Learning And Development Assistant Jobs in Laurel, MD

Bright Beginnings, Inc. is a non-profit organization that operates early childhood and family learning centers for families in Washington, DC. Using a two-generation approach, Bright Beginnings, Inc. works to ensure every child experiencing housing instability is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged; develop school-ready and kindergarten-prepared children; support families in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty; and partner intentionally to eradicate disparities and remove obstacles to economic mobility. Responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing program of activities to promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each preschool-enrolled child. Programming, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Title 29 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

Essential Duties:

1. Lead team meetings with child development assistant and parent aide to develop weekly lesson plans and activities that address the individual goals of children.

2. Provide day-to-day supervision and support to child development assistant, substitutes, parent aide, and volunteers, which includes sharing daily lesson plans and discussing goals for children.

3. Meet regularly with the Master Teacher/Instructional Coach and the Site Supervisor to review curriculum plans and activities, improve classroom instructional practice, and assess program effectiveness.

4. Responsible for the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards, National Association of the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards, and Title 29: DCMR performance standards, policies and procedures, regulations and guidelines in the day-to-day operation of a prekindergarten program (ages Birth-3), including the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices.

5. Implement the evidence-based curriculum, High Scope, with fidelity and according to BBI policies and procedures.

6. Collaborate with classroom staff to plan and implement the daily program of activities based on principles of child development and in accordance with the High Scope curriculum.

7. Implement the Bright Beginnings’ Closing the Word Gap Initiative with regular use of LENA devices.

8. Work with the child development assistant to create daily open-ended small groups for children to encourage questioning, problem-solving, language, creativity, and concept forming in young children.

9. Responsible for the implementation of developmental, behavioral, and sensory screenings as mandated by Head Start, OSSE, and NAEYC regulations and performance standards.

10. Make appropriate referrals to the Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator for children suspected of delays or disabilities.

11. Assure parents or designees sign in and out on a daily basis by greeting each child and parent individually at the time of arrival and departure.

12. Maintain a portfolio and record of each child’s progress and development for the purpose of demonstrating student learning, planning individual instruction, and complying with Head Start Standards.

13. Responsible for working with a multi-disciplinary team to fully implement an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP) for children with disabilities.

14. Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth. Document daily observations in the child’s portfolio to inform the quarterly assessments.

15. Administer the Child Observation Record (COR) three times per year (Fall, Winter, and Spring); enter observations into the COR database system and utilize the results of the COR to personalize and individualize weekly lesson plans.

16. Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at school with the child’s parent(s).

Job Description – Early Head Start Lead Teacher

17. Inform and facilitate parents' understanding of the child’s progress toward meeting developmental objectives determined by the COR, and develop individual lesson plans to promote each child’s growth and development.

18. Provide home-to-school activities to reinforce the center’s lesson plans in the home setting.

19. Work with the CARE Team in planning and participating in parent activities.

20. Ensure universal precautions are kept at all times, including washing hands upon entering the classroom, after diapering, toileting, before and after meals, and after contact with bodily fluids.

21. Support the maintenance of the classroom and facility in a safe and sanitary condition by completing daily health and safety checklists of classrooms and the playground.

22. Implement health procedures on a daily basis, including following medication administration procedures, tooth brushing, sanitation, and administering First Aid/CPR.

23. Assist with evacuation of children during fire drills, natural disasters, and any other emergencies that may occur.

24. Set up and maintain a well-organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children according to ITERS-R.

25. Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self-esteem and self-discipline.

26. Track daily meal counts (breakfast, snack, and lunch) and model family-style dining during breakfast, lunch, and snack, according to Head Start Performance Standards and USDA regulations.

27. Interact and closely supervise children outdoors.

28. Conduct parent-teacher conferences and home visits with parents and children in the assigned classroom to discuss each child’s growth and development.

29. Conduct monthly parent classroom meetings.

30. Attend all staff meetings and professional learning provided by Bright Beginnings.

31. Keep abreast of current knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Education.

32. Maintain confidentiality of children and families at all times.

33. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Mission and culture alignment;

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or in a related field with 15 credits in Early Childhood Education. At least two years of teaching experience;

• Ability to relate positively to young children, parents, and staff;

• Strong working knowledge of Early Head Start Program Performance Standards and NAEYC guidelines and regulations;

• Prefer knowledge of High Scope curriculum or other evidence-based early childhood education curricula;

• Demonstrate success in working as a member of a team;

• Effective and strong communication skills (orally and in writing);

• Strong computer skills with expertise in Windows-based programs, such as the Microsoft Office Suite;

• Must have DC local and Federal criminal record clearance, Child Protective Register check status, and substance abuse testing; and

• Documentation of Tuberculin-free condition and health screening on an annual basis.

Physical Demands:

• Be able to lift 25-50 lbs.

• Be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on the floor, see, hear, and speak.

• Be able to raise objects from a lower to a higher location or move objects horizontally from one location to another.