Company Profile:

Head Start for Kent County is a non-profit agency that provides holistic, family-centered services to low-income families in Kent County, Michigan. Founded in 1991 under the name Michigan Family Resources, the agency recieves Federal funds to manage both Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These early childhood programs support the well-being and development of children from birth to age five by focusing on: Education, Nutrition, Medical and Dental Care, Parent Involvment and Social Services. By applying best practices in the early childhood field, we prepare families and their young children for success in school and life.

*Position Overview*

Ensures the implementation of the Head Start program is a safe environment for children in accordance with the performance standards by meeting the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and cultural needs of each enrolled child in partnership with parents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities may include but not limited to the following:

Classroom Responsibilities:

• Assists with the implementation of education in all classroom activities
• Assists in meal preparation, clean up and serves as a role model at meal times
• Implements positive redirection and behavior guidance

Support to Teacher:

• Assist the teacher to ensure that facilities are maintained according to health and sanitation regulations
• Conduct home visits with teacher and participates in Parent/Teacher Conferences when necessary
• Works cooperatively with teaching staff in planning and performing classroom activities

Working with Parents:

• Instructs children in practices of personal hygiene and other self help skills
• Implements positive redirection and behavior guidance

• Works one-on-one with children needing individual attention

   

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities.

Educational Requirements

Candidates must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education and/or Experience -- Must obtain CPR/First Aide at earliest opportunity.

Computer Skills -- Must have basic computer skills and be knowledgeable of Microsoft office.

Communication Skills -- Must have basic level written and oral communication skills with a strong attention to detail; ability to effectively and clearly communicate information and ideas with willingness to share knowledge, skills, and expertise with others.

Reasoning Ability -- Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner. Work well in group problem solving situations; use reason and restraint even when dealing with emotional topics; ability to adapt to and solve challenging situations applying common sense understanding to all work situations.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Teamwork -- Balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views; give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit; put the success of team above own interests; ability to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; support everyone's efforts to succeed.

Job Knowledge -- Understand the job