Head Start Teacher

About the Organization Lorain County Community Action Agency is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve and empower Lorain County residents in need.

Lorain County Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our application forms are designed to obtain an applicant's skills, knowledge and abilities based on specific job requirements. Questions are designed to elicit enough data for us to determine an applicant's abilities to successfully perform the job for which she/he is applying. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Head Teacher is responsible for the academic, social-emotional growth and development of all preschool children in their care; develops partnerships with parents/guardians to engage and encourage parent participation in the program. Head Teacher is also responsible for assuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, ODJFS Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations, and Step Up to Quality Program Standards; and works collegially with other staff members of LCCAA Head Start.

Ability to work with low-income and disadvantaged pre-school children and adults. Must possess good oral and written communication skills. The ability to relate to and work with young children and their families. Ability to utilize technology for reporting, assessments, and communication purposes.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work within goals, policies and activities designed to meet performance standards and other Head Start mandates;
• Ensure compliance with ODJFS Child Care Licensing Rules & Regulations and Step Up to Quality Program Standards;
• Within performance standards, assumes complete charge of assigned classroom and/or other assigned areas during class period;
• Provides a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate classroom environment that reflects children's learning and growth;
• Prepare and conduct classroom activities;
• Perform on-going developmental assessments of children as required by funding sources and develop lesson plans and follow curriculum implementation that addresses the individual needs of each child;
• On an on-going basis, plan evaluate and improve the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child;
• Assesses the individual child and develop an individualized learning plan for each child in conjunction with the child's family;
• Provide responsive care to all children by adapting daily care giving routines and plans to the interest and needs of the individual child and the group;
• Prepare developmental progress reports as needed;
• Complete child transition and orientation of the classroom with families;
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for the children's background by incorporating the culture, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the program and lesson plans;
• Maintains current, complete, accurate and timely records as required by the program, and ensure their confidentiality;
• Completes an annual inventory of the classroom equipment;
• Makes both verbal and written reports;
• Assists in serving meals to the children, utilizing a family style approach;
• Works collaboratively with co-teacher in sharing responsibilities for the classroom;
• Maintains liaisons with families of the children through no fewer than two home visits per year and two conferences;
• Ensure that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experiences clear communication with teaching staff;
• Ensuring the dissemination of newsletters and other communications are shared with families;
• Prepare home teaching lessons to share with the families;
• Makes referrals to Family Advocates on behalf of children and families;
• Make referrals to Disabilities Manager as appropriate, based on screening results, observations, or family concerns;
• Supports/Integrates all Head Start components as possible into the…