Teacher, Early Childhood Education

Overview

Job Summary: The Head Start Teacher will plan, coordinate, and facilitate daily activities, assisting children in classroom learning activities in small/large groups and on an individual basis, and will lead a team in reviewing children’s experiences and planning the educational program.

• Arrange and maintain a safe, clearly defined classroom environment which is developmentally appropriate and conducive to learning.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team within the Case Management System to ensure the provision of comprehensive services to children and families. Participate in team meetings as part of a case management approach.
• Maintain ongoing observation and anecdotal records of children to use in curriculum planning.
• Maintain children’s attendance, meal attendance records, and volunteer records.
• Facilitate the development of self-control in children by using consistent, positive guidance techniques such as listening, reinforcement, and redirection.
• Extend the home/school partnership through monthly newsletters, Center Committee meetings, home visits, and distribution of training materials to parents.
• Annually conduct a required number of home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss child’s progress, share concerns, and suggest activities.
• Implement school readiness goals monthly and work with parents continuously on school readiness goals and parent engagement, supporting and encouraging parent participation with children at Head Start with a continuum into elementary school up to the third grade.

• Early Head Start Teacher requires a minimum of a CDA in Infant/Toddler and willingness to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Head Start Teacher requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and willingness to pursue a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Must meet current Office of DEEC staff requirements for position.
• Use of a car / means of transportation is required for home visiting.
• Written references and DEEC/DCF BRC/CORI/SORI (Background Record Check) will be completed before hire.
• A First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate are preferred. Schedule flexibility is required based on the needs of our children and families.
• Classroom activities require occasional physical activities such as lifting items weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to work flexible hours according to program needs, be a positive team player, and demonstrate patience, empathy, and kindness.

• Supervisory Responsibility:
  Leading a team in planning.
• Travel:
  Required for field trips, family visits, training, and visits to other locations.
• Physical Demands:
  This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing on a daily basis. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.
• Work Environment:
  This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• Additional requirements:
  
  Must be able to comprehend/communicate in English (verbal and written) and have basic computer literacy skills. Bilingual English/Spanish is beneficial. Attendance at relevant trainings, meetings, Open House/Family Nights and special events required. Ongoing staff development and proof of health-related prerequisites may be required by program policy.