Head Teacher - SI Family Court

Summary:

The Head Teacher position provides structured, educational, day care support to children of adults involved in court proceedings and is responsible for the overall management of the center. The ages of the children range from infancy to 12 years of age. Head Teachers and Teachers lead and facilitate supportive, educational activities with the children in their care.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into working with children and their caregivers.
• Responsible for the appropriate care and safety of children in the Center;
• Provide supervision and guidance to the Center teacher(s);
• Follow and maintain the Minimum Requirements and Guidelines of the OCA Statewide Children’s Center Program;
• Responsible for overall functioning of the Children’s Center, including oversight and supervision of teachers, student interns, volunteers, and support staff including court-appointed Nursery Attendants and Foster Grandparents, depending on the Center;
• Responsible for the training of any new hires and volunteers in the Center;
• Work with children from infancy to 12 years of age in a supportive, developmentally appropriate, literacy-rich environment that serves children in a court setting;
• Act as liaison with court employees and court partners regarding the Center’s operation
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of all clients and children that utilize Center;
• Maintain registry of all children in the care of the Children’s Center;
• Make referrals and connections to parents to take advantage of other Safe Horizon programs, other community, state and federal organizations, programs, and entitlements;
• Ensure funder intake forms, federal food program meal plans, registration forms, statistics, and other required forms are filled out accurately, thoroughly, and submitted on a timely basis;
• Encourage literacy development for all children through the use of appropriate language while engaging in conversation and activities including but not limited to: story-telling, reading out loud, use of computer software, educational toys and games, arts and crafts, dance, and writing. The Head Teacher shall actively engage children in these activities as well as oversee the interactions of staff with children;
• Orchestrating curriculum and lesson plan development which encourages input and planning from all staff members;
• Provide meals and snacks to children in accordance to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requirements and regulations and the OCA Statewide Children’s Centers Program Guidelines and Requirements; and
• Change diapers as needed.

Qualifications:

• 2 years experience working with children in some capacity
• Prior teaching experience on preschool level preferred;
• Training in CPR and First Aid, Mandated Reporter training, DOHMH requirements and regulations, helpful;
• Experience working with children who were witnesses to violence and/or abuse, helpful;
• BA in early childhood education or related field or equivalent experience
• Understanding of basics of child development for all levels from birth to age 12;
• Understanding of several methods of kind behavioral guidance and the ability to apply the appropriate method to the situation at hand;
• Ability to relate to caregivers and children who are under stress;
• Ability to work with families under stress, which require a high level of social skills, maturity, and confidence in addition to being nurturing and flexible, yet firm and in charge; and
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (speaking and writing).

Schedule: 60% Percentage Full-time

Physical demands:

This position has certain physical demand requirements, which include, but may not be limited to, remaining in a stationary position for long hours, and lifting up to 40lbs.

Additional Requirements:

• Provide proof of full vaccination status, meaning two COVID vaccinations along with a booster.
• Registration with the State Central Registry of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
• Pass a pre-employment physical granting medical permission to work with small children, which includes proof of immunizations that he/she is free from communicable diseases
• Pass an annual physical

If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Technology Statement:

Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.

Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf