Center Teacher

Location: Piketon

The Center Teacher is responsible for the education, safety, health, and overall well-being of children enrolled in the Early Childhood Program, including Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Care classrooms. This role plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the individual needs and interests of children, prepares children for school readiness, and supports families in achieving developmental milestones.

The Center Teacher works collaboratively with families, classroom staff, and program partners to deliver high-quality early learning services in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Ohio Department of Education (ODE), and Step Up to Quality requirements.

Child Development, Health, and Disabilities

Estimated Effort: 60%

* Supervise and monitor children at all times using Active Supervision techniques in accordance with Early Childhood Program procedures.

* Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, integrated curriculum that reflects mandated program elements, parental and cultural influences, and supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

* Assess individual and group needs, attending to special needs, interests, strengths, and concerns.

* Establish weekly goals aligned with individual and group education plans, including school readiness, safety, dental, nutrition, and mental health activities.

* Follow a consistent daily schedule that includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, meals, skill development, and effective transitions.

* Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, socialization, and decision-making through intentional teaching strategies and open-ended questioning.

* Prepare classroom materials and learning centers to support curriculum plans; modify and rotate learning centers as needed.

* Document ongoing child assessments in alignment with School Readiness Goals, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards.

* Adapt curriculum to meet goals outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs).

* Accommodate therapists and service providers in the classroom to support collaborative service delivery.

* Conduct daily health checks to ensure children are free from communicable diseases.

* Educate families on prevention, early intervention, and well-child care; encourage completion of immunizations, dental exams, and physicals, and communicate health information to the Health/Nutrition Coordinator for follow-up.

* Assist with meal preparation, service, clean-up, and completion of required meal counts and documentation.

* Participate in program planning and ongoing monitoring activities, including Program Self-Assessments, Program Plans, and Strategic Planning.

* Mentor and provide hands-on training to new classroom staff as assigned.

* Provide coverage for classroom staff breaks while maintaining required staff-to-child ratios; work hours may vary between 5:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.

* Substitute for other team members as needed to ensure continuity of services.

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

Estimated Effort: 25%

* Encourage and support family engagement, documenting relevant family contacts in case notes.

* Communicate regularly with families regarding children's progress and classroom activities.

* Conduct required parent-teacher conferences and home visits for assessment, support, and sharing education strategies for home and school.

* Assist families in assuming the role of their child's first teacher and advocating for their child's needs with community agencies and during program transitions.

* Encourage volunteerism and participation in parent involvement activities, fostering a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.

* Notify the Family Services Coordinator or designated staff when families request or require additional resources or services.

* Provide limited emergency transportation support for families when necessary.

Transportation (If Assigned)

Estimated Effort: 5%

Transportation responsibilities apply only if assigned and appropriately certified.

* Complete required van or CDL pre-service training and obtain certification as outlined in the Professional Development Plan.

* Drive agency vehicles safely and in compliance with Ohio laws, Department of Transportation regulations, and CAC policies.

* Secure children using approved safety harnesses or car seats.

* Complete required transportation documentation and paperwork.

Teachers with CDL:

* Be available to drive a school bus when needed.

* Complete annual ODJFS pre-service driver curriculum training and comply with all DOT drug and alcohol screening requirements.

* Maintain CDL recertification and complete annual T8 physicals.

Teachers with Van Certification:

* Complete annual ODJFS van driver training and maintain required T8 physicals.

Other Duties

Estimated Effort: 10%

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