At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.
About Our Headstart Centers
Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.
What You'll Do as an Early Head Start Teacher in Training
Early Head Start Teachers are responsible for planning, implementing, and administering the program year-round, in compliance with the Child Care Minimum Standards, Head Start performance standards, the Agency's school readiness goals, and all other federal, state, and local regulations relating to children ages infant to three. In a safe and caring environment, the Early Head Start Teacher oversees and provides developmentally appropriate educational, relational, and social experiences for preschool children.
Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.
*This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly.
Responsibilities
We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Education
Work Standards for Early Head Start Teacher
Actively supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities at all times to ensure their well-being, safety, and security
Administer developmental screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluations as outlined in the annual program year, to identify developmental and learning needs and develop individualized learning plans
Plan and implement classroom activities based on individual learning plans: ensure each child’s development, disabilities, curriculum, and performance standards are adhered to meet the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Builds a positive relationship with children which focuses on positive communication, appropriate physical proximity, respect, positive discipline, and guidance
Per supervisors schedule, complete course work of Child Development Associate (CDA)
Protect all children from corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment or verbal abuse as a method of discipline
Follow Upbring policies and practices related to infant/toddler feeding, toileting, and rest time
Support the individual needs of children who qualify for special education services by participating in the development of an Individual Family Service Plan
Respond appropriately to emergency situations for immediate resolution
Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
Ensure and implement CLASS strategies to foster continuous interactions with children
Assure child-staff ratio is always maintained
Follow all applicable laws and regulations, including the Licensing Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Upbring policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulations
Attend all professional development
Maintain cleanliness of classroom
Review and reconcile capital assets and equipment inventory for your assigned classroom annually or upon request.
Other duties and special projects as assigned
Communication
Plan instructional activities, prepare teaching materials, prepare reports, such as classroom observations, individual child observations, daily activity charts, and program records
Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about their child's routines, needs, developmental opportunities, and daily activities (written and/or verbally)
Maintain up-to-date documentation, files, and records according to Upbring, Head Start Performance Standards, and local, state, and federal regulations
Immediately report any concerns related to the health and safety of the child to a supervisor
We Are Servants | We Help Others
Teamwork
Address mitigating concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns requiring intervention
Observe and address challenging behaviors to determine cause and implement preventive measures, teach a new behavior, communication, and/or social skill to minimize or eliminate the behavior
Work closely with assigned Education Coach, other classroom teachers, and the administrative staff to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes
Work as part of the team and show professionalism by modeling and demonstrating a positive attitude and positive working relationships, while maintaining strong ethical boundaries
We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate
Building Relationships
Participate in the development of an Individual Family Service Plan for children
Conduct parent-teacher conferences as required by Head Start Standards
Conduct home visits as outlined in Head Start Performance Standards
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with other classroom teachers, administrative staff, children, and parents to ensure the children are receiving a quality learning experience Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community
Demonstrate cultural awareness in sensitivity in both interactions with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), other staff, and community members and in the selection of materials and delivery of instruction
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements for an Early Head Start Teacher in Training
High School diploma or equivalent
Three months experience working in a childcare setting
Eligible to register for Child Development Associate( CDA) Infant and Toddlers
Able to attend training in Early Childhood Development with a focus on infant and toddler development
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement early childhood curriculum
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people
Ability to build a positive rapport with children, parents/guardians, and team members
Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, and interact wit all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
Strong written and verbal communication, including preparation of quality well written documents
Ability to prioritize tasks, projects, and meet deadlines
Strong computer skills, and high proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel and Outlook)
Preferred Requirements for an Early Head Start Teacher in Training
CDA in Infant and Toddlers with a minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework in Early Child Development or Early Childhood Education AND 1 year of experience in early childhood education or with infants and toddlers in and educational setting, OR
If current Upbring employee: Preschool CDA with a minimum of 3 credit hours of equivalent coursework in Early Child Development or Early Childhood Education (3 credit hours is equivalent to 45 training hours) and 6 months experience in early childhood education or with infants and toddlers in and educational setting, OR
Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, or in a different field with a minimum of 15 credit hours in one of these fields of study
Experience with inclusion of children with disabilities
Knowledge of infant/toddler health and safety licensing requirements
Bilingual (English and Spanish) with the ability to fluently converse and write in Spanish (based on student population and service area), highly preferred
CPR/First Aid Certification
Abilities, Skills, & Knowledge for an Early Head Start Teacher in Training
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement early childhood curriculum
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people
Ability to build a positive rapport with children, parents/guardians, and team members
Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, interact with all levels of management in a clear and concise manner
Strong computer skills; high proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Strong stress management, time management and organizational skills with the ability to pay close attention to detail
Ability to prioritize tasks and projects and meet deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication, including preparation of quality well written documents, reports, and correspondence
Ability to work independently and within a team; ability to take initiative with limited supervision
Strong computer skills; high proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Perks at Upbring
Competitive PTO & paid holidays
Health, dental, vision insurance & more!
403b
24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services
Gym Memberships
Donated Leave Program
Emergency Assistance Program
Physical Demands & Work Conditions
This position requires frequent standing, walking, and speaking for long periods of time
Position works in a facility with and around children on a regular basis
Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.
The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging
We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.
Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.
