Gatesville Head Start Teacher

Head Start Job Description

JOB TITLE
:
Head Start Teacher (12 months)
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO
:
Teacher/Director, Site Director or Designated Coord.
ASSIGNMENT DATE:

DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS
: _____________

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for the overall management of a classroom, ensuring that the objectives delineated in the annual Head Start plan are implemented. The Teacher will be knowledgeable of Texas Minimum Standards for Licensing, and provide a supportive, safe, and stimulating learning environment.

• Maintain a calm, safe classroom and playground that incorporates developmental appropriateness; create an atmosphere in which the children feel comfortable and secure, reflecting the cultures of all enrolled children.
• Observe the children at all times; provide positive guidance to promote self-esteem.
• Work with the Teacher Assistant to develop lesson plans that meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child, planning for variations in ability levels and individual interests.
• Ensure that all classroom staff are competent in their abilities to interact appropriately with the children.
• Incorporate developmentally appropriate practice according to the Head Start Program Performance Standards as well as Hill Country Community Action quality Head Start standards.
• Consistently implement classroom routines, including hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitioning between activities.
• Operate the classroom in compliance with all childcare-licensing standards, paying particular attention to standards prohibiting any form of physical punishment.
• Attend ARD meetings as scheduled.
• Model team leadership: ensure that the teamwork concept is upheld and implemented at the center.
• Ensure that the arrangement of the classroom provides a stimulating, clean, and safe learning environment.
• Responsible for documentation in ½ of the children's files in all content areas.
• Complete Individual Developmental Plans for each enrolled child; continue the ongoing assessment process, maintaining written or computer records on each child.
• Supply a variety of materials and planned activities designed to encourage individual and group play.
• Offer a variety of language stimulation activities.
• Provide experiences involving thinking skills such as generalizing, classifying, sorting, and problem solving.
• Make available a variety of opportunities to help children develop and understand appropriate relationships with others.
• Provide continuous opportunities for children to experience success.
• Contribute to the operation of the center by participating in staff meetings and sharing information gained through attendance at workshops and Head Start training.
• Observe, record, and report any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff members.
• Assist with transition activities for the Head Start child and family: into Head Start, during the year, and to the next placement (kindergarten).
• Complete required home visits or center conferences with parents in conjunction with the Family Service staff.
• Assist the children at snack, breakfast, and lunchtime, ensuring that the Head Start philosophy of serving family style meals is maintained and that the children serve themselves. The Teacher Assistant and Teacher will both be seated at the table(s) with the children at mealtimes.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head Start Program Director.

ANNUAL PRE-SERVICE TRAINING IS MANDATORY

EDUCATION
:
Associates, Bachelor's or advanced degree in early childhood education or related field. (In order for a degree to be considered related, you must have at least 9 college hours of Child Development or Early Childhood Education on your transcript).

EXPERIENCE
:
Should have extensive experience of working with young children, preferably in a classroom setting. Should have knowledge and experience with lesson planning, classroom management, and social-emotional development.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills, as well as a thorough understanding of developmentally appropriate practice. The…