaction with infants, toddlers, families, coworkers, volunteers, and community partners.

The work environment may include frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and exposure to common classroom conditions. Occasional evening activities or overnight travel for training may be required based on program needs.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

RECAP is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of this position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

DISCLAIMER

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. RECAP reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities based on organizational and program needs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree with coursework and experience equivalent to an Infant/Toddler CDA.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and applicable New York State OCFS childcare regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to analyze data and collaborate effectively.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including low-income families, children with disabilities, and English-language learners.
• Proficiency with relevant software systems for data management, documentation, and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with children, families, staff, and the public.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical activities associated with caring for infants and toddlers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including CPR/First Aid and Mandated Reporter training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and move throughout the classroom.
• Ability to engage in active caregiving and classroom activities throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements and use standard classroom and office equipment.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain all required educational credentials, certifications, and qualifications necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certification and Mandated Reporter training, as required.
• Must maintain an active Aspire Registry account and complete required professional development documentation.
• Must successfully complete required pre-employment background screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete required fingerprinting and applicable child-care, Head Start, SEL, SCR, and other required clearances.
• Must successfully complete the required pre-employment drug screening and receive satisfactory results in accordance with RECAP policies and applicable requirements.
• Must successfully complete any required physical examination, TB screening, or other health clearance.
• Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Must complete required agency, Head Start, OCFS, health and safety, and departmental training.
• Must comply with all RECAP policies, procedures, Head Start requirements, OCFS regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Must maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.
• Must exercise appropriate discretion when handling sensitive child and family information.
• Must maintain proficiency with required electronic systems, databases, and documentation tools.
• Must successfully complete any additional program-specific training, clearances, or certifications required for the position.
• Must perform other job-related duties as assigned.