Job Description

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Infant/Toddler Early Head Start Teacher provides high-quality, responsive care and education to a group of up to eight infants and toddlers, ensuring their health, safety, and developmental progress in alignment with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), NYS Child Day Care Regulations, and agency policies. The Teacher fosters positive, nurturing relationships with children and families; implements Creative Curriculum with fidelity; and collaborates with education, health, disabilities, and family services staff to promote school readiness and family well-being.

Core Responsibilities

Planning

• Develop weekly lesson plans aligned with Creative Curriculum, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), and NYS Early Learning Guidelines for Infants/Toddlers.

• Plan individualized experiences informed by ongoing assessment data, child interests, and family input.

• Prepare and rotate classroom materials and learning centers to support exploration, discovery, and responsive caregiving.

• Plan and cultivate a positive, nurturing, language-rich environment consistent with Creative Curriculum.

• Ensure plans include individualized goals for children’s learning and development.

Program Implementation

• Provide responsive, consistent, and nurturing routines (arrival, feeding, diapering/toileting, rest, transitions) that support secure attachments.

• Implement developmentally appropriate, engaging activities that promote physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional growth.

• Maintain health and safety practices (safe sleep, sanitation, supervision, hazard checks) in accordance with HSPPS and OCFS.

• Support family-style meals and nutrition practices consistent with CACFP, including infant/toddler feeding plans and allergy accommodations.

Family Partnerships

• Build respectful, culturally and linguistically responsive relationships with families to support their role as their child’s first teacher.

• Conduct at least two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually; share developmental updates and partner on goals.

• Encourage family engagement in classroom activities, ReadyRosie, and volunteer opportunities.

• Coordinate family participation in at least two home visits per year.

Communication & Service Coordination

• Collaborate with Education Managers, Mentor Teachers, Health and Family Services staff, and specialists to meet individual child needs.

• Communicate regularly with families using TalkingPoints and other program tools.

• Coordinate referrals and follow-up services with appropriate program specialists.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Maintain accurate daily documentation (attendance, health checks, incident reports, diapering/toileting logs) and child portfolios.

• Complete Teaching Strategies GOLD observations and checkpoints as scheduled; document screenings, referrals, and follow-up in Go Engage.

Ongoing Monitoring & Self-Assessment

• Participate in coaching cycles and classroom observations (ITERS/ECERS, CLASS-Toddler as applicable); implement feedback.

• Contribute to program monitoring, self-assessment activities, and continuous quality improvement plans.

Human Resources & Supervision

• Support and guide the Teacher Assistant and classroom volunteers; model responsive caregiving and classroom routines.

• Engage in required professional development (including OCFS annual training hours), maintain certifications (CPR/First Aid, Mandated Reporter), and support onboarding for new staff.

• Maintain an Aspire Registry account for professional development.

Program Governance & Leadership

• Contribute to school readiness efforts and center initiatives; support accurate in-kind documentation through volunteer engagement.

• Recruit and supervise classroom volunteers, ensuring in-kind is documented and submitted monthly.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information at all times.

• Travel between program sites and occasional overnight travel for training may be required.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program success and compliance with HSPPS and OCFS regulations.

Head Start Employee Expectations

• Uphold the shared values of the center.

• Cooperate with co-workers, ensuring quality service to children and families while maintaining positive staff relationships.

• Actively participate in staff meetings, mandated trainings, committee meetings, and other program functions (including some evenings).

• Adhere to agency policies on confidentiality, child abuse reporting, attendance, dress, customer service, and safe work practices.

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, initiative, and flexibility in all duties.

• Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations, and changing community needs.

Qualifications

• Infant/Toddler CDA or AAS degree with coursework and experience equivalent to an Infant/Toddler CDA required.

• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and NYS OCFS childcare regulations.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to analyze data and collaborate effectively.

• Experience with diverse populations, including low-income families, children with disabilities, and English-language learners.

• Proficiency in relevant software systems for data management and reporting.

• Ability to work independently and in a team; strong organizational skills.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., sit, stand, and bend frequently.

• Handle frequent confidential contact with staff, families, and the public.

• Must pass physical exam, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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