Position Function:
This position will serve as a Floater for a Head Start center. The Floater will work collaboratively with the Teacher to ensure the successful operation of a classroom of children. The Floater also works with a team of other classroom staff and family members to implement curriculum to achieve outcomes for children of all abilities.
Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Area of Specialization:
Floater
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 2023.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Floater demonstrates competency to perform functions that include:
Child Growth & Development: Uses knowledge of the principles of child growth and development to work with children and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintains a child-centered curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation to promote development in all domains for children of all abilities.
• Addresses challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes of the behavior, implementing preventive measures, teaching the child new social and communication skills and partnering with families to support the child at home.
• Uses observations of children and anecdotal notes to document children’s progress and individualize curriculum.
General Professional Competencies:
• Planning & Evaluation
• Professional Development
• Communication
• Technology
The Floater responsibilities chiefly fall within the following core functions, although s/he may perform other tasks as needed and assigned to support the program that may include but are not limited to the following:
• Communication and Service Coordination
• Record Keeping and Reporting
• On-going Monitoring/Self-assessment
• Planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the intellectual and physical development of children, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy and phonemic, print, and numeracy awareness, their understanding and use of language, their understanding and use of increasingly complex and varied vocabulary, their appreciation of books, and their problem solving abilities.
• Establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.
• Supporting the social and emotional development of children.
• Encouraging the involvement of the families of the children in a Head Start program and supporting the development of relationships between children and their families.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: CDA or enrolled to complete within 2 years; or have a degree in any field or be enrolled in a program leading to such degree.
Experience: Meets required standards as specified by the State Department of Health/Child Care.
Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Licensure standards for staff:
• Finger printing and background checks.
• Physical exam is required.
• Obtain certification in CPR and First Aid within the 9 months of employment.
• Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior experience with children ages 3-5 years.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Current understanding of MS Child Care Licensing requirements
• Current understanding of Head Start Performance Standards
• Able to anticipate the needs of children
• Must be able to execute daily activities
• Works well with other staff
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Able to lift a child weighing 40 pounds, 20 times a day if needed.
• This position will be inside and outside supervising children as weather permits as well as monitoring children on bus routes.
• Due to the primary work with young children, some exposure to communicable disease is likely.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.
The following documents and information are required for application:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact information for at least three professional references
• Current unofficial transcript (with social security numbers removed prior to submission)
An official transcript will be required if selected for employment.
Screening Date:
February 14, 2023 until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
