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Job Description
JOB FUNCTION
To plan and implement learning experiences that advance the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of children to promote school readiness. Support families in accessing necessary resources, completing program requirements, setting and achieving goals, and being involved in their child's education.
START DATE
August 3rd, 2026 Seasonal position with summers off. Layoff is typically around June and recall is in mid-August.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum:
One of the following Associates degree in early childhood education Coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education Valid Driver's License and current vehicle insurance Preferre d : Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in early childhood education Prefer 1-year experience in early childhood setting Past Head Start staff or participant experience helpful Lived experience or a history working with individuals with low incomes
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. o While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. o The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, but the employee should never lift more than 50 pounds o Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. o Physical ability to move quickly to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection to ensure their safety or the safety of others in the environment § Daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. o The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
AGENCY EXPECTATIONS
1) Embrace, advocate, and carry out the mission, vision and core values of the Agency and adhere to all Agency Policies and Procedures 2) Familiarize and work toward the achievement of Agency-wide strategic plan goals, strategies and measures. 3) Acts as a role model within, as well as outside the Agency 4) Provide friendly, responsive service to the public, community organizations and to those we serve 5) With a respectful and positive attitude, work with low-income individuals and families with diversebackgrounds 6) Support, develop and maintain productive relationships required to carry out job activities 7) Demonstrate flexible and efficient time management 8) Maintain the security and confidentiality of all records and interpersonal interactions 9) Work effectively and cooperatively with community partners and co-workers 10) Participate in and/or lead Agency committees 11) Embody our commitment to embrace perspectives
HEAD START PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Physical Exam within 30 days, 3-year renewal First Aid certification within first 60 days of initial employment, 2-year renewal CPR certification within first 60 days of initial employment, 2-year renewal Hepatitis B or documentation of refusal CARS training, 5-year renewal
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Child Services Implement active supervision strategies at all times Complete and document program requirements to meet deadlines Initiate and follow-up on referrals to service providers Implement all policies, procedures, and licensing regulations Individualize services to meet the needs of each child Implement curriculum and assessment with fidelity Develop weekly lesson plans Engage parents in the implementation of the curriculum to reflect family culture, traditions, and language Support external partnerships including but not limited to Great Plains Food Bank (Kitchen Coalition), Early Intervention Services, and Dental Days Family Services Establish positive, goal directed relationships with families, children, and community partners Partner with families to develop goals based on family strengths, needs and existing plans Document all family contracts and services in Child Plus, including follow-up on referrals and family goals, and updates on ROMA goals Participate in outreach and recruitment in service areas Recruit parent representatives to serve on Policy Council and support them in fulfilling their duties Promote and facilitate transition of children and families to appropriate community agencies and school settings Analyze family data to create individual family services and supports Document all family contacts, services, referrals, and follow-up in CAP 60 and ROMA Monitor attendance and work with the ERSEA Manager and families to maintain regular attendance Participate in outreach and recruitment Maintain a positive classroom climate that is welcoming to parents and community members and provides opportunities for engagement and school readiness Plan, facilitate, and document parent center committee meetings which reflect parent interests and curriculum, assisting parents to take a leadership role Administrative Utilize tracking systems to determine completion of program requirements Prepare and participate in monthly case management meetings Collect in-kind monthly and ensure forms are accurate and submitted in a timely manner Track and update inventory Guide and communicate with staff, parents, community partners, and volunteers to adhere to all program policies and procedures Agency and Division Support Represent Agency in communities we serve Align and build on efforts to achieve a shared vision and common goals in serving people Assist with Agency projects as requested Attend and participate in agency, community and state meetings as requested Participate in agency provided trainings and seek out additional training to enhance professional development Assist with onboarding and training of Agency team members as requested Compile and submit required documentation Availability to work designated Agency hours for your Division and position Commit to, embrace, and uphold the CAPLP Core Values 1) Raise the
Bar:
We always strive for excellence and never settle for the status quo Be your best self; Hold yourself and your team accountable; Always best practice 2)
Be Brave:
We challenge ourselves to go further than before, endure obstacles and try new things Think outside the box; Take risks; Say the hard things; Be part of the solution 3) Do the
Right Thing:
We have the strength of character to do the right thing even when it's not easy Lead by example; Be mission-driven; Be professional and ethical, even when no one is looking 4) Care for
Each Other:
We respect, trust and care for ourselves, our customers and our teammates Be kind; Assume the best; Take time to build relationships; Celebrate success 5)
Help People:
We help people to help themselves and each other, focusing on those who need us most Show compassion; Embrace perspectives; Go the extra mile