Information updated on March 14, 2010

In anticipation of an Early Head Start (comprehensive services to children birth to 3 years old) program implementation, RCFS is posting this job announcement for classroom teachers.  When reviewing, please keep in mind:

• Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.
• All questions, comments, and concerns should be sent to Post Office Box 5100, Columbia, SC 29250.  No other contact will be accepted (phone call, fax, email, or visit).
• All positions are open until filled.  Anticipated hiring dates are listed at the top of each job announcement.
• Please check back often as more information and other job postings are anticipated in the future.
• Richland County First Steps is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and job applicants.  The organization's recruiting, promotion practices and other conditions of employment shall be maintained and conducted in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, color, sex, gender, religion or national origin.

Richland County First Steps Early Head Start Classroom Teacher (up to 10)
Reports to: Child Care Center Director
Located at: Children’s Garden & Ridgewood Missionary CDC

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or Associate degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Experience as a teacher of infants and toddlers
• Experience with Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos
• Demonstrated knowledge of child growth and development and teaching strategies
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work well with parents from diverse backgrounds
• Respect for individual differences
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team

Responsibilities / Expectations:

• Provide a positive, nurturing, healthy, developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environment for infants and toddlers including:
• Structure the environment appropriately for infants, toddlers and young children
• Match expectations to the children’s developing capabilities
• Show genuine respect for the children at all times
• Be consistent at all times
• Model and encourage expected behaviors
• Set clear limits
• Recognize and reinforce positive behavior
• Encourage problem solving and self-help skills
• Direct communication with and listen to each child
• Design interactions and activities that encourage success
• Encourage and promote parental involvement.
• Conduct parent conferences to share and gain information on children's progress, needs, and interests and provides for other parent contacts on a variety of issues, including child's attendance.
• Assess physical, social, emotional and cognitive development and learning readiness of children using assigned tools, sharing results with parents, and, in concert with parents planning an individual program plan for each child to meet child's needs.
• Participate in an individualized continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid certification.