Head Start Teacher

Austin Community College; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 31,684 - 37,195; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a Head Start Teacher responsible for providing developmentally appropriate curriculum and supervising classroom activities. The ideal candidate holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has experience working with preschool-aged children. This position offers a salary based on education level and operates Monday through Friday, supporting children's growth in various developmental areas.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience with 3- and 4-year-old children in a preschool classroom.
• Knowledge of preschool growth and development and child safety.

Responsibilities

• Implement curricula in the classroom.
• Guide and facilitate activities for children.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.
• Assist in implementing children’s IEPs or IFSPs.

Skills

Effective teamwork

Communication

Classroom management

Planning and organization

Education

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Overview

This is a Head Start/Early Head Start teaching position. The Teacher will provide a developmentally appropriate curriculum for assigned children and carry out supplementary activities related to the education component, under the supervision of the Site Director and Assistant Site Director.

Salary and Schedule

Salary by education level: Associate’s Degree $23.00/hour; Bachelor’s Degree $25.00/hour; Master’s Degree $27.00/hour. FLSA Status: non-exempt.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. This position works 195 days per year, 7.5 hours per day. Schedules may vary due to work assignments and projects.

Department and Location

Department: Early Learning. Location: This position supports one of the Head Start/Early Head Start Campuses: Avondale (2302 Ocoee St), Cedar Hill (4701 Divine Ave), James A Henry (1241 Grove St) or Daisy (9531 Ridge Trail Rd, Soddy Daisy).

Responsibilities

• Implement curricula in the classroom with fidelity.
• Operate with a working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Tennessee Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations, and Agency policies and procedures.
• Plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including literacy, phonemic awareness, print, numeracy, and language development (including ESL if applicable), aligned with SVHS School Readiness Goals.
• Guide and facilitate activities for children, including daily activities and arranging equipment and materials in the classroom.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Facilitate the development of social skills in children.
• Collaborate with Teacher Assistant and/or Aides to develop and carry out classroom activities.
• Cooperate with other staff to maintain smooth center operations and adapt as needed to meet children's needs.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment following Head Start and TN State Standards; ensure equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are maintained and stored properly.
• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom and ensure playground safety.
• Complete daily health and environment checklists.
• Assist in implementing, individualizing, and monitoring children’s IEPs or IFSPs, documenting progress and seeking clarification when needed.
• Assess children's developmental level and plan programs to meet individual needs.
• Provide clear behavioral expectations and use effective methods to prevent and redirect misbehavior.
• Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Assist in transition activities and communicate with families about calendar, meetings, and events; encourage parent participation.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the Professional Development Plan and performance reviews.
• Ensure documentation and files are complete, accurate, and confidential.
• Maintain regular attendance and positive working relationships with staff and others; perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year (or more) of experience with 3- and 4-year-old children in a preschool classroom; student teaching can fulfill the 1-year requirement.

Licensing and Certifications

None.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge: Preschool growth and development; classroom management; relationships and responsive caregiving; child safety and supervision; experience with young children in a group setting; experience with culturally diverse staff and clients; confidentiality.
• Skills: Effective teamwork; collaboration with Teacher Assistant and Aide; positive community representation; planning, organization, and execution of job requirements; communication; proficiency with word processing, data entry into web-based software, and email.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly. May require direct supervision of children and responding to emergencies at a Head Start center.

Special Requirements

Safety Sensitive: N

Department of Transportation (CDL): N

Child Sensitive: Y

Supplemental Information

This position is subject to pre-employment screenings (background check, drug screening, TB screening/questionnaire and/or TB skin test, physical examination, Hepatitis B titer, and fingerprinting) with ongoing reexaminations and periodic fingerprint clearance. The City of Chattanooga is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA.