Head Start Teacher 1 (1838)

POSITION TITLE: Head Start Teacher                           GRADE:  

PROGRAM:  KidStart                                                         STATUS:        

Summary: Responsible for the efficient daily classroom activities, assessment, and programming for Head Start children consistent with Head Start Performance Standards.  Works cooperatively with other staff.  Actively support the use of developmentally appropriate practices, as defined by the National Association of the Education of Young Children, while providing services to children.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and implements curricula with the assistance of the Educational Coordinator
• Maintain a working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and program component plans
• Participates in planning sessions for purpose of writing activity schedules to meet both the group and individual needs of enrolled children
• Provide ongoing assessment and observation of enrolled children for use in individualized plan development
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive records pertaining to attendance, health matters, educational data, and specialized services for each child
• Exercises caution in detecting and reporting all cases of suspected health problems and child abuse to supervisor
• Fosters a positive learning environment in which the children can acquire healthy self-images guiding them toward independence
• Establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment 
• Supports the social and emotional development of children 

Nonessential Functions: 

• Conducts self so as to best contribute to, promote and implement the mission, philosophy and policies of the agency
• Encourages parents to be involved in their child’s program and to serve as advocates for services in the community
• Confers with other staff members and therapists (OT, PT, SP/L) providing comprehensive services to children including weekly staffing and parent conferences
• Maintains overall organization of classroom environment
• Performs other related duties as requested
• Attends all meetings and staffing as required by Education Coordinator
• Participates in corporate compliance and quality assurance activities as required.

Reporting Responsibilities: 

Reports to: Head Start Education Coordinator 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Supervises: None Exercised 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to people of different backgrounds and abilities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, as well as the ability to work with other required computer systems to complete documentation. 
• Strong time management skills.
• Understanding of typical early childhood development, including sensory motor development, speech and language development, and self-help skills including feeding.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically and mentally fit to provide developmentally appropriate care for and supervision of young children. Must have the physical abilities and stamina to participate in children's play and sustain active work throughout the day. 

Work with children requires:

• Ability to walk or run quickly
• Ability sit on the floor or in child-sized chairs for extended periods of time;
• Ability to bend at the waist, kneel or crouch to maintain eye contact with children;
• Ability to walk on rough or uneven ground
• Ability to lift children 
• Ability to work in cold or hot outdoor conditions 
• Ability to maintain the safety of the environment and children through visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile senses
• Must be able to move quickly and react calmly in response to an emergency
• Must exhibit good judgment in matters concerning the health and safety of children
• Must be able to maintain composure under pressure

Working Conditions: 

• Working conditions are typical for a child care setting 
• Exposure to bodily fluids, potentially infectious material and communicable diseases 

Minimum Qualifications:

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or
• A baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.

• Skills -Valid NYS drivers license 
• COVID-19 Vaccination required per Head Start Regulations