Job Details: Job Location: Higginbotham - Phenix City, AL, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $19.75 - $20.49Hourly, Job Category: Education, Job Summary: Incumbent provides for the establishment, maintenance, and management of classroom activities and providing those services necessary to meet the requirements of the Head Start Performance Standards.   Major Responsibilities/Activities: Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other staff members, children and families of Enrichment Services Program. Understand and demonstrate knowledge of ages and stages of development. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group.  Staff interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft, courteous manner within close proximity of the child.   Staff respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's play with language, toys, and activities. Staff communicates directly with each child at the child's level. Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions. Assist and be responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests. Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate. Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions. Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to NAEYC. Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms. Assist in implementing daily lesson plans and daily schedules. Assist in organizing and maintaining learning centers within the classroom. Recruit volunteers and solicits in-kind contributions. Attend meetings, trainings and workshop as required. Maintain cleanliness of classrooms and adjoining restrooms. Serve as an advocate for the Head Start Program, families and children. Perform other duties as assigned. Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children and goals jointly developed with parents/guardians.   Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition:   Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location. Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while working with a small group or individuals. Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times. Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day. Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication, and allergies). Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices. Keep environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed. Assist in arrangement of space into clearly defined, well organized activity areas. Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently Qualifications: Minimum Requirements: Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education OR in a related field (Child Development, Elementary Education, etc.) and minimum one year DECAL experience working with children from birth to 5 years of age.( Masters preferred)   Essential Mental Functions: Ability to communicate effectively with parents, children and staff. Benefits  We value our team members and are pleased to offer a flexible benefits package for all eligible employees. Our package includes:   Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance   Life Insurance (50,000) Voluntary Short-Term and Long-Term Disability  FSA – Flexible Spending Accounts  Employee Assistance Program  Generous Paid Time Off (Sick, Personal, and  Holidays)  401(k) Plan