Teacher

General Summary

Under direction, implements all aspects of the Head Start Program in a classroom setting. Prepares children by meeting program goals, objectives and outcomes to ensure the development of readiness skills and that individual needs are met as determined through assessment, observation and parent input.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Counsults with families and conducts an initial home visit with each family with a child assigned to his/her classroom prior to the start of classes and throughout the program year.

• Conducts standardized screening and assessment for every child to ensure the child's individual needs are met while integrating program goals, objectives, and outcomes.

• Uses active supervision strategies to ensure safety and accountability of all children.

• Plans daily and weekly curricular activities through online TS GOLD lesson planning.

• Implements Independent Education Plan (IEP) for children with special needs.

• Ensures the desired mental health atmosphere reflected through Positive Behavior Management (PBM) techniques, positive reinforcement and well-integrated daily schedule.

• Plans and purchases food for daily nutritional snacks following a planned menu within state and federal regulations.

• Provides opportunities for parents or guardians to observe and participate in classroom activities.

• Participates in training programs, region meetings and in-services.

• Cleans classroom daily to maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.

• Arranges classroom furniture and materials to facilitate learning.

• Compiles annual classroom inventory of furniture and materials.

• Maintains current documentation using appropriate forms of program activities and services provided, including the food program and attendance forms.

• Compiles, prepares, and submits information in a timely and accurate manner through manual or internet data entry.

• Maintains a positive two-way communication system between parents and the program.

• Participates in Parent/Teacher Conferences and home visits for each child twice a year.

• Cooperatively works with staff to implement monthly parent/child/family activities including Literacy Days and Evening Parent Events.

• Maintains current information regarding Head Start, local, state and federal regulations for early childhood programming.

• Maintains certification, licensure, First Aid, and CPR and continuing education requirements of the program to meet federal and state regulations.

• Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions, including travel to other work sites as assigned.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required Education and Experience: Associate degree (Teacher I), Bachelor's Degree (Teacher II) or Master's Degree (Teacher III) in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education teaching degree with a ZA/ZS endorsement or related field from an accredited college or university.

• Preferred Education And Experience: Previous teaching experience in a classroom setting.

Knowledge

• Early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices

• Community resources and networks

• Head Start Performance Standards regarding child health and developmental services, child health and safety, program governance and family partnerships

Skills

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, clients, families, outside professionals, agencies and the public

• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing work assignments

• Working with diverse cultures and populations

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Effective time management and organizational skills

• Ability To Provide direction to children and adults in a positive manner

• Maintain an effective system of documentation

• Supervise daily classroom operations and assigned teacher aides

• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language

• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

• Work independently

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

Physical Demands

• Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: O

• Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): N/S

• Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: O

• Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): O

• Digging: N/S

• Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

• Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

• Kneeling to work at low levels: O

• Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

• Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another up to 50 pounds: F/C

• Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

• Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

• Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

• Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C

• Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

• Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O

General Requirements And Disclaimers

• Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

• The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.