The posting
Division: Education
Reports to: Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Worksite: Head Start (locations may vary)
LLBO Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes
License/Certification Requirements: Valid MN driver’s license is required. CPR and First Aid certification or must be attained within the introductory period.
Summary: Assists lead teachers and district special education teachers in implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)/Individual Family Services Plans (IFSPs), providing one-on-one or small group instruction. Monitors student progress, manages classroom behavior, and supports students with diverse learning and behavioral needs to foster academic and personal independence. Responsible for helping ensure that the classrooms contribute to each child's growth and development.
Education Requirements and Experience:
Background in early childhood/child development, or related field.
Must have experience in infant and early childhood classrooms.
Minimum of two years of experience teaching, observing, assessing, planning, coaching, and implementing individual activities for young children and families, including those with mental health, behavioral issues, and disabilities.
Must be willing to take additional classes and training in special education.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Excellent attendance and punctuality is a must.
Excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills.
Word processing and computer skills.
Must possess an understanding and sensitivity to the culturally specific needs of Native American children and their families.
Be flexible with time, adaptable to various environments, a self-starter, and work in a team environment.
Willing to submit to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Native American preference.
An initial physical exam is required, and Mantoux (TB) testing is required upon hire and every 5 years thereafter.
Must meet Leech Lake Licensing Standards.
Ability to travel in and out of state.
Attend all mandated trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards.
Leech Lake Child Care licensing training requirements completed annually.
Behavioral health training and/or experience preferred.
Demonstrate an ability to work in natural settings, including homes and early care and educational environments.
Supervisory Duties:
None
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assist in supporting individual students or small groups of students with special needs, including behaviors, in Head Start/Early Head Start classrooms.
Implement Individual Education Plan (IEP) modifications at the teacher's request.
Become knowledgeable of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Assist in creating supplementary aids and services such as communication assistance/devices, visual supports, and other sensory needs, as needed by the student or classroom.
Ensure individualization occurs by identifying goals on lesson plans and implementing them in the classroom
Attend related IEP/IFSP and Student Success Plan/Behavior Plan meetings.
Assist teacher in maintaining classroom discipline using appropriate methods for children with and without disabilities.
Assist in the implementation of student success plans (behavior plans) for individual students
Assist in planning appropriate activities based on each child’s needs.
Utilize developmentally appropriate practices and guidance.
Effectively mainstream children with special needs into the program and utilize Developmentally Appropriate Practices & guidance.
Maintain a healthy emotional climate in the classroom.
Work cooperatively as a team member and promote teamwork with co-workers.
Communicate effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services provided.
Follow the recommendations of the Team Leader when program improvement is needed.
Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.
Adhere to policies governing staff conduct.
Be familiar with and support the implementation of Conscious Discipline, Creative Curriculum, and TSG requirements.
Assist in the screening and referral process for children with suspected developmental delays and mental health needs who are enrolled in the program.
Work with the Education Program Manager, Mentor Coach/Practice Base Coach, and Social Emotional Education Specialist on recommendations to support strengths and weaknesses in the classroom, and assist with corrective action plans that reflect the individual needs of the staff and/or the team.
Administrative & Advocacy:
Become familiar with Head Start Performance Standards, LLHS/EHS Service Plans, LLHS Policies and procedures, and Goals and Objectives within a short period of time.
Interpret Performance Standards and LLHS Service Plans in all disabilities and mental health areas.
Follow, interpret, and update Program Outcomes as needed
Be willing to assist in appropriate program changes annually.
Coordinate and provide technical assistance in and out of the classroom on issues related to mental health and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies.
Provide information to Head Start staff and parents on the delivery of disabilities and mental health services as it relates to program development, management, interpretation, and implementation of regulations.
Assist and guide in the coordination, completion, and development of monthly, quarterly and annual reports, promptly.
Demonstrate an ability to support the emotional well-being and relationship health of infants and young children, and the adults who care for them, and promote a shared and accurate understanding of child, family and provider needs.
Coordinate, identify and disseminate information about resource materials, resource persons and resource agencies that are available to Head Start and Early Head Start families.
Keep a log of meetings, activities and interactions with the children with disabilities and/or behavioral issues, their families and other agencies involved.
Ensure mental health services are implemented according to Head Start performance standards and the child’s needs.
Participate as an advocate in the community, promoting appropriate services for children with disabilities, mental health and/or behavioral concerns, and their families.
Work closely with school districts and service providers to ensure coordination of services.
Assist in the creation of a quarterly newsletter to promote the program and to keep parents informed on a variety of issues.
General Responsibilities:
Promote and include culture and language into the classroom and in to the home, including sign language.
Continually seek ongoing career development and have an individual professional education plan in place.
Meet annual mandated training requirements.
Follow the recommendations of administrative staff when program improvement is needed.
Communicate effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services being provided.
Work cooperatively as a team member and promote teamwork with co-workers.
Be familiar with and comply with current Head Start Performance Standards, Early Childhood Policies and Procedures, and Leech Lake Child Care licensing requirements.
Promote the Head Start philosophy among staff, parents, and community.
Attend program activities outside normal working hours.
Attend other meetings, training sessions, workshops, classes, and conferences to improve job performance.
Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.
Travel in and out of the state, as needed for training/workshops, etc.
Understanding and sensitivity to Native American culture.
Adhere to policies governing staff conduct.
All other related duties as assigned
Physical Requirements:
Be able to kneel, bend, and move around on the floor to interact with children.
Be able to lift 50 pounds or more and use proper body mechanics.
Be able to sit on child-size furniture for extended periods of time.
Be physically able to work with children ages 0-5 years old.
Ability to chase an eloping child.
Subject to internal working conditions.
Non-smoking environment
