Teacher

Job Description Summary

The Teacher is responsible for delivering a high-quality early childhood education program for children ages 3–5 in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards. This position involves planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, multicultural curriculum; supervising classroom staff and volunteers; and fostering meaningful family engagement. The Teacher ensures a safe, inviting learning environment and collaborates with specialists to support children with disabilities or behavioral concerns. The Teacher reports directly to the Assistant Director of Educational Services and is accountable for the satisfactory performance of all essential job functions.

Position Requirements Summary

• Education & Experience: Required - Associate or bachelor’s degree in child development, Early Childhood Education, or related field. Preferred - Two years of supervised experience in a licensed early childhood program.

• Technical Skills: Strong math and analytical skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other software applications for data retrieval, spreadsheet creation, and reporting.

• Professional Standards: Must always maintain confidentiality.

• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, appropriately, and professionally in both written and verbal formats with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and vendors.

Responsibilities And Duties

• Create and Maintain a Safe, Developmentally Appropriate Learning Environment:

  • Set up classroom learning centers according to the Creative Curriculum.
  • Ensure adequate materials and equipment, including multicultural resources aligned with monthly themes.
  • Label learning centers, equipment, and materials; post schedules and visuals at appropriate eye level.
  • Maintain required teacher/child ratios and monitor children continuously for safety.

• Develop and Implement a Multicultural Curriculum:

  • Select themes from approved lists and involve parents in curriculum planning.
  • Incorporate health, nutrition, and social-emotional learning into daily activities.
  • Prepare weekly lesson plans based on themes, learning domains, and individual needs; submit for approval.
  • Engage children during indoor and outdoor activities.

• Individualized Child Planning and Assessment:

  • Complete “All About Me” forms and initiate Individual Child Plans (ICP) with parents prior to entry.
  • Document observations with anecdotal notes and maintain child portfolios.
  • Collaborate with prekindergarten teachers for dually placed children.
  • Conduct Work Sampling assessments three times annually and adjust plans accordingly.
  • Review ICPs with parents during home visits and conferences; implement transition plans for program exits.

• Support Children with Disabilities and Behavioral Concerns:

  • Complete Brigance screenings within 45 days of entry and review results with specialists and parents.
  • Integrate IEP goals into ICPs and lesson plans.
  • Develop and implement strategies for challenging behaviors in collaboration with specialists.
  • Facilitate parent involvement in behavior plans and report progress regularly.

• Family Engagement:

  • Greet each child warmly and engage parents respectfully.
  • Model appropriate language and positive social-emotional interactions.
  • Extend learning during meals and choice time through conversation and open-ended questions.
  • Welcome parents into the classroom environment.

• Professional Development:

  • Create and maintain an individual development plan with the Education Coordinator.
  • Obtain 15 CEUs annually per Head Start standards and maintain Maryland Childcare Credential enrollment.
  • Attend all the training sessions required and submit documentation of certifications and coursework.

• Documentation and Compliance:

  • Maintain accurate child/family files and portfolios.
  • Record attendance, meal counts, and submit reports by deadlines.
  • Input assessment data into the agency database and track education/disabilities progress.
  • Complete required safety checklists and drills (fire, lockdown, health) on schedule.

• Additional Responsibilities:

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and clutter-free classroom.
  • Adhere to Head Start Program Performance Standards, agency attendance, and dress code policies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

• Licenses Or Certificates:

  • CPR and First Aid certification required.

• Special Requirements:

  • State and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check.
  • National Sex Offender Public Registry Check.
  • Physical examination and Tuberculin PPD Tine Test at hire and annually (or as required by physician).
  • Pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.

Physical Demands

• Effort Level: Moderate physical effort

• Requirements: Ability to lift preschool children or up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Active participation in programs for young children. Tasks include: Lifting children, Getting up and down from the floor, Engaging in lively outdoor activities, Moving furniture.