Teacher, Head Start

Primary Purpose:

To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.), Day Care Minimum Standards, and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services. To provide children with a learning environment and varied developmentally appropriate experiences which will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development toward the overall goal of social competence.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Texas Teaching Certification required
• Current certification in Early Childhood or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential required

Skills

• Experience working with young children required
• Loving, nurturing disposition toward young children required
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

• Valid Texas Driver's License or other reliable mode of transportation during work hours required
• Proof of current automobile liability insurance required
• Clear background history checks at the local, state, and federal levels required (Background checks are conducted by the ESC at no cost to the applicant.)
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and uphold the high standards of the Head Start quality of care according to the Head Start Performance Standards
• Moderate technology skills required
• Willing to uphold the Head Start Standards of Conduct required
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom and nursery equipment such as toys, playgrounds, multiple-rider strollers, etc.; personal computer and printer
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Must be physically able to participate in moderate to high levels of physical activity, such as, but not limited to, standing for moderate to lengthy periods of time, frequent squatting and sitting on the floor, frequent walking, and overhead reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; frequent exposure to bodily fluids; tolerate occasional travel between work sites
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties: Daily Standards:

1. Acts as instructional leader in the classroom
2. Prepares and maintains a developmentally appropriate learning environment
3. Meets the standard set by the Appropriate Teaching Behaviors found in the Region Head Start Policies and Procedures
4. Adheres to the Head Start Standards of Conduct
5. Responsible for daily schedule, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping
6. Cooperates with assistant regarding schedules, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping
7. Attends hours of professional development annually
8. Completes documentation, records, and forms as required
9. Plans with assistant at least one small group activity each day
10. Models correct speech patterns, vocabulary, behavior, and skills for children
11. Uses appropriate and positive methods of child guidance
12. Extends learning to meet the individual needs of individual children
13. Interacts with children during all indoor and outdoor activities
14. Provides opportunities for each child to experience success and reinforces all efforts
15. Eats one meal daily with children (sharing the same menu) and assists children with clean-up
16. Supervises children at all times
17. Provides emergency medical care for the children as needed
18. Obtains and maintains first aid and CPR certifications
19. Assists children, as needed, with diapering and toilet training using approved Head Start procedures
20. Makes home visits, with another staff member, as required by Head Start Performance Standards
21. Assists Head Start families or refers them to social services personnel or agencies for services
22. Monitors the approved persons to pick up children
23. Helps recruit parent volunteers and provides parents opportunities to share their skills
24. Maintains a parent bulletin board for dissemination of information to parents, including lesson plans, schedules, emergency evacuation plans, and campus events
25. Cooperates with supervisor concerning working hours and center policies
26. Cooperates with ESC staff concerning reports, policies, guidelines, etc for Head Start
27. Completes early childhood certification if appropriate
28. Maintains current licenses and certifications
29. Supports program policies, accepting changes, and new ideas
30. Performs other duties as assigned

Professional Standards:

1. Demonstrates respect and accepts differences for each child and their family
2. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding children and their families
3. Attends parent meetings as required by supervisor
4. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success, and family well-being
5. Attends all required Head Start staff development/PLC and meetings
6. Complies with ESC personnel policies regarding absences and tardiness
7. Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services
8. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
9. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
10. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines