Under direction in the Human Services Department, instructs children enrolled in the Head Start Program/State Preschool Program; instructs parents on early childhood development concepts; assists in developmental assessments; organizes and sets up education and play materials for classroom and/or makes home visits; and performs related duties as assigned. You would be responsible for the full range of instructional duties associated with teaching the children enrolled in the Head Start Program/State Preschool Program.
We are looking for someone who:
- Is a passionate educator who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of Oakland children and families.
- Likes to plan developmentally age-appropriate activities for children.
- Is a strong relationship builder with good communication skills. You will have the opportunity to interact in a culturally diverse workplace with infants, toddlers, parents, and community members.
- Has a genuine interest in learning and developing their career. Within the Head Start, there are opportunities to grow professionally.
What you will typically be responsible for:
- Instructing children in basic infant/toddler education concepts.
- Organizing and setting up developmentally appropriate education and play materials for the classroom and/or the home.
- Conducting fire, disaster, and safety drills in the classroom; inspecting facility for safety standards and maintenance needs.
- Assisting in planning, organizing, and scheduling daily activities at the center classroom or in the home.
- Conducting developmental screenings, ongoing child observations, developmental assessments and devising Individual Development Plans (IDP) on all children enrolled in program; assisting in developing Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) for special needs children.
- Maintaining a clean and organized indoor and outdoor environment, including the food service area.
- Making initial and final home visits; making additional/on-going home visits as needed.
A few reasons you might love this job:
- You will be a part of a dynamic Head Start team.
- Your work will have a direct impact on providing important services to a community with a rich and dynamic history.
- You will have great colleagues. Head Start employees are fiercely passionate about public service and community, and proud to uplift Oakland as a dynamic, innovative, vibrant city.
- You will have excellent learning opportunities to grow and develop your expertise in early childhood development.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
- Teachers need to find balance in their teaching style to ensure all children are learning as their skill levels may vary within the classroom.
- As a Head Start Instructor, you will face a considerable amount of change and you must remain flexible and adaptable.
- You will need to maintain composure, keeping emotions in control, in very difficult situations.
Competencies Required:
- Professional and Technical Expertise
- Listening
- Oral Communication
- Reading Comprehension
- General Physical Ability
- Safety Focus
Minimum Requirements for Application
Education: Bachelor's or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or related field including twelve (12) post-secondary semester units or equivalent quarter units in early childhood education or child development, plus three (3) units supervised field experience in ECE/CD setting completed at an accredited or approved college or university;
AND hold, or qualify for, a Master Teacher Child Development Permit (or higher level permit) issued by the State of California.
Experience: Six months of full-time work experience or one year of part-time experience in a licensed childcare center or comparable group childcare program.
Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
Must obtain a State of California Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher Child Development level within six months and maintain throughout tenure of employment. Must demonstrate proof of application for Master Teacher (or higher level) permit from the State of California upon hire. Failure to obtain relevant teaching permit within six months will be grounds for removal during probation.
Must obtain Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications within one year of employment and maintain throughout tenure of employment.
Other Requirements:
Depending on nature of assignment, candidates who receive offers of employment will be required to submit fingerprints, undergo a criminal record clearance, and have a physical examination including a TB screening.
Proficiency in a foreign language may be required.
Desirable Qualifications:
- State of California Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher Child Development level
- Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications
What’s in it for you?
- Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
- 15 paid holidays
- Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
- Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
- Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
- Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
- Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
- Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.