Teacher - Infant/Toddler

The Teacher is responsible for the care and education of a group of children as part of a teaching team. The Teacher plans and implements the Education Component objectives of the Performance Standards. The Teacher is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children?s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community. This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children?s Services policies and procedures. All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children?s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are mandated by law to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 and Chapter 51G, any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately. The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form. All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start’s policy on confidentiality. Key Responsibilities Provide infants and toddlers with a joyful, nurturing, safe, healthy, individualized environment and the varied experiences which help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development in relation to the overall goal of social competency. Provide a balance between individual and small group activities designed to enhance children’s development and learning as they practice existing skills and develop emerging ones. Provide a balance of open-ended exploration, teacher-directed activities, structured activities and sensory-based play activities to foster children’s curiosity, engagement, reasoning and problem solving. Provide care such as diapering, toileting, feeding, dressing and hygiene in a relaxed and individualized manner to foster children’s emotional development and help them gain independence and autonomy in completing these tasks. Provide supervision to classroom volunteers to facilitate the implementation of developmentally appropriate learning activities. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Ensure the integration of the educational aspects of the various Head Start components by developing opportunities and activities for children to learn about health, safety, nutrition, dental health and families. Develop activities and strategies for involving parents in the educational aspects of the program in order to improve their understanding of child development specifically as it relates to infants and toddlers and facilitate their role as the principal influence in their child’s education and development. Possesses necessary computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; ability to use other database systems as required for data collection; behave in a professional manner; exhibit good interpersonal skills; work cooperatively as a member of a teaching team, with other program staff and parents. Various locations: Harrison Ave, Everett, Parker Hill, Malden/Medford, E Boston, Dorchester. #J-18808-Ljbffr ABCD