Family Services of Westchester (FSW) provides mental health and social services that strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of their lives. With 50 innovative programs, FSW serves 30,000 individuals annually in Westchester County, New York, here to create hope, restore dignity and connect families with the resources to get back on track.
Founded in 1954, Family Services of Westchester is a private, nonprofit, non-sectarian social services agency.
FSW’s Head Start/Early Head Start is a federal government program that was created in 1965 to give preschool children from low-income families a “head start” on their readiness for elementary school.
JOB SUMMARY
This position serves as a teacher (aka caregiver) in a classroom for Early Head Start infants and toddlers by planning, implementing, and supervising all center-based activities. This position may work with infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Because this position is one part of a large system of services provided to infants/toddlers and families, this position also serves as a social service referral person and shares responsibility for parent involvement in the program. The position of Teacher works in tandem with the rest of the parts of the system as an integrated team to support the goals of the program. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES
- Plans and provides developmentally appropriate activities and experiences that advance all areas of children’s development (social, emotional, cognitive, and physical in a manner appropriate to age and stage of development.
- Assists in development and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum that focuses on routines and individual child interests and development.
- Provides a safe, healthy and well-managed environment so that children will have comfortable learning and growing experiences. Sets up the physical environment to meet the changing needs of infants and toddlers.
- Displays and develops material and provides activities related to cultures of the community in order to increase the children’s respect and understanding of their own and other local cultures.
- Models and promotes communication and problem-solving skills that assist in developing positive interactions, creating an atmosphere of acceptance, support and encouragement, which fosters the development of positive self-concept and self-esteem in children as well as attachment, bonding and trusting relationships.
- Demonstrates an understanding of infant-toddler development applying this knowledge in practice.
- Participates in Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings.
- Participates in on-going training and development specific to working with infants and toddlers and their families, including infant/toddler development, communication and safety issues such as reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
- Works closely and cooperatively with family services staff to promote partnerships with families.
- Responsible for knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, content areas and functions of the infant/toddler curriculum including familiarity with the Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practices and state child care licensing regulations.
- Displays commitment to continuing professional growth by taking classes, reading journals, etc.
- Conducts developmental screening of infants and toddlers’ motor, language, social, cognitive, perceptual, and emotional levels.
- Ensures an appropriate written Transition Plan for all children, six months before their third birthday; provides parents with training and information. Establishes communication to facilitate and coordinate the transition.
- Implements Active Supervision strategies in the classroom.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- The minimum educational requirement is: A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential*; and have been trained or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.
Experience
- 2+ years of experience working with young children and families in an early childhood program such as Early Head Start, implementing comprehensive family services for young children and families from diverse backgrounds.
Skills
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer (Microsoft word, excel, etc.) and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, and copier.
- Requires effective writing and oral communication skills to conduct meetings and to prepare reports that are clear, complete, and comprehensive.
- Extensive knowledge and skills in the field of early childhood development. Knowledge of various service resources in the community. Knowledge of the state and federal child abuse and neglect regulations and childcare licensing requirements. Knowledge of local resources, languages, and customs is helpful.
- Ability to be perceptive of children's needs and work well with staff, children, and parents/families,
- Ability to organize and direct classroom activities,
- Ability to maintain accurate records which reflect the needs and progress of children, utilizing Teaching Strategies Gold.
- Ability to communicate ideas and instructions orally and in writing,
- Ability to speak before groups of individuals,
- Ability to always maintain strict confidentiality, including recognizing situations in which confidentiality is required,
- Ability to exhibit patience and tact when communicating with children, families, staff, management, referral sources, and the public,
- Ability to project professionalism in conducting daily activities.
- Ability to work with typically developing children and children with disabilities.
There are a variety of benefits to joining Family Services of Westchester, an organization with over 65 years of history impacting vulnerable communities. In addition to the opportunity to connect with and help thousands of residents in Westchester County, FSW offers its employees an inspiring, diverse and team-based work environment with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and 403(b) for full-time employees.
At FSW, we enjoy working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and value the benefits of a diversified workplace that prioritizes our clients and the communities we serve. If you want to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people across the communities of Westchester, and if the position of Co-Teacher speaks to your capabilities, experience and commitment to social service, please submit your resume and cover letter. Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and/or email.
FSW is an equal opportunity employer
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.25 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Ability to Relocate:
- White Plains, NY 10605: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person