JOB ASSIGNMENT:  Head Start – Regular Year – Shamokin Children’s Center

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:  The Head Start Floater Instructor reports to the Head Start Regional Team Supervisor and in their absence to the Head Start Programs Manager.

JOB DEFINITION:  The Head Start Floater Instructor‘s main responsibility is to support the assigned classroom’s primary Head Start Instructor in their absence and is responsible for overall functioning of the Head Start class and for assuring that the services of the program are available to each child or family. This position may require occasionally serving as a substitute for other CSIU Head Start centers in order to cover the absence of the primary Head Start Instructor.  The person employed in this position will receive daily assignments from the Head Start office.  When needed, the Head Start Floater Instructor will service or as an additional instructor in the classroom. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. As assigned by the Regional Team Supervisor, act as primary Head Start Instructor in the case of building vacancies. This includes implementing pre-made lesson plans (pre-planned by the primary instructor) and supervising classroom activities.
2. In the case of no classroom vacancies, the floater position will be assigned a classroom to support for the day.
3. Implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies to support classroom management and student growth.
4. Assist the primary instructor and/or classroom team when there are volunteers in the classroom. Attend Family/Teacher conferences in the classroom or in the children’s homes, as invited.
5. Maintain health and safety standards in the classroom.
6. Make required home visits as assigned by the Regional Team Supervisor.
7. Assist the classroom team with educational and developmental assessment of children.
8. Follow universal precautions when cleaning up bodily fluids.
9. Make sure that all necessary records are maintained.
10. Attend and make use of appropriate training.
11. Participate in center staff meetings and planning meetings.
12. Participate in Parent Meetings as invited by the Regional Team Supervisor.
13. Use a computer for program record keeping and communication.
14. Provide information concerning future appropriate placement of children, as requested by Regional Team Supervisor.
15. Communicate effectively with children and adults.
16. Promote a positive Head Start image in the community.
17. When directed, this position is required to serve as a substitute for other CSIU Head Start centers outside of the Shamokin Children’s Center, in order to cover the absence of the primary Head Start Instructor.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Assume other duties as assigned by the instructor or their designee.
2. Attendance at evening events/activities as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. Requirements include either:
   • an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or
   • an Associate’s degree in a related field with at least six (6) courses in early childhood education or child development and experience teaching preschool children;
   • a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; or
   • a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least six (6) courses in early childhood education or child development and experience teaching preschool children is preferred.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload, and a professional attitude are required.
3. Must have an interest in and concern for children and their families and some experience dealing with children and/or families.
4. Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
5. Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
6. Computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, data entry, email and experience managing file sharing with Google Drive.
7. Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Attend training seminars and in-service programs identified as important to the operation of the instructional program.
2. Continued training in First Aid is required.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must have strength and ability to lift young children (approximately 45 lbs.).
• Must have strength and ability to carry teaching materials/bags (approximately 20 lbs.).
• Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.
• Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.
• Must be able to negotiate stairs and rough terrain at centers and homes.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.
• Maintain a current physical on a biennial schedule.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS: 

• This is a full time non-exempt position following a 196 days per year, 7.5 hours per day schedule. This schedule could include evening hours up to five days per week.   Additional working hours must be pre-approved by immediate supervisor.
• Regular attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.