Teacher, Head Start

Job overview

Job Title: Teacher, Head Start

Reports to: Education Center Supervisor

Division/Department: University Relations/School for Early Childhood Education

Job Location: Los Angeles

Direct Reports: None

The Teacher, Head Start is responsible for initiating, planning, and implementing an education program within the classroom in accordance with Head Start policies, procedures, and philosophy, and with Federal and State regulations. With the assistance of assigned program staff, this role facilitates the personal care, learning and development of a group of preschool children over the age of 2.5 years old.

• Lead the planning and implementation of personal care, daily educational and recreational activities.
• Prepare learning environments, set up materials for individual/group instruction, and maintain the ongoing health, safety and upkeep of the learning environment.
• Ensure the program meets applicable childcare requirements (e.g., licensing, health and safety, accreditation standards) in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Coordinate with licensing, health and safety, and social service personnel as required.
• Provide relationship-based care in daily routines such as mealtime, toileting, hand washing, and napping for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Collaborate with team on developing and implementing daily lesson plans.
• Conduct assessments, develop individual development plans, and record ongoing observations of children in assigned groups.
• Prepare and conduct parent–teacher conferences and home visits for each child in the classroom according to schedule.
• Conduct home visits for each child in the assigned classroom as required.
• Utilize classroom materials and routines to create an environment conducive to appropriate levels of development, interests, and needs of the children.
• Maintain effective and professional relationships with enrolled families.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Title 5, and Title 22 Regulations.
• Attend regular staff meetings as scheduled by Site Supervisor and Administration.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Site Supervisor, Associate Director, Assistant Director and Administration.
• Encourage a workplace culture where all employees are valued and have the opportunity to contribute through ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

• Associate's degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field; combined experience/education may substitute for minimum education.
• 1 year of experience in early childhood education.
• Teacher Permit or permit eligible (24 ECE units, including 9 units Core Courses).
• BLS/CPR Infant and Child First Aid/CPR certification.
• Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Certification must be obtained within the first year.

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field.
• 2 years of experience in early childhood education.
• Ability to create and implement daily curriculum plans.
• Ability to work well in a multicultural team.
• Ability to promote security and trust in infants and toddlers and preschool children by being warm and supportive.
• Caring, compassionate approach to working with children and families and maintaining open, cooperative relationships with families.
• Awareness of safe lifting techniques and preventive health measures in the classroom.

Must be able to climb stairs, reach, bend, lift 20–30 pounds, crawl, kneel, stoop, twist, grasp with hands and fingers, and use arms and legs; able to walk and climb ladders if applicable.

• Physical exam
• TB test
• Live Scan/fingerprint clearance
• MMR and Tdap vaccinations
• CPR certification
• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training

Compensation: The hourly rate range for this position is $25.00 – $27.00. USC considers various factors when extending an offer.