Head Start Teacher

USE OF INFORMATION OBTAINED IN A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Information obtained from a background investigation will be considered for employment purposes as permitted by federal and state law and in accordance with Chugachmiut’s policy. Information will be reviewed to determine:

• Whether an individual made false statements or material omissions on an application for employment or during an interview;
• Whether an applicant or employee, based on the job duties of the position in question, poses a threat to security and/or employee safety in the workplace; and
• The likelihood of an applicant or employee being successful and productive on the job.

Chugachmiut Head Start

The Head Start Teacher is a program-specific position. This is a full-time direct service position within the Chugachmiut Division of Administration. Under the supervision of the Head Start Site Supervisor/Center Supervisor, the Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning activities, creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where all children can thrive. The Teacher works collaboratively to achieve positive outcomes for children following Chugachmiut Birth to Five Head Start Program guidelines and other applicable federal and state regulations. The Teacher works as a team member to fulfill the following responsibilities:

Chugachmiut Head Start

• Plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy and phonemic, print, numeric awareness, and language-including English as a second language if applicable.
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, clean, nurturing, and inviting learning environment for children, including following health and safety policies and procedures.
• Assure that classroom equipment, furniture, materials, and supplies are properly maintained and stored.
• Supervise children both indoors and outdoors at all times.
• Collaborate with parents, guardians, and other professionals to support the physical, mental, and social development of each child.
• Plan and coordinate the work of the teacher assistant and work cohesively with staff.
• Develop skill-based, individualized classroom activities for each child based on parental input, direct observations, and developmental assessments/screenings including identified activities designed for children with special needs based on their Individual Education Plan.
• Ensure full implementation of IEPs, develop activities for inclusion of children with disabilities and special needs.
• Observe and assess each child's progress, provide feedback, and develop educational plans for their individual needs.
• Complete all developmentally appropriate assessments and screenings on children as required.
• Conduct a minimum of two (2) home visits with primary caregivers and two (2) parent/teacher conferences per family, per academic year.
• Provide timely and effective communication with families regarding their child's progress, behavior, and any concerns that arise.
• Maintain a cooperative attitude of working together with all Head Start staff, support specialists, volunteers, and parents in planning and implementing activities.
• Assist families with children's transitions from toddler to preschool and/or from preschool to kindergarten.
• Complete and submit required forms and records in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Attend professional development opportunities to stay current on emerging trends, practices, and research in early childhood education.
• Follow agency procedures to ensure reporting of suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
• Participate in assigned meetings, events, and training as required.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding staff, child, and family information.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings, regular supervisory meetings, and all required training.
• Maintain and submit all required family and program documentation on time.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and records for enrolled children and families.
• Follow all Chugachmiut Policies and Procedures; comply with safety policies and general housekeeping practices.
• Demonstrate a sound work ethic, flexibility, and demonstrate dedication to the position.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, be respectful, and possess cultural awareness and sensitivity toward clients and co-workers.
• Keep customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all clients, co-workers, and others.
• Expected to be prepared to start shift on time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Employees are expected to embrace, support, and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion, and quality, which align with Chugachmiut’s Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others.
• Conform to Chugachmiut policies, strict employee confidentiality, and HIPAA regulations.

Chugachmiut Head Start

• 18 years of age or older
• High School diploma or GED
• As prescribed in section 648A(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act, Head Start Preschool teachers, at a minimum, are required to have an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree in a field related to early childhood education, or an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool-age children or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool-age children. Teachers not holding a degree in Early Childhood Education must hold a current preschool CDA credential or a State-awarded certificate (Alaska SEED Level 6) that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, are enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree, to be completed within the prescribed timeline.
• Previous experience working with preschool children is preferred.
• Must obtain State of Alaska Food Safety Card or Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate before preparing meals, and update as required.
• Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours may change in order for employee to attend trainings and events from time to time. Chugachmiut maintains a drug and alcohol and/non-smoking work environment.

Chugachmiut Head Start

Hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours may change in order for employee to attend trainings and events from time to time. Chugachmiut maintains a drug and alcohol and/non-smoking work environment.