Job Summary
This position is 35 hours per week/37 weeks per year with summer layoff. Provides the planning and implementation of the Head Start classroom activities. Integrates all Head Start components into the educational curriculum and for home visits.
Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities
- Ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, Child & Adult Care Food Program guidelines, Head Start Performance Standards, agency and Child Development Division Head Start/Early Head Start Policies and Procedures and the Head Start Work Plan.
- Establishes partnerships with parents that are respectful, culturally sensitive, and non‑judgmental.
- Conducts parent‑teacher conferences and home visits with parents and ensures families’ strengths and needs are addressed.
- Establishes a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children, including use of active supervision at all times.
- Responsible for curriculum and lesson planning that respects the needs of individual children. The materials provided will:
- Consider children’s interests, disabilities, special talents and individual learning styles.
- Consider cultural and socioeconomic background.
- Help children become aware of their roles in the group.
- Assure dignity and respect.
- Ensures appropriate documentation of program operations for the assigned class including conducting and entering ongoing observations of children, assessing developmental levels, and utilizing results in planning through the designated assessment system.
- Supports community partnerships for the support of families and children.
- Assists volunteers in learning and abiding by program philosophy while working with children.
- Participates in weekly staff meetings, regular supervisory meetings and all required training.
- Assists kitchen and janitorial staff as requested by supervisor and as work schedule permits.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Provides primary leadership role for planning and implementation of age‑appropriate activities and supervision of an assigned group of children that promotes their social and emotional development.
- Provides guidance and support to lower‑range staff to ensure adherence to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
- Participates in active supervision strategies: observing all children at all times, using knowledge of each child’s development to anticipate actions and redirect as necessary.
- Maintains classroom in accordance with health and safety regulations.
- Identifies educational needs of children through observation and develops individual education plans (IEPs) as required.
- Uses computers and programs effectively to enter data, create lesson plans, process information, and develop documents and program materials.
Competencies, Skills, and Abilities
- Full attention to others' communication, asking appropriate questions.
- Respond promptly to children’s needs and emergency situations.
- Speak clearly and communicate information and ideas effectively.
- Monitor and assess performance of self and others for improvements.
- Negotiate to bring others together to reconcile differences.
- Read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures.
- Prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Communicate information and ideas in writing.
- Possess sound judgment and decision‑making to evaluate costs and benefits.
- Use logic and reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions, conclusions, and approaches to problems.
- Establish rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems.
- Work effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrate professionalism, ethics, boundaries, and confidentiality.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Agency is a mandated tobacco, drug, and alcohol‑free workplace. Classroom and general office environment. Position may entail exposure to a wide range of children’s illnesses. Must be in good general health and free from serious physical or mental health or substance abuse problems. Regularly grasp, type, see, talk, hear, and lift and carry 40 pounds using proper lifting techniques. May also perform climbing, balancing, walking, stooping, bending, handling materials, and occasional sedentary activities requiring long sitting or repetitive hand use.
Employment Requirements and Required Education
- At least 18 years of age.
- Pass state and federal background checks, including fingerprints.
- At least one of the following qualifications:
- Associate/baccalaureate/advanced degree in early childhood education.
- Associate degree with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education and experience teaching preschool‑age children.
- Baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education and experience teaching preschool‑age children.
- Teachers not holding a degree in Early Childhood Education must hold a current preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) and complete an Associate and/or Bachelor’s degree within a prescribed timeline.
- Responsible work ethic with reliable attendance.
- Ongoing professional development plan including formal training certification or college degree.
- Attend 15 hours of professional development training annually.
- Self‑directed problem solving and decision‑making.
- Intermediate level computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, database programs.
- Maintain HIPAA, 42 CFR Part II confidentiality.
- Provide TB screening and basic physical exam within 30 days of hire; follow‑up every 3 years.
- Complete CPR and First Aid Training certification at employer’s expense.
- Provide own transportation to meet work schedule requirements.
Preferred Education and Experience
- BA degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and previous experience as lead teacher of children 3‑5 years old.
- Fluency in English and native language of community.
- Knowledge of child development from prenatal to five years of age.
- Knowledge of parenting and related issues.
- Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
Benefits
As a full‑time, regular employee, you will be eligible to participate in the benefit programs on the first day of the month after your 60th day of employment, including but not limited to:
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life & Supplemental Insurance
- 401k/Pension Plan
- Flexible Spending Account/Health & Dependent Care
- Health Savings Account
- Employee Assistance Program
- 20 days (160 hours) of accrued Paid Time Off
- 9 paid holidays for Child Development site staff
- Monthly Wellness Reimbursement