JOB DESCRIPTION: To provide a successful, safe, and supervised educational setting for children while they are in the AOK and Head Start environment (classroom, outdoor play area, bathrooms, to and from arrival and departure area). To promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of AOK and Head Start children. Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program. To develop individual goals for children, provide ongoing assessment of progress, and facilitate transition into kindergarten. Meet the requirements of the Head Start Performance Standards and all local, State, and Alhambra School District Policies and procedures. To provide instruction to facilitate learning which enables all students to reach their academic potential and become responsible, productive citizens.

QUALIFICATIONS: Arizona Early Childhood Teacher Certification or Arizona Elementary Teacher Certification with Early Childhood Endorsement (minimum 30 hours Early Childhood coursework). Basic knowledge of Head Start Program philosophy and best practices for Early Childhood education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise and monitor children at all times.
• Respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations that may occur.
• Coordinate with special education staff in the classroom when indicated, developing a collaborative approach that benefits all children.
• Adapt and implement the curriculum to address the individual developmental levels of children as evidenced by the ongoing assessment data.
• Assess individual and group needs using an online data collection system, Teaching Strategies Gold, using assessment data to plan for special needs, specific interests, strengths, and concerns of students.
• Implement and utilize the Success for All (SFA) Curriculum for preschool, which reflects mandated elements and components, parental and cultural influences, and promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of AOK and Head Start children.
• Follow a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, learning lab time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.
• Encourage exploration, problem-solving, cooperation, and socialization; ask open-ended questions that encourage higher-level thinking skills.
• Participate weekly in the team planning of curriculum with the teacher assistant and Professional Learning Community, encouraging and using appropriate input from parents.
• Prepare classroom materials to support the SFA curriculum plans; create and change learning labs as prescribed by the SFA curriculum.
• Communicate regularly with each child’s family, regarding their child’s developmental progress; conduct the required parent/teacher conference and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support, and share information on classroom progress and educational strategies at school and at home.
• Complete and maintain all necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, childcare licensure regulations, and Alhambra School District Policies and procedures.
• Complete daily interactions with Alhambra Preschool Programs office utilizing e-mail, monitoring email messages and attachments sent by District and Preschool office.
• Implement and monitor Federal, State, and local health and safety policies and procedures.
• Train and supervise staff, volunteers, and parents.
• Oversee the maintenance and inventory of classroom supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain appropriate educational certification or credential.
• Continue to grow professionally through appropriate staff development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SALARY: Nine-month position, Teacher's salary schedule, and employee benefits in accordance with Board policies.

EVALUATION: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board policy on the evaluation of professional personnel.