About this role
Primary Purpose: To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.) and local Head Start/Early Head Start policies in providing pregnant women, children and families with Head Start/Early Head Start services in the home-based program option. To provide parents/guardians with instruction to create learning environments and varied experiences which will help their child(ren) develop socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically, in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development and toward the overall goal of social competence. To assist parents in developing skills which contribute to the well-being of all family members. Qualifications: Education/Certification
• High school diploma or GED required
• Associates Degree or 50-60 college hours with some early childhood/child development preferred
• Parents As Teachers certification or willingness to obtain required
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness
Skills
• Experience working with children ages 0 to 5 years required
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish/English or Somali, Chin, Burmese, Amharic, Tigryan)
• Valid Texas Driver's License or other reliable mode of transportation during work hours required
• Proof of current automobile liability insurance required
• Moderate technology skills required
• Must be service driven with the ability to assume personal responsibility and maintain a positive outlook
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities
Working Conditions:
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
• Facilitates year-round recruitment, application, and enrollment of children for program vacancies and/or waiting lists ensuring a full caseload throughout the year
• Provides written and/or oral translation services for families during lessons, meetings, programs/events, and in the community, as needed
• Engages in respectful and responsive goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being
• Supports families in using community resources that enhance family well-being, foster self-sufficiency, and children's learning and development
• Completes the minimum number of weekly home visits and group socialization activities for home-based families according to Head Start performance standards
• Use the PAT curriculum and ongoing assessments to plan and deliver developmentally appropriate activities
• Demonstrates respect and accepts differences for each child and family while remaining responsive to family strengths and culture
• Reinforces acceptable behavior modeling and conversation while using a calm, non-threatening voice
• Provides opportunities for each child to experience success and reinforces all efforts by extending learning at every opportunity
• Ensures required screenings and ongoing assessments are completed in compliance with program standards
• Enhances observation skills of parents in assessing children's social, emotional, cognitive, and fine and gross motor development
• Collaborates on referrals for enrolled children and families in all areas while providing appropriate, detailed, and accurate documentation
• Maintains child and family records by updating and filing all required forms and documentation according to local timelines and the Head Start performance standards
• Complies with agency and program policies regarding confidentiality of records and refrains from community gossip regarding families
• Plans and facilitates group socializations by engaging parents in appropriate learning activities
• Works in collaboration with staff as part of a comprehensive services team to deliver program services to families as required by Head Start Performance Standards
• Updates and enters program service documentation into the database within required timeframes for monthly and yearly reporting
• Collects and analyzes information for monitoring and continual improvement in services
• Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
• Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16 Head Start
• Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program
• Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
• Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines
• Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
• Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
• Performs other duties as assigned