EARLY HEAD START/HEAD START TEACHER (2)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

The purpose of this position is to create a safe and healthy environment where children (infant–toddler for Early Head Start or 3–5 for Head Start) can thrive. Additional responsibilities include the development and delivery of appropriate learning experiences for students and the development of healthy, lasting relationships with children and their families. The Head Start Performance Standards will be used as guidelines to develop a positive and healthy program for all Early Childhood children.

Responsibilities

• Supports and efficiently carries out responsibilities in accordance with Alamo Navajo School Board Inc. Policies and Procedures and appropriate Performance Standards.
• Represents Alamo Navajo School Board Inc. in a manner reflecting professionalism, working to enhance community understanding of the program.
• Protects the confidentiality of student and personnel information.
• Maintains a high personal standard of professional and ethical conduct.
• Accepts professional responsibility for keeping informed on current educational topics and advancements.
• Provides learning experiences in content areas and other curricular areas defined in the Head Start Performance Standards for the assigned age level.
• Provides active learning experiences following the content of the Head Start curriculum relevant to students’ age level.
• Selects appropriate instructional and supplementary materials, displays, and resources for student use.
• Uses a variety of instructional approaches, materials, and techniques to ensure students learn to their fullest potential.
• Implements an ongoing analysis and appraisal of student progress while maintaining accurate files and records.
• Administers standardized tests and/or assessment instruments as scheduled and assigned.
• Refers students for diagnostic testing.
• Focuses on developing relationships with students and parents to benefit children’s growth and development.
• Relates and interacts with colleagues, supervisor, other school staff, parents, and community members in a professional manner.
• Ensures classroom materials, equipment, and records are kept secure and free from unwarranted wear, tear, or vandalism.
• Prepares accurate reports, written plans, and documents as directed.
• Makes referrals regarding children of concern to the appropriate coordinator.
• If possessing a CDA, works toward obtaining an AA degree within 2 years and continues to pursue advanced educational training to obtain a BA degree in Early Childhood.
• Assists classroom volunteers/visitors in feeling welcomed, comfortable, and useful.
• Maintains all required certificates: first aid, CPR, food handler’s permit, physical exam, and any other required by Federal agency.
• Engages in professional growth through ongoing reading and actively participates in training related to the job.
• Performs other duties within the scope of this position as assigned by the immediate supervisor and the Director of Early Childhood.

Requirements

• AA Degree in Early Childhood Education or related area with a career ladder to attain a BA degree in Early Childhood or related field by September 30, 2013. Those hired after September 30, 2013 must possess a BA degree from an accredited institution in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Fluent in Navajo and English with the ability to translate at a layman’s level.
• Working knowledge of the language(s), traditions, relationships, and customs of the Alamo Navajo Community.
• Working knowledge of the physical, economic, and social problems of the Alamo Navajo Community that are likely to affect student progress in school.
• Working knowledge of appropriate interpersonal interactions with colleagues, supervisors, other school staff, students, parents, and community members.
• Must attain a minimum of nine (9) credit hours per calendar year with a passing grade, emphasizing Early Childhood education toward degree requirements.
• Employees hired after July 1, 2008 must demonstrate ability to communicate and read at an 8.0 average level as documented by an overall Language Arts Score on the TABE test or equivalent, unless possessing a master’s degree or above. Employees hired prior to July 1, 2008 who are not at this level will be enrolled in workplace literacy to bring their skill development to the required level, demonstrating a gain of at least 9 months each year to reach competency within 3 years.
• Must provide documentation of immunity or immunization against tetanus, diphtheria, measles/rubella, and tuberculosis status by skin test or x-ray within thirty (30) days of hiring.
• This position is subject to fingerprinting and must pass a rigorous criminal/character background investigation.
• Must ensure a safe and secure environment for clients and fellow employees at all times.

In the event there are no qualified applicants with an 8.0 literacy average, the following conditions may apply:

• Conditional employment contract stipulating the person hired must take classes via community services and improve their TABE scores by a minimum of 9 months gain in a contract year.
• The person hired must meet the 8th grade requirement within 3 years of conditional employment or face termination.
• During the period the person does not meet the minimum level of reading/writing and communication, they are not eligible for step or pay increases for experience or performance; only COLA increases are allowed.

Preferences

• Preferential consideration for employment will be given to persons of documented Navajo, American Indian, or Alaskan Native Tribal membership who meet the qualifications above (Indian Preference).
• Additional preference for training certificates in the Early Childhood area.

Pay

• Grade F on the ANSB General Salary Scale with a CDA appropriate to age level.
• Grade G on the ANSB General Salary Scale with an appropriate AA degree.
• Grade H on the ANSB General Salary Scale with an appropriate BA degree.

Schedule

Working hours are scheduled by the supervisor. No lunch hour—responsible for eating with children.