Head Start Program Trainer

Summary

Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) recognizes and appreciates the strengths of our workforce. We strive to provide a professional and supportive environment where employees can achieve their career goals. The WACOG workforce is encouraged to focus on their strengths and abilities to reach their full potential.

 

WACOG is the Head Start Grantee for Mohave, La Paz and Yuma  Counties. Our programs focus on school readiness for all children and families. As a leader in quality early childhood programs in the area, WACOG is a champion of developmentally appropriate practices.

 

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under supervision, provide assistance to center staff through structured training according to federal Head Start Performance Standards.

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Work in collaboration with the Head Start management team and Content Area Specialists (Health, Mental Health, Education, Disabilities & Family and Community Engagement) to deliver group and/or individual training to center-based staff throughout the service area. 
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• Assess the competency levels of newly assigned center-based staff as it relates to specific positions. Report findings to the Area Manager and direct supervisor. Use structured onboarding checklists to ensure new staff receive all necessary trainings.
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• Provide staff with training and technical assistance that address areas of need (Creative Curriculum, My Teaching Strategies, Ready Rosie and/or Child Plus). Develop individual training plans and provide ongoing direct support and guidance. 
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• Individualize training and instruction based on needs of trainee using a variety of strategies including role modeling and reflection.
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• Train and guide staff to create environments and opportunities which promote children’s’ growth and development in all developmental domains, (language and literacy, health and physical development, approaches to learning, social emotional development, creative arts, science, mathematics).
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• Ensure teaching staff implement “The Creative Curriculum” with fidelity.  Ensure classroom materials are used effectively to support school readiness goals. 
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• Ensure new staff are trained and properly implementing health and safety procedures.
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• Work in collaboration with center managers to provide ongoing support and training based on employee needs.
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• Attend regularly scheduled meetings and trainings with management team, center staff, community partners, and professional development technical assistance staff.
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• Travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel may be required.
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• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
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• Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality of information and a positive image of WACOG.
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• Perform other duties as necessary to carry out the administrative/ programmatic goals and objectives of WAGOG and/or department. 

 

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Family & Consumer Science, Social Work, or related field, and

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products Word, Excel, and Outlook, and

Within one year, become trained in Environment Rating Scales (ECERS and ITERS), become CLASS Observer certified, and become proficient in the strategies of the Pyramid Model.

 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Five or more years of experience teaching, training, or onboarding employees with experience writing and managing training, project, or onboarding plans

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 21 years of age

Valid Arizona driver license, MVR Report of Acceptable Driving Record, and proof of vehicle liability insurance  Current Health Physical and TB clearance

Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

(Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Arizona, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation. May be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of commercial vehicle insurance, minimum age to be covered is 21 years old.)

Nice To Haves

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (KSAs)  The individual who holds this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The KSAs listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for satisfactory performance.

- Knowledge and understanding of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, the Early Learning Outcomes Framework, the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework, Arizona child care center

 licensing and other applicable regulations.

­ Strong verbal and written communication skills, including excellent customer service and willingness to train, lead, and mentor

- Ability to work independently, coordinate and advance numerous assignments simultaneously, problem-solve and show innovation in the face of an immediate challenge or change

- Effective leadership, mentoring, and training skills; skill in interacting with persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds. Ability to encourage individuals in one-to-one or group settings.

- Skill in communicating with tact; ability to present in front of groups, with or without aids, and with clarity and professionalism

- Ability to develop project plans, coordinate schedules, communicate changes and progress, and complete projects on time

- Ability to tactfully handle all situations and remain impartial and confidential

- Ability to define problems, collect and organize data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions

- Ability to research solutions and propose innovative alternatives to overcome challenges

- Ability to effectively present Head Start early childhood education services to staff

- Ability to interpret a wide variety of technical instructions

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Head Start staff and community members

- Ability to work independently, set priorities, and follow up on priorities with minimal supervision

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Arizona State Retirement System

Health Savings Account

Flexible Savings Account

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement