Early Head Start Teacher

Early Head Start Teacher

This position entails mainly tasks that are technical and diverse in nature and requires that capacity of judgment and action to accomplish program goals. The normal work hours are 40 hours per week, mostly Monday - Friday, but may be varied by the Site Leader to accommodate all hours the Center is open and other needs of the Center.

Head Start is committed to establishing a learning environment to which children, parents and staff can teach and learn from one another. To accomplish this goal, staff must display sensitivity to, respect and knowledge of the community's cultural differences and issues. All Head Start staff shall agree to abide by the program's standards of conduct introduced during pre-service and/or in orientation.

Employee orientation, pre-service and in-service training are provided in order to assist staff and volunteers in acquiring or increasing the knowledge and skill needs to fulfill their job responsibilities.

Teachers are responsible to the Site Leader in the implementation of their respective Center Based program in meeting all required regulations for providing a safe and healthy educational environment and an environment conducive to learning for both enrolled children and their families. Noise level could be moderate to loud in working in center.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities in all classroom functions
• Maintain a safe, healthy learning environment, both indoors and outdoors
• Responsible for planning and implementing a child development program for Head Start classroom that align with developmentally appropriate practices and meets Head Start Performance Standards
• Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning
• Coordinate and interact positively with parent/volunteer assigned to classroom
• Encourage the involvement of families in the classroom and in all activities of the child
• Develop lesson plans and implement learning experiences
• Conduct assessments for children in program in accordance with established guidance
• Maintain records on enrolled children and families in accordance with established Performance Standards
• Ensure all program areas are integrated in classroom curriculum (education, nutrition, mental health, health, disabilities, and transportation)
• Promote parent involvement in the classroom
• Maintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child's family, encourage their involvement in the program, and promote parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationships
• Promote feelings of security and trust in children by being warm, supportive, and comforting, and by establishing strong and caring relationships with them
• Effectively use all teaching resources
• Provide experiences to allow children to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving, creativity, sense of self and group belonging
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences
• Ensure Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) regulations are followed to maintain license.
• Must be knowledgeable in the various disciplines of the Head Start program, including but not limited to social services, parent involvement, health, and services to children with disabilities
• Conduct health checks for children each morning
• Keep parent idea forms up to date
• Plan and implement decorations and activities according to weekly themes
• Ensure child-staff ratios are maintained at all times
• Regularly monitor children on playground to safe, appropriate play are visible at all times
• Respond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur. Provide First Aid or CPR, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and assess the need for emergency services
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with other team members and management
• Must be aware of the legal and professional responsibilities with regard to reporting suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with the provisions of Federal, State, or local law and program policies/procedures.
• Responsible for cleaning and general maintenance of classroom and related center areas; duties include: mopping, sweeping, dusting, sanitizing equipment, cleaning restrooms or any…