A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
Human Services Association (HSA) is a private nonprofit agency whose principal mission is to provide families with compassionate and comprehensive care to promote wellness and build strong communities. HSA was founded in Bell Gardens in 1940 and today, HSA serves over 20,000 clients annually on a non-sectarian basis with a range of services that addresses the unique and shared needs of clients of all ages.
Program Overview:
Our Early Childhood Education Department provides services to 600 children over three distinct programs (Early Head Start, Head Start and State Preschool) at ten school sites. The California State Preschool Program provides a pre-school experience for children ages 3 to 5 in the cities of South Gate and Huntington Park. The Early Head Start Program is a federally funded program that provides a home based and center based program for pregnant women and children ages 0-3 that reside in zip codes of 90201 and 90280. The Head Start Program offers a comprehensive child development program for low-income preschoolers ages three to five years old that reside in zip code 90280.
Position Summary:
Under the general direction and supervision of the Education Specialist, The Lead Teacher fulfills the role of the person responsible for the site as defined by Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. Oversees the daily operation of the site where care is given to young children and services are provided to their families. This position is responsible for the daily activities of the center staff, the daily program for children, their families, and interacts with parents and volunteers including center meetings and facilitating interactions among staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Compliance & Safety Ensure compliance with Title 22, Head Start Performance Standards, Title V, Licensing regulations, and Agency Policies. Ensure center safety for children, parents, and staff. Maintain a safe, nurturing, interactive, and orderly environment. Maintain adult-child ratios; substitute as needed. Ensure all children are signed in/out daily. Conduct daily health checks and monthly emergency drills. Record and report illnesses, accidents, and suspected child abuse. Develop and maintain zoning plans for supervision. Ensure cleanliness of classroom and bathrooms. Ensure documentation (e.g., Incident Reports, Child Abuse Reports) is completed and submitted on time. 2. Educational Program & Curriculum Ensure lesson plans, DRDP, ASQ, observations, etc., are completed on time. Design and plan daily programs with teaching staff. Monitor and participate in classroom activities. Individualize lesson plans per child. Implement curriculum supporting school readiness. Implement nutritional and healthy activities. Record and monitor educational files and assessments. Attend IEP/IFSP and Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings. Make adaptations for children with disabilities, cultural backgrounds, and home languages. 3. Staff Supervision & Coordination Meet with staff to ensure compliance with regulations. Facilitate site and team meetings, as needed Provide input into evaluation of staff by communicating success and areas for improvement to the Supervisor. Participate in staff conferences and conflict resolution, as needed. Train and coordinate parent and community volunteers at the site, as needed. 4. Parent & Community Engagement Establish positive interactions with parents. Involve parents in classroom and home educational activities. Ensure communication between teachers and parents. Plan and coordinate home visits and parent conferences. Attend and prepare for monthly parent center meetings. Participate in at least 2 recruitment/community events. Represent HSA at community/professional functions. 5. Administrative & Operational Tasks Select and order classroom materials. Ensure proper documentations are posted, per regulations. Record and total meal counts, milk counts, and attendance. Remain at center for late pick-ups, as needed. Report to work on time and maintain good attendance. Participate positively in all program activities. Complete and submit all required documents timely. 6. Professional Conduct & Development Model the Standard of Conduct Policy. Communicate respectfully and culturally sensitively. Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff. Promote the mission and philosophy of HSA. Attend meetings, trainings, and professional development. Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or
Department Director Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:
At least Two (2) years experience with children, ages 0-5, in a group care setting (350) days of three hours or within four years, must include at least 100 days of supervising adults in a child care and development program. Knowledge in Child growth and development and Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Ability to plan, organize and supervise a child development center. Principles of Supervision, Training and Performance Evaluation. Be knowledgeable in the implementation of education program policies and procedures. Ability to train and supervise classroom teachers, assistants and volunteers. Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds, and those with disabilities and special needs. Ability to keep accurate records and in a timely manner. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. Organized and able to successfully meet daily objectives; have the ability to lead team atmosphere; have mediation and negotiation skills; possess effective conflict resolution skills. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using correct English (spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation). Effective oral and written communication; Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Education And Experience:
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in related field with 24 units of ECE, 3 Units of Infant/Toddler, + 3 units supervised field experience and possession of a Site Supervisor Permit or higher. Two years' experience in an instructional capacity in a child development program with at least one year in a supervisory role preferred. Knowledge and experience working with Head Start Performance Standards, Title V, Title 22, CACFP Regulations and other State and Federal Regulations Possess or meet requirements for Site Supervisor Permit or higher. Occasional driving is required. Must provide own vehicle, valid California driver license and proof of full insurance coverage. First Aid certification, Child CPR certification.
Health screening:
Physical Negative tuberculosis screen (TB)(required). TDAP or DTAP clearance (required) MMR Clearance (required)• We require the selected candidate to undergo a criminal background check using the Live Scan fingerprinting method in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job or that an employee encounters while performing the essential function of this job. Work in moderate noise levels and non-smoking environment Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds independently Frequently involves sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, and climbing stairs (as needed) Occasionally may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl Must be able to speak and hear clearly to communicate effectively Constantly operates a computer, keyboard, and other various office machinery Majority of job duties are performed onsite; however, visits to different sites may be required In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
COMPENSATION
In accordance with California law, the expected pay range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. Human Services Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable federal, state, and local laws. As part of our hiring process, we conduct criminal background checks on all new hires using the Live Scan fingerprinting method, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Pay:
$29.00 - $34.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have experience of at lest 100 days of supervising adults in a child care and development program? The selected candidate is required to have completed at least 24 Early Childhood Education Units, including 3 Infant/Toddler Units and over 3 supervised field experience units. Please confirm the amount of units completed in ECE, Infant/Toddler, and supervised field experience. What is your knowledge and experience working with Head Start Performance Standards, Title V, Title 22, CACFP Regulations, and other State and Federal Regulations? Are you willing to undergo a Live Scan (background check)?
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
working with children ages 0-5: 2 years (Required) instructional capacity in child development program: 2 years (Required) supervisor role: 1 year (Required)
Language:
Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Child Development Site Supervisor Permit (Required) Driver's License (Required)
