EC Teacher - Head Start

HEAD START EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN’S TEACHER

2026-2027 School Year

General Statement of Job

Under general supervision, provides special education services to students identified as having a special need in accordance with state and federal regulation.  Work involves developing and implementing the Individual Education Program in classroom settings that are compatible with the student’s age and developmental level.

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in child development or birth-kindergarten. Hold a current B-K License by the state of North Carolina. Experience working in a preschool setting and familiar with NC Child Care licensing requirements.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Develops and implements an instructional plan which is compatible with the school system-wide curricular goals and the students’ Individual Education Program.
• Collaborates in the development of Individual Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities; implements IEP; and uses diagnostic information obtained from tests and other assessment procedures to update IEP’s as needed.
• Provides direct special education instruction to Head Start students that have been identified.
• Planning, creating, and utilizing data sheets to monitor student’s progress weekly.
• Employs a variety of teaching methods to meet student needs. Implementation of these methods may require the adaptation or development of materials.
• Monitors student behavior; provides TTA; deescalates inappropriate behaviors; teaches students appropriate behavioral strategies.
• Communicates effectively with parents through a variety of means and encourages parental involvement in students’ education.
• Assists case coordinator (as needed) for assigned students; consults with community caregivers, school support professionals, and parents to better understand and meet student needs.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings.
• Maintains student records in accordance with North Carolina’s Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities; and complies with state and federal education statutes.
• Responsible for creating the IEP progress reports (eCATS) every 9 weeks for the Head Start Students on caseload.
• Will directly assist the Education and Disabilities/Mental Health Manager in meetings, referral process, and tasks as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of the Head Start students on caseload at all times.
• Is punctual, adheres to established work schedule.
• Notifies supervisor of caseload schedule.
• Submits neat, accurate, and punctual program paperwork.
• Always maintain a professional attitude.

Additional duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Head Start Director and managers.

Essential knowledge and abilities

• Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations that interrupt normal daily schedules.
• Requires the ability to read and prepare a variety of correspondence including reports, handbooks, forms, lists, instructional materials, etc.
• Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments, or directions to Head Start teaching staff.  Also includes receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions from supervisors.
• Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including medical, legal, and counseling terminology.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, calculators, pencils, scissors, etc.
• Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, care, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• General knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Teaching Strategies, NCFELD, ELOF, and Daycare Licensing.

The knowledge and abilities described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.