Teacher

Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Inc. (MVCAA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering a generous benefit package.

About the role

The Teacher will work collaboratively with the classroom team, including parents/guardians, families, volunteers, and other classroom staff to ensure the successful operation of the classroom and implement the curriculum to achieve outcomes for children.

Pay

• UPK Teacher: $29.67 per hour
• Certified Teacher B-6: $25.91 per hour
• 4 Year Degree: $23.87 per hour
• 2 Year Degree: $20.58 per hour
• EHS Teacher with CDA: $20.47 per hour

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and competent supervision to ensure the safety and security of children at all times in accordance with Head Start and NY State Office of Children and Families regulations.
• Ensure the classroom and outdoor area comply with NYS OCFS Regulations and Performance Standards.
• Establish positive, healthy, and professional relationships with families.
• Attend to the physical needs of children (diapering, toileting, feeding, resting, rocking, and holding children).
• Implement a child-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
• Provide children with a consistent classroom routine in accordance with the Creative Curriculum.
• Have effective interactions with children in accordance with the CLASS observation tool (Head Start classrooms only).
• Develop, implement, and display lesson plans in cooperation with parents/guardians/families.
• Complete developmental and behavioral screenings on all children within 45 days of entrance into the program; utilize results for individualized planning and referrals as needed.
• Work in partnership with parents/guardians/families to develop an individual plan for each child, including goal setting based on identified needs.
• Integrate Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with documented disabilities.
• Collect and record children’s progress to complete accurate assessments at 3 or 4 points in the year and individualize curriculum.
• Analyze classroom-level child outcome data and implement a plan to promote greater outcomes for children in partnership with families.
• Address challenging behaviors by observing to determine possible causes, implementing preventive measures, and teaching new social and communication skills.
• Participate in meals with children to model good nutrition and developmentally appropriate social skills.
• Identify and encourage families to volunteer in the classroom, work as substitutes, or participate in other volunteer activities.
• Secure substitutes for all absences.
• Supervise, train, delegate tasks, and evaluate Assistant Teachers, Classroom Aides, volunteers, substitutes, and interns within the classroom.
• Complete custodial duties not provided by the lease agreement.
• Understand, generate, and document in-kind and other allowable costs toward the non-federal share requirement.
• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the successful execution of the program.

Requirements

• HS Teacher: Associate, Bachelor, or Advanced degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education.
• EHS Teacher: Minimum of a current Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and two years of experience caring for children, one of which must be related to caring for infants or toddlers; or preferably a two-year degree in Early Childhood Education plus one year of specific training/experience in infant/toddler care.
• Universal Pre-K Teacher: Current New York State Preschool Certification.
• Center Director: Bachelor or Advanced Degree in Early Childhood Education, one year full-time teaching experience in a child care center, and one year of supervising staff in a child care program or related field.
• Ability to travel to all sites, trainings, and home visits as necessary.
• Able to communicate with children and families and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Adhere to agency personnel policies and procedures.
• Attend trainings and meetings as required.
• Basic computer literacy in email, word processing, and internet navigation.
• Knowledge and experience working with families and children with low income and diverse cultures.
• Pass background check, fingerprint screen, physical exam, and TB test.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to move throughout the classroom, building, gross motor areas, and outside venues during field trips.
• Must be able to interact with children at the child’s level.