The Teacher is responsible for the creation of a responsive, age-appropriate experience that fosters the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of the children. The Teacher directs the classroom in a professional, respectful manner while creating a safe nurturing environment with a focus on learning.

Essential Functions:

• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Program Performance Standards in addition to local, state, and other federal guidelines. 

• Implement a curriculum adhering to Early Childhood best practices as defined by National Education for Young Children (NAEYC), NYS (New York State) Quality Rating and Improvement System, NYS Common Core, and NYS Early Learning Framework.

• Maintain a comprehensive and ongoing portfolio assessment for each child, including observations, developmental and social emotional assessments.

• Conduct parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress.

• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment. Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored;

• Use the playground as an extension of the classroom; assure that the playground is safe;

• Conduct daily health checklist and monthly environment checklist.

• Integrate the implementation of children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) or I.F.S.P. (Individual Family Service Plan) into lesson plans for individualized outcomes. 

• Perform other duties, as may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manages the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the classroom and carries out responsibilities in accordance with the federal, state, locals’ requirements as well as agency policies and applicable laws. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

• 2 years’ experience preferred. 

• NYS licensed or any approved study plan teacher in accordance with the NYC Department of Health regulations. Bilingual preferred in one or more of the following: Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali and others, may be required depending on client needs.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products

• Ability to plan and carry out assignments independently.

• Ability to prioritize, adhere to timelines and multi-task

Qualifications Preferred: 

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with NYS certification

Job Behavioral Expectations:

• Maintain regular consistent and professional attendance, punctuality, personal appearance, and adherence to relevant health & safety procedures.

• Safe and successful performance, including meeting productivity standards.

• Maintain an understanding of the principles, methods and processes needed to perform the job. Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development training.

• Demonstrates the ability to complete work in an acceptable manner by the time and/or date established with accuracy, neatness and thoroughness and minimal number of errors.

• Record keeping which includes the following: anecdotal records, health observations forms, screening and assessment forms, attendance records, accident/incident reports, parent/staff forms in accordance with federal, state, and local licensing requirements. 

• Maintain established departmental policies and procedures including maintaining strict confidentiality and adherence to guidelines at all times.

• Work is performed in a classroom environment (indoor and outdoor) with normal heating and cooling.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only job duties to be performed by the incumbent. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.