Purpose:

To assist in planning and implementing learning opportunities that further the children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical growth and development while acting as a support and resource for parents to ensure Head Start Program and Performance Standards are met.

Job Duties:

• Assist in promoting the health, emotional, social, intellectual and physical development of each child.
• Assist in implementing the weekly individualized activity plans.
• Assist in planning and executing effective field trips.
• Assist in using learning time effectively and efficiently.
• Implement a daily schedule and transitions that support children’s learning.
• Assist in daily observation and recording of children’s behavior and skill attainment.
• Develop a nurturing bond with each of the infants or toddlers in the group.
• Assist with individualizing each child’s developmental program through collaboration with the child’s family and other developmental team members.
• Assist with weekly individualized activity plans.
• Assist in developing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities daily.
• Conduct daily health checks and ensure environment is clean, safe and free of hazards.
• Assist in developing and implementing individualized activities based on the developmental level of each child.
• Assist with creating learning environments in the classroom and outside for young children which promote experimentation and exploration.
• Communicate effectively with parents in promoting parental involvement in their child’s early learning experience.
• Facilitate and assist children in developing positive relationships that support a caring community within the classroom.
• Assist with maintaining and updating records on all children enrolled in the classroom.

Formal Education and Experience:

• A high school diploma/Hi Set and a minimum of six college credit hours in any field.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of child development with an emphasis in birth to 3 years old.
• Thorough knowledge of implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practice in daily routine for infants and toddlers.
• Ability to establish trust, communicate respect, and develop caring and nurturing relationships with children, parents, staff, and the community.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Effectively manage the infant-toddler classroom.
• Be able to process and apply information appropriately.
• Ability to develop and maintain nurturing relationships with infants and toddlers and their families.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population.
• Ability to maintain a healthy and safe environment for infants and toddlers.

YWCA of Metro St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.