Co-Teacher at UNITED COUNSELING SERVICE OF BENNINGTON COUNTY INC – Bennington, Vermont

Description: Why join UCS?Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County.As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners—a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies—we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont. We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

The Co-Teacher will be responsible for the general supervision of a group of 8 infants and toddlers aged six weeks to three years and the delivery of comprehensive Early Head Start services. The Co-Teacher will assume the duties of the center manager at times when the manager is absent.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

CENTER ACTIVITIES: Primary caregiver for no more than four infants and toddlers, or 5 two-year-olds in a 2 year old class. Plans, supervises, and implements the program in accordance with policies and philosophy. Implements the chosen curriculum to fidelity. Creates lesson plans that reflect children’s individual needs, including those with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Screens children for developmental, physical, and social-emotional concerns and engages in an ongoing assessment process for children in support of the development and school readiness. Seeks parent input and insight into their child’s development and engages in planning for individualized services.

Create and maintain an atmosphere in which children and their parents feel welcome, valued, comfortable, and secure. Ensure physical, environment is clean, safe, and inviting; is stimulating and conducive to learning; is respectful of the children’s cultures and ethnic diversity and reflects the needs of the children served; and that space in the classroom is well organized into easily recognizable functional areas. Adhere to all regulations regarding safety, evacuation procedures, fire drill, etc. Must be knowledgeable of the Vermont Div. of Child Care Licensing standards and regulations. Must ensure that children are supervised at all times.

CENTER MAINTENANCE: Assist with the orderly arrangement and general appearance of the center including, but not limited to, maintaining supplies and materials, monitoring equipment, cleaning up at mealtime and playtime.

RECORD KEEPING: Monitors and supervises each child’s progress through individual assessments and record keeping. Oversees children’s daily records and ensures that reports are sent home daily.

PARENT CONTACT: Conducts two parent conferences and two home visits annually to discuss children’s progress. Honors other parental requests for conferences. Works with parents to create home learning activities that support the child’s school readiness and promote parents as their child’s first teacher. Contributes program information for the parent newsletter. Assists the center manager with providing information to parent and visitor inquiries about the program. Supports parents and children with transitioning into and out of the EHS program.

SUPERVISION: Provides leadership and assists in supervision for assistant and associate teachers, work-study students and interns including, but not limited to, providing training, and writing performance evaluations.

* In addition to the above, performs other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Qualification is an Infant Toddler CDA (Child Development Associate Certificate) or obtain CDA within 6 months of Hire. Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a field related to childhood education preferred.
• Must have training or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.

ONGOING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Attends training programs and other on-going educational programs related to the position. May involve evening and/or overnight trainings.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Good presentation skills for facilitating parent groups and trainings.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures.
• Ability to serve as a productive team member on an intra-disciplinary team of professionals.
• Must be knowledgeable about and sensitive to each family’s values, beliefs, traditions, cultural influences, make up and circumstances.

SPECIFIC POLICY NOTATIONS:

• All employees must follow the agency’s code of conduct.
• Head Start is a smoke free environment.
• Working hours at programs operated by the agency will correspond to the needs of the participants and the purpose of the program.
• Maintains professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Valid Driver’s License
• COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED: Typing and navigating

Requirements: