Head Start Teacher - Head Start - JOB ID# 14066

CAPITOL REGION EDUCATION COUNCIL

Position Description

Position Title: Teacher – Head Start

Program: Head Start /Early Head Start

General Purpose

This position is responsible for creating and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum; coordinating classroom activities, parent conferences and home visits; maintaining NAEYC accreditation and Head Start performance standards; and maintaining all required documentation in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Works as a team member with all appropriate personnel.

Summary Responsibilities

• Directs the planning, organizing, and implementation of instructional services for children.
• Develops and implements individual educational plans for children.
• Supports classroom team in preparing and implementing a successful learning environment that supports and challenges each child's development.
• Participates in opportunities for professional development.
• Communicates regularly with assistant teacher/aides and/or supervisor and shares all pertinent information in a timely manner.
• Observes and records children's behavior for the purpose of assessing skills and planning appropriately to meet individual and group needs. Identifies areas of concern, intervenes, if appropriate or provides referrals; observe children to detect signs of illness, injury, abuse, neglect, or other special need, and report these signs immediately to supervisor.
• Assesses classroom needs for equipment, materials and supplies and reports to supervisor; maintains the space, equipment, materials and supplies in a safe, clean and orderly fashion.
• Assists in providing accurate and timely reports, record keeping and other documentation required for the assigned classroom.
• Maintains strict adherence to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Attends all required staff meetings, workshops, training, committee meetings and parent functions.
• Contributes to a positive, supportive relationship by maintaining contact with families by phone calls, conferences, home visits, arrivals & departures, and family volunteer opportunities.
• Works with the Family Support Coordinator, the Family Service Worker, and other center staff to provide referrals for children and families as needed.
• Participates and/or facilitates in regularly schedule conferencing sessions, staff meetings, parent-teacher meetings, home visits, in-service training, and other meetings as required.
• Greets children and their parents warmly and with enthusiasm every day.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times.
• Assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices during all meals.
• Maintain a safe and healthy classroom environment.
• Participates in program annual self-assessment.
• Creates, fosters and maintains a positive culture and climate across the program and supports the mission and vision of CREC.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and two year's experience in a pre-school classroom. Head Start experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of High Scope Curriculum, CT Early Learning and Development Standards, CT Preschool Assessment Framework, LEP, NAEYC Portfolio, Head Start Performance Standards, and OEC Regulations.
• First Aid, CPR/AED certificate from an approved course by Office of Early Childhood prior to start date or completed during the first 30 days of employment.
• Demonstrated track record working and supporting the needs of racially and socially diverse families, children and staff; experience working with low-income families.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus.
• Able to utilize assessment data as a tool for measuring program effectiveness, staff performance and child outcomes.
• Strong planning and organization skills.
• Valid CT driver's license and reliable vehicle required.
• Ability to stand for most of the day, bend, stand up, run, jump suddenly to respond to children needs or during activities. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as related to children's care needs.
  
  

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed rather than give an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

Statute19a-79-4a of the CT licensing standards states "A designated head teacher shall submit to the department written verification of being twenty (20) years of age or older…", and "A second program staff person who works under the supervision of the head teacher shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older…"

To access the job description and salary range please click https://www.crec.org/careers/jobs.php.