Head Start Teacher

Head Start Teacher

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing a teaching environment by implementing curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 3 to 5. The position reports to the Center Director and operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion and initiative.

Essential

Job Duties:

• Design, manage and organize the classroom to create and encourage a positive learning environment;
• Assess and track student developmental progress, enrichment opportunities and daily experiences and provide feedback to parents.
• Coordinate, schedule and complete parent-teacher conferences and individual home visits.
• Follow prescribed curriculum as outlined in content area plans, policies and procedures and curriculum guides.
• Plan, prepare and present daily instructional activities/lesson plans coordinating with co-teacher, Teacher Aide and/or parents/guardians.
• Prepare and implement an individualized curriculum for all children including IEP/IFSP goals.
• Ensure safety in performing all job responsibilities; adhere to all safety policies in alignment with Head Start/Day Care licensing standards.
• Maintain clean and safe work area in the classroom and playground areas.
• Ensure reports and subsequent documentation is submitted within appropriate time frames for incident/accidents, ensure daily health checks are completed for students.
• Manage and coordinate volunteer activities for the classroom ensuring appropriate background checks have been completed.
• Encourage parents to complete required physical, dental and health screen offerings in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate records of classroom activities and child development.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom in alignment with prescribed policies and procedures.
• Work with Center Director and Comprehensive Support Specialist (CSS) to ensure classroom initiatives and curriculum are being met securing appropriate approvals prior to delivery.
• Maintain and protect confidential information pertaining to staff, students and families.
• Schedule and organize time and materials to effectively manage classroom, attend meetings and complete required reports/documentation.
• Ensure that activities from all content areas are integrated into the classroom.
• Complete child observations; retaining reports/documentation on a weekly basis or as instructed by supervisor.
• Maintain custodial duties in classroom and Head Start Center.
• Serve as a model while brushing teeth daily
• Complete Point of Serves, Family Style Meals
• All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations
• Must be able to cooperate and work effectively with others
• Must be diplomatic, honest and fair
• Regular and Punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to assess the health and behaviors of children by sight and sound.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to respect confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education or related field of study, including six or more courses in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development.
• Six years of Childhood Development Experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree or a combination of an Associate's Degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood education and four years of related experience.

Experience:

• None

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications

Mental / Physical Tasks (F= Frequent, O=Occasional, R=Rarely):

F Standing- required when making copies, meeting…