Careers

Higher Horizons Head Start Program is seeking Head Start Teacher Assistants to assist Lead Teachers in implementing an established curriculum, develop lesson plans, and conduct child observations and home visits. The candidates will maintain a warm, inviting learning environment for children aged from 3 to 5 years of age, incorporating age-appropriate activities to meet individual needs, Virginia Child Care Licensing Regulations and Head Start Program Performance Standards. Classroom Teachers and Teacher Assistants work in conjunction with other staff to facilitate quality early childhood education programming and implementation for children under their care. NOTE: This is NOT a remote work position.

REQUIREMENTS:

¨*AA or BA in ECE, Child Development OR valid Preschool CDA Credential OR AA in ECE, or Preschool Teacher Certification? (OR a willingness to further your qualifications (with assistance from the organization)

*At least one year of successful experience in a preschool classroom setting

*Experience in Teaching Strategies GOLD, Creative Curriculum, CLASS and ASQ’s a plus.

Must have basic computer – technology skills

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS A PLUS… (but not required):
*Bilingual (Spanish, Arabic or Amharic)
*Current CPR/First Aid/MAT certifications preferred

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

$16.25 – $17.50 per hour (commensurate with related education and experience)

*Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Leave

*Group Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

*Free Short- & Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance

*Employee Assistance Program-EAP

*Eligible for 2% employer contributions to Retirement Plan after 6 months of successful employment; employee can contribute upon hire.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• Preschool: 1 year (Preferred)
• Head Start: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
• AA degree in ECE, Child Dev, or CDA credential (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

The Education Program Manager is responsible for coordinating all functions of the organization, working closely with the Executive Director in providing leadership and planning, implementing and evaluating program systems, and managing, organizing, executing, facilitating, and directing the necessary functions for early childhood programming. The position is responsible for assuring the implementation of quality early childhood programing. The candidate must live within the Metro DC area and able to report to the offices in Falls Church, though remote work can be authorized. The Program Manager is a leadership role and and includes the following management responsibilities, among other duties:

· Participate fully in the planning process, as the role dictates.

. Supervises the Head Start and Early Head Start Site Supervisors.

· Participate in leadership and senior leadership meetings as scheduled; submit written monitoring reports and provide verbal summaries at leadership meetings.

· Establish and maintain relationships and collaborations with Fairfax County Public Schools and other community agencies and partners.

· Design and deliver formal presentations to parents, staff, Board of Directors, Policy Council and community groups as may be required.

· Participate in the development of collaborations and facility development for future expansion of families and/or services.

· Talent acquisition, coaching and evaluating the performance of direct service staff, Health Manager, two Site Supervisors and Family Resource Manager.

· Promote a consistent and effective exchange of information across the organization and between sites.

· Encourage and support professional development opportunities.

· Support the development of all funding applications and proposals related to Head Start and Early Head Start programming.

· Monitor and implement Head Start Program Performance Standards, Virginia Child Care Licensing Regulations, organizational policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of each site.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

· Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minimum of three years of professional leadership, management and supervisory experience, preferably in an educational, non-profit setting.

· Significant experience in administration, including knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Virginia Child Care Licensing Regulations.

· Strong knowledge of best practices and systems in the field of early childhood.

· Experience in design and delivery of training.

· Strong oral and written communication skills.

· Exhibit strong organizational skills.

· Proposal development and grant funded program experience.

· Attention to detail with ability to perform assignments efficiently and accurately

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, strong computer skills including internet and email, with the ability to learn new systems as needed.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT ADVOCATE – HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM

Under the direction of the Family Resource Manager, the Family Engagement Advocate (FEA) will work to ensure that all aspects of the social service, health, parent involvement areas meet or exceed the requirements set forth in the Head Start Performance Standards and the policies set forth by Higher Horizons Head Start and Early Head Start. The FEA is part of the Family Services team to provide needed services to all families in the Head Start Program in accordance with the program policies, procedures, and a philosophy that puts children and families first. Conducts virtual or in-home visits at the beginning of each school year to establish a Family Partnership Agreement with families. Assists families to set goals based on their strengths and needs. Monitors the Family Partnership Agreements monthly and follows up as needed. Maintains health, family support services and records on each child assigned to his or her caseload. Serves as a resource and referral contact for families Secures and maintains information on child health (physicals, dental screenings, immunizations, health history) and nutrition data for each child assigned to their caseload.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

¨ BA/BS Degree, preferably in Social Work or related field

¨ At least two years of successful experience in case management with children and families

¨ Strong written, verbal communication and organizational skills

¨ Ability to effectively communicate with people of various cultural and social backgrounds

¨ Ability to utilize basic office equipment and have a working knowledge of computers and data entry systems (i.e. Child Plus)

¨ Bilingual Spanish a plus!