Head Start Teacher

Job Summary

Implements Head Start Performance Standards to 3‑5‑year‑olds in a classroom setting. Responds to events at all times in the classroom and outdoor play, requiring the physical ability to move quickly to redirect or restrain active children to ensure safety. Ensures a safe environment while applying Early Childhood Development theory in daily activities.

Responsibilities

• Classroom Time / School Readiness
  • Excellent communication skills with parents, teachers, and other staff.
  • Patience and understanding when working with children and interacting with parents.
  • Supervises and monitors children at all times and responds appropriately to crisis or emergency situations.
  • Guides the behavior of children in positive and effective ways.
  • Adheres to a consistent schedule that includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.
  • Encourages experimentation, exploration, problem‑solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice‑making; asks open‑ended and follow‑up questions to promote further learning and thinking.
  • Promotes English language acquisition of children who are English‑ and Dual‑Language learners.
  • Releases children only to individuals with appropriate signed consent.
  • Follows agency‑adopted curricula, using effective strategies to guide learning.
  • Prepares the classroom environment and materials to support developmentally appropriate curriculum plans and learning experiences.
  • Assesses individual and group needs, attending to specific interests, strengths, and concerns.
  • Works with appropriate agencies to develop specialized planning for children and families as needed.
  • Coordinates with support staff when indicated, developing a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom.
  • Adapts curriculum to address and meet individual goals for children as identified in their individualized family service plans (IFSP).
  • Develops and utilizes integrated curriculum plans reflecting mandated elements, familial and cultural influences, and promoting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
  • Establishes weekly goals that promote individual and group educational plans and include other Head Start components.
  • Participates in integrated service meetings to plan for and deliver collaborative services across all components.
• Family Engagement and Community Partnerships
  • Provides an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family and volunteer engagement.
  • Supports the role of families as the first and primary teachers of their children.
  • Supports families' safety, health, financial stability, life goals, and aspirations.
  • Maintains regular communication with families based on the family's individual needs.
  • Conducts required parent/teacher conferences and home visits for assessment, support, and sharing classroom progress and educational strategies; provides additional home visits if needed.
  • Assists in planning and participates in family activity events.
  • Coordinates with Family Advocates to assist families with follow‑ups (e.g., dental, medical, physical and mental health needs).
  • Coordinates with the Early Childhood Education Coordinator and FSC to provide families with timely information and referrals.
  • Monitors and documents attendance concerns.
  • Provides learning opportunities for dual‑language development in the home.
• Documentation
  • Utilizes agency‑adopted tools for ongoing assessment and documentation.
  • Ensures all federal, local, state and agency documentation is completed accurately.
  • Documents all family contacts and home visits.
  • Monitors and reports child abuse.
• Professional Development
  • Attends and participates in trainings and appropriate professional development