Early Head Start Teacher I (Day Care Center Teacher I)

This position is located at the Early Head Start Gum Springs Glen Center in Alexandria, Virginia, and is under the supervision of the Day Care Center Teacher II and Early Head Start Education Site Manager. Ensures developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum are implemented and creating a play-based learning environment to meet children's individual needs. Adheres to all policy and procedures regulated by Virginia State Licensing and the Head Start Federal Standards to prevent health hazards and ensures the safety of children. Completes and reports on developmental screenings/assessments through family conferences, home visits and staff meetings. Assists in the preparation of documentation for local agency, state licensing and federal Head Start Performance Standards, as well as collaborates with county staff, citizens, and members of the childcare community.

Note: The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Plans, coordinates and presents a program of appropriate experiences for older school-age children or children with special needs;
Develops systems to safeguard the health and safety of the children;
Plans and prepares nutritious daily snacks;
Develops room arrangements to facilitate a variety of experiences to meet the needs and interests of the children;
Plans activities to involve parents in the center's program;
Participates in orientation, staff development sessions and teacher meetings;
Determines supply and equipment needs for their program.

Knowledge of individual behavior and the growth and development of children and youth, and the impact of group relationships;
Knowledge of how cultural patterns, socioeconomic differences and/or physically and mentally handicapping conditions affect the behavior of children;
Knowledge of health, safety and first aid methods, and the ability to assume administrative responsibility for assigned areas of a health and safety program;
Knowledge of the factors which cause problems in children;
Ability to establish warm and supportive relationships with children, on a group and individual basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Completion of two years of study and training at an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in early childhood or elementary education, nursing, recreation, or a related field plus one year of related work experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• AED (Required within 60 days)
• CPR/First Aid (Required within 60 days)

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification in Infant/Toddler or higher in the field of Early Childhood or any discipline that is directly related to the instruction of children.
• Three (3) or more years of experience in a classroom setting.
• Knowledge of Head Start standards and Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies (TS) Gold.
• Experience working with a diverse multicultural population.