Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Training & development
- Vision insurance
- Wellness resources
Position Summary
The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing a teaching environment by implementing curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 3 to 5. The position reports to the Center Director and operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion and initiative.
Essential Job Duties
- Design, manage and organize the classroom to create and encourage a positive learning environment.
- Assess and track student developmental progress, enrichment opportunities and daily experiences and provide feedback to parents.
- Coordinate, schedule and complete parent-teacher conferences and individual home visits.
- Follow prescribed curriculum as outlined in content area plans, policies and procedures and curriculum guides.
- Plan, prepare and present daily instructional activities/lesson plans coordinating with co‑teacher, Teacher Aide and/or parents/guardians.
- Prepare and implement an individualized curriculum for all children including IEP/IFSP goals.
- Ensure safety in performing all job responsibilities; adhere to all safety policies aligned with Head Start/Day Care licensing standards.
- Maintain clean and safe work area in the classroom and playground areas.
- Ensure reports and subsequent documentation is submitted within appropriate timeframes for incident/accidents, and complete daily health checks for students.
- Manage and coordinate volunteer activities for the classroom, ensuring appropriate background checks have been completed.
- Encourage parents to complete required physical, dental and health screen offerings in a timely manner.
- Maintain appropriate records of classroom activities and child development.
- Manage student behavior in the classroom in alignment with prescribed policies and procedures.
- Work with Center Director and Comprehensive Support Specialist (CSS) to ensure classroom initiatives and curriculum are being met, securing appropriate approvals prior to delivery.
- Maintain and protect confidential information pertaining to staff, students and families.
- Schedule and organize time and materials to effectively manage classroom, attend meetings and complete required reports/documentation.
- Ensure that activities from all content areas are integrated into the classroom.
- Complete child observations; retain reports/documentation on a weekly basis or as instructed by supervisor.
- Maintain custodial duties in classroom and Head Start Center.
- Serve as a model while brushing teeth daily.
- Complete Point of Serves, Family Style Meals.
- All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations.
- Must be able to cooperate and work effectively with others.
- Must be diplomatic, honest and fair.
- Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.
- Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to operate various word‑processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
- Ability to work effectively with others.
- Ability to assess the health and behaviors of children by sight and sound.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
- Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.
- Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time‑management techniques.
- Ability to respect confidentiality at all times.
- Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Training
- Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education or related field of study, including six or more courses in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development.
- Six years of Childhood Development Experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree or a combination of an Associate’s Degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood education and four years of related experience.
Experience
Licenses/Certifications
- Valid Texas driver’s license.
- Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications.
Mental / Physical Tasks (F= Frequent, O= Occasional, R= Rarely)
F Standing - required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area.
F Handling - reports, vehicles, laptop, keys.
F Hearing/Talking/Listening - communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations.
F Fine Dexterity - operate computer, calculator, to write, mouse, projector tools.
F Sitting - performing work at desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in vehicle to sites and meetings.
O Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling - plug in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, open lower desk drawers.
F Walking - from vehicle to site, area to area, to copier.
F Bending/Twisting - to reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers.
F Grasping/Holding - holding binders, phones, tablet, work resources.
F Balancing - standing, reaching, driving.
F Lifting/Carrying - report binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs.
F Vision - to drive and assist individuals in medical need.
F Pushing/Pulling - open/close file/copier drawers, open & close doors, rolltop carriers.
F Foot Controls - driving.
F Driving - scheduled & unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites.
F Reaching - to answer phone, reach files, reports, plug in laptop.
Working Conditions
- Working in a fast‑paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.