Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA Hiring for Itinerant Teacher Full Time

Job Description: Itinerant Teacher (PDE)

Department: Early Learning Program

s To: Education Manager

Supervises: Center Staff

Salary: $21.57 per hour

35 hours per week

Full Benefit Package (starting the 1st of the month after 30 days)

403B day one, match up to 7%

2 weeks vacation

17 paid holidays (including your birthday)

Job Summary

The Itinerant Teacher assumes a dual role in working with the Head Start children and families enrolled in classrooms located in partnering childcare centers and School District classrooms where ACE’s Early Learning Program/Head Start children are served. This work is at the supervisory level monitoring compliance with federal Performance Standards in the classroom setting and assisting with parent engagement activities. Travel is required throughout Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wayne Counties to perform essential job duties and to attend professional development opportunities, including out-of-town travel. This position requires general knowledge and ability to work with individuals or groups of diverse cultures, varying abilities, and linguistic preferences to perform duties as assigned.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of Head Start philosophy, federal Performance Standards, and childcare center regulations

• In cooperation with nurses, educators, and ACE resource staff, provides a comprehensive program of services and supports to Head Start children/families without duplication and in conjunction with teaching staff at partnering sites.

• Maintains electronic and paper files. Enters child and family data into the Program’s Software Program (COPA) that includes demographics, health information, resources and referrals, and relevant case notes, etc.

• Encourages and supports school readiness, family engagement, and positive interventions and supports in all aspects of program(s).

• Participates in staff meetings to discuss methods of program operation, evaluation, and improvement in such areas as recruitment/enrollment, lesson planning, positive child guidance and parental engagement. Maintains records on center activities, program activities, the regular and routine progress of children, and prepares comprehensive s as required

• Submits s, correspondence, and related information to Content Area Managers as required

• Maintains regular communication with community resources relevant to service area, establishing working relationships that advocate for and support families and children in the program.

• Monitors facilities where children are enrolled to ensure continued compliance with Head Start Performance Standards after initial inspection by Education Coordinator

• Conducts home visits and parent/teacher conferences to share progress on a periodic basis, to address problems/suggest action, and to coordinate learning between home and center

• Works with the ERSEA Coordinator in transferring children from Head Start to School District classrooms

• Attends IEP meetings and works with/provides input to the Facilitators/Special Services Managers and community professionals to meet children’s special needs

• Develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide developmentally and culturally and linguistically appropriate opportunities to meet individual child goals

• Works with the classroom team to prepare children for kindergarten following the School Readiness and Family and Community Engagement Frameworks

• Becomes familiar with the public assistance system. Uses a strengths-based approach to assist Family Engagement Workers build an active partnership with Head Start families that will enable them to attain goals to reach, maintain and surpass economic self-sufficiency

• Adheres to Head Start requirements for work with families including parent orientation to services, family partnership agreements, and family wellness plans. Assists Family Engagement Workers involve parents in an active partnership that engages them in setting and attaining goals to reach and maintain economic stability (examples; Budgeting, Asset Building, Continued Education, etc.). Completes case management documentation in a timely, accurate and confidential manner.

• Advocates for the Head Start & Early Head Start program within the community by engaging various community agencies in building positive collaborative partnerships

• Assists Family Engagement Workers provide resources to families and educate them about the assets and linkages available in their communities in areas such as child support. Makes and documents appropriate referrals for families as indicated. Assists families in crisis in areas such as food, housing, clothing, and transportation

• s pertinent changes in family/child demographics to management staff

• Assists FEW’s/Health Services staff in the completion of child physicals, immunizations, follow-up appointments and treatment

• Works with the ERSEA Coordinator to develop & implement recruitment strategies. Actively recruits for all program options on an ongoing basis

• Becomes trained and proficient in effective teaching strategies related to classroom observation tools. Conducts TPOT and ECERS observations as needed and CLASS observations annually. Analyzes information along with child outcome data to build upon staff strengths and address areas in need of improvement through training and resources

• Engages in the active supervision of children at all times. Keeps children safe by creating and maintaining a Culture of Safety that engages people in identifying safety concerns and working with others to improve strategies used in homes and in centers

• Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served

• Maintains a developmentally appropriate and culturally & linguistically responsive classroom environment

• Ability to recognize and use sensitivity in addressing individual differences

• Maintains strict confidentiality of the program’s children, families, and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures and applicable law

• Functions as mandated er ing any allegations of alleged child abuse/neglect to appropriate Child Welfare Agency

• Encourages and supports school readiness, family engagement, and positive interventions/ supports in all aspects of the program

• Participates actively in opportunities for continuous professional development

• Performs related work as required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and use of best practices to engage in positive supportive conversations and interactions with young children

• Knowledge and use of best practices for integrating family engagement in positive behavior interventions and supports

• Ability to demonstrate an approach to service delivery that is consistent with the mission of the Early Learning Program

• Intermediate to advanced computer skills including Data Entry and E-Mail for communication purposes. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Google Drive, online database systems. Ability to communicate effectively with center staff, parents, and management staff orally and in writing

• Knowledge of the physical, social, and emotional needs of children and of educational experiences which will further the child’s social interpretation and the socialization process.

• Ability to use appropriate communication techniques, such as verbal and nonverbal messages and reflective listening

• Ability to recognize and use sensitivity in addressing individual differences

• Ability to apply developmentally appropriate and cultural and linguistic responsive practices for young children in the classroom, playground, and bus settings

• General knowledge of local training and education opportunities

• General knowledge of volunteer sources and their availability

• Knowledge of “Local Share” and its importance to the program. Knowledge of child support enforcement and public assistance system in PA.

• General knowledge of resources and referrals available in assigned communities.

• General knowledge of child support enforcement laws in PA and of mandated ing involving child abuse.

• Knowledge of First Aid and CPR through coursework, certification, and maintenance of credentials.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups having diverse backgrounds and interests.

• Knowledge of child support enforcement laws in PA.

Required Education/Experience

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in Early Childhood Education.

-OR–

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in Elementary Education with experience teaching preschool children- AND- 30 ECE credits or a CDA Credential.

State Awarded Certificate to teach in a preschool program preferred. Valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance required

Working Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues.

Possible exposure to communicable diseases.

Tasks that involve handling implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephones.

Job requires sitting for a long period of time (during planning and ing) and standing for long periods of time (during observations and training), as well as stooping, squatting, and kneeling.

A moderate amount of driving is required.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this Position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate and handle keyboards and office and/or classroom equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. There is occasional lifting and/or moving items 25 pounds or less.

Non-Discrimination Statement ACE provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in every location in which the Agency has facilities. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. The Agency will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended (ADAAA).

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

ACE is a Drug Free Workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.57 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education/Related Field (Required)
• Driver’s License (Required)

Work Location: On the road