Learning Development Associate Jobs in Suffolk, VA

Description Performs professional educational work in providing developmental services to eligible preschoolers including children with disabilities enrolled in the County's Head Start program. Plans and carries out a daily program that meets the physical and developmental needs of individual children in an assigned group, while taking into account the children's interest, cultural and socioeconomic background, special talents, and individual pace of learning. Develops lesson plans, assesses children's progress, works with and supervises teacher assistants and volunteers, and conducts home visits and parent-teacher conferences.

Works in collaboration with other program staff to ensure the educational, health, and social services' needs of individual children and their families are met and comprehensive services are provided. Plans and carries out the daily indoor and outdoor educational and learning activities designed to enhance the social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development of at-risk children including children with disabilities at an educational center operated by the York County Head Start Program. Researches, develops, and implements developmentally appropriate activities of enrichment and care for children that prepares students for school, meets their individual needs, and complies with the program standards and regulations.

Evaluates children for possible developmental delays, speech delays, medical and/or behavioral problems, and refers them to the appropriate agencies or school system for further evaluation and services. Collects and analyzes data to develop a plan of action to meet the needs of the children and comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Assigns and supervises the activities of teacher assistants and volunteers; encourages parental involvement in Head Start Program and counsels parents to enhance their role as principal influence on child's development.

Provides care and protection for children to help them develop the appropriate social, emotional, and self-help skills such as building relationships with others, eating, dressing and using the bathroom. Documents physical condition of each child and reports conditions needing attention; administers first aid and medication when needed. Maintains progress records on the emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development of the children; reports signs of abuse or neglect; performs a variety of screening and assessments for health, developmental, and social/emotional purposes.

Holds regular individual parent-teacher conferences and participates in parent group meetings; communicates with families on a regular basis to relay information about the child's progress and assessment results; sets goals, provides educational and health information on community resources, addresses parent's concerns, and builds a partnership with the families. Assists in maintaining attractive, healthy surroundings and ensures that classroom, equipment and materials are kept in good condition; monitors outside play areas for trash and safety hazards. Develops and follows the classroom schedule; Coordinates and maintains room arrangement consistent with Environment Rating Scales (ERS).

Assists in service of family-style dining meals to children; assists in associated set-up and clean-up activities. Assists with on-going assessments of Children's Services programs, policies and procedures, and participates in developing and carrying out plans for continuous improvement. Completes required paperwork consisting of, but not limited to, meal counts, attendance, daily health check, developmental assessments, and various classroom/program checklists and reportsin a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications Teacher I (Base Salary of $34,853) - Requires an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or an equivalent field or course of study; or must have a current preschool Child Development Associate (CDA)/State-awarded certificate that meets the requirements for a CDA or demonstrate that she/he has completed all prerequisites for a CDA/State-awarded preschool certificate and be enrolled in a program that will lead to an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development, Child Development, or a related field within three (3) years. Teacher II (Base Salary of $38,423) - Requires a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or an equivalent field or course of study to a major relating to ECE and experience teaching preschool children. Requires acceptable criminal and child protective services background checks, and ability to obtain certification in Medication Administration, CPR and First Aid.

Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia with an acceptable driving record. Requires an initial physical examination to include drug testing and screening for tuberculosis, and periodic reexaminations to ensure the incumbent poses no significant health risk to the participants in the Head Start Program. Must assist with childcare during special events, which may include evenings and weekends.

This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include criminal history, background and DMV record checks. Supplemental Information Thorough knowledge of early childhood development, teaching strategies, best practices, learning theories, and educational principles. General knowledge of CPR and first aid.

General knowledge of personal computers, computer software, and tablets. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to manage and report data accurately and efficiently.

Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs. Capacity to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children while promoting school readiness and parent engagement. Ability to detect signs of child abuse or neglect.

Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity. Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist other employees as necessary. This position is considered to be essential (County designation as ALPHA).

As an ALPHA employee, you may be expected to remain at your worksite or to report following an emergency in order to respond to the needs of the citizens of York County. You may be asked to perform functions not customarily part of your normal duties but which would not require you to have extraordinary skills nor pose a health/safety risk. Physical Demands Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including copiers, laptops, IPads, computer software, tablets, Smartboards, etc.

Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree. In working with and caring for the children, there is constant standing and walking, bending, stooping, climbing on the recreational equipment, and occasionally running and crawling while playing with the children.

Must be able to sit on the floor with children, push and pull of toys and wagons, and sometimes lift children weighing around 40 - 55 lbs. when necessary. For a more detailed description: View Document To view our Total Compensation Calculator, click here.