Early Head Start Teacher

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

 
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Manages an Early Head Start classroom within the scope and goals of COMAR Child Care Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, program’s identified Curriculum for Infants/Toddlers and Twos and the Y in Central Maryland Child Care Philosophy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensures health, welfare, and safety of children enrolled in the class. Maintains appropriate adult/child ratios for the purpose of providing quality care and adherence to local licensing and Head Start Performance Standards.

• Supervises children at all times, adjusting appropriately for a range of ages and abilities of children.

• Promotes feelings of security and trust in infants/toddlers by being warm, supportive, and comforting and by establishing strong and caring relationships.

• Writes and implements individualized daily lesson plans that include objectives, concepts, and strategies for meeting Infant/Toddler Curriculum Developmental Continuum assessments and Head Start School Readiness Outcomes.

• Conducts individual observations, assessments, and developmentally appropriate activities for the purpose of measuring growth and development.

• Informs and includes all classroom staff, parents and volunteers in daily lesson plans and activities.

• Plans and manages classroom structure, i.e. schedule, routines, transitions.

• Demonstrates sensitivity, cultural respect, acceptance, and patience.

• Conducts developmental screenings of infants/toddlers’ motor, language, social, cognitive, perceptual and emotional skills within 45 days of enrollment and ongoing as prescribed.

• Ensures continuity of care by sharing pertinent information with caregivers about each child and any verbal or written instructions given by the parent.

• Maintains classroom education folders and portfolio-assessment binders for children in compliance with Head Start, COMAR regulations and Curriculum guidelines.

• Assures completion of daily and monthly attendance records.

• Prepares for and conducts at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually.

• Participates in monthly meetings for parents and recruits their input into planning for classroom activities.

• Ensures that parents receive developmentally appropriate home learning activities on a weekly basis.

• Recruits, trains and utilizes parent volunteers in the classroom.

• Oversees classroom staff, including advising on classroom issues.

• Assures that all written communication from the Education Service Area is shared with the classroom team in a timely manner (memo regarding assessments, training, meetings, etc.)

• Monitors classroom supplies and submits orders to the Education Departments when needed.

• Maintains a neat, appealing, clean classroom and center (including bathrooms, floors, etc).

• Attends and actively participates in Early Head Start, Head Start and Curriculum training to continue professional growth.

• Models professional behavior and adherence to Y of Central Maryland Baltimore County Head Start policies and procedures through behavior, appearance, and attitude.

• Model positive interactions with infants and toddlers to promote parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationships.

• Observes infants and toddlers to detect signs of illness, injury, abuse, neglect, emotional disturbance, or other special needs, and reports these signs immediately to the Zone Manager.

• Work with EHS and Head Start Managers to provide developmentally appropriate Early Intervention services.

• Attend case management meetings, parent conferences, case reviews, IEP/IFSP meetings, transition meetings, staff meetings, parent meetings, in-service and pre-service meetings, and other meetings as directed.

• Report to work at scheduled times and maintain good attendance.

• Takes advantage of training opportunities to continue professional growth.

• May act as point of contact between classroom and Zone Manager.

• Models professional behavior and adherence to Y of Central Maryland Baltimore County Head Start policies and procedures through behavior, appearance, and attitude.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must obtain a valid criminal background check.

• Must obtain a pre-employment physical including a TB test.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

Education

• Infant/Toddler CDA (or) 6 semester (90 clock hours) or equivalent of approved Early Childhood coursework and 3 semesters (45 clock hours) or equivalent approved infant/toddler coursework required

Experience

• Experience with data entry preferred.

• One year supervised early childhood experience required – two years preferred.

Certifications

• Possess Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificate or obtain within 90 days of employment

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.