What You'll Do

• Complete all requirements for Infant/Toddler CDA within 45 days of hire, including successful completion of coursework and passing the CDA exam.
• Support the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development of each child in the classroom, using a child-centered approach and evidence-based practices.
• Assist the lead teacher in maintaining a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment, and ensure the wellbeing and safety of children in their care.
• Work collaboratively with other staff to implement the Head Start/EHS written curriculum plan and demonstrate capacity for providing developmentally appropriate practice.
• Support record keeping and reporting systems to ensure accurate information and timely completion of tasks.
• Encourage language expansion, extended learning, and problem-solving strategies throughout the day.
• Participate in and attend all staff meetings, trainings, and certification courses as required, and occasionally travel locally as needed.

Requirements

• CPR/First Aid Certification (or obtain within 30 days of hire), maintained throughout employment.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) certification (or obtain within 45 days of hire).
• High School Diploma.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft applications and the ability to master other software as needed.
• Willingness to work with high-risk, low-income communities.
• Must be able to travel and work some evenings and weekends as required by the job.
• Local travel required and must have valid Oklahoma driver's license and insurance as required by the position.
• Must work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Communicate in a professional manner, demonstrating dignity, respect for our internal, external, and community members.
• Process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Sustained concentration to detail and accuracy, along with the ability to prioritize workload.
• Exercise independent judgment.
• Good communication skills to interact with staff, children, and families.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
• Ability to detect, discern distinguish, observe, inspect, and compare.
• Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children and families.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently communicate with staff and others, and must be able to exchange accurate information when doing so. The employee must be able to interact closely and safely with small children in various positions. Must be able to communicate verbally with children, able to perform tasks such as feeding children, changing diapers, lifting children from floor or other surfaces. Must be able to endure remaining in stationary position for extended periods of time (up to 50% of workday). Occasionally must be able to move or lift up to 50 pounds at a time. Must be able to detect, discern distinguish, observe, inspect, and compare.

Work Environment

The employee will work in a classroom environment, may work in close quarters with other staff and small children. The noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to loud; frequent chaotic, characteristic to working with children ages 0-5 years. Employee must expect exposure to strong odors such as soiled diapers and clothing, and poor hygiene. Employee may come into contact with childhood diseases and blood on occasion. 

Other

The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel or candidate and may be subject to change at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Sunbeam Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to fair and equal in all its employment practices for persons without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, disability or degree thereof, national origin, domestic/marital status, political affiliation or opinion, veteran status, HIV status, AIDS status, genetic information, and any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Nice to Have

• Experience working in Early Childhood Education or Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
• Knowledge of Child Plus, NAEYC, and other relevant standards and guidelines.
• Advanced computer database and Microsoft Office software skills.
• Bilingual Spanish/English speaking ability to interact with children and families from multilingual homes.

Benefits

About Sunbeam Family Services