EARLY HEAD START INFANT/TODDLER TEACHER (12-Month Position)

RUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS

EARLY HEAD START

INFANT / TODDLER TEACHER (12-Month Position)

Position Type: Full-Time, 12 Months

Reports To: Early Head Start Site Administrator and/or Early Childhood Development Coordinator, in consultation with the Head Start Director

POSITION PURPOSE

The Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children from birth to age three. This position supports children's cognitive, social-emotional, language, physical, and adaptive development in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Parts 1302 & 1304), North Carolina Child Care Licensing Regulations, and Rutherford County Schools policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Duties include, but are not limited to, the following)

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Early Head Start standards

• Maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing classroom environment

• Observe, document, and assess children's development and progress

• Build positive, responsive relationships with children and families

• Collaborate with Early Head Start staff, specialists, and administrators

• Maintain required documentation and records in compliance with program standards

• Participate in professional development, trainings, and meetings as required

• Follow all Rutherford County Schools policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(Aligned to 45 CFR 1302.91(e)(1))

The individual must meet one (1) of the following requirements:

• A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Infant/Toddler; or

• An Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field with coursework equivalent to a CDA; or

• A state-awarded credential that meets or exceeds the CDA (e.g., North Carolina Early Childhood Credential); or

• Enrollment in a program leading to one of the above credentials, with a written professional development plan on file

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with infants and toddlers

• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to meet North Carolina Child Care Licensing requirements

• Completion of required background checks and health screenings

• Eligibility to work in the United States

• Must meet all training and certification requirements associated with Early Head Start

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time, 12-month position

• Salary and benefits are determined by the Rutherford County Schools salary schedule and benefit plans

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Rutherford County Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.