Head Start UPK Teacher

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, Inc.

Position Description

Job Title: Teacher
Department: Head Start
Reports To: Education & Site Manager, Head Start
Supervises: N/A
Pay Grade: $17.08/hour
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Albion

Work Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Status: Full-Time 46 Weeks

I. PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Teacher promotes each child’s development in a manner appropriate to their age and stage, with the ultimate goal of supporting social competence. This position affirms and respects parents as their child’s primary teachers, maintaining productive relationships with families that reflect their values, interests, and concerns. The Teacher helps maintain accurate records, integrates all Head Start components, and fosters a safe, supportive environment that encourages individuality, self-esteem, and positive peer interactions. In the absence of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher assumes responsibility for planning, safety, supervision, and adherence to all program requirements.

II. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Direct Service (75%)

1. Practice team teaching with the Lead Teacher.
2. Ensure a safe environment and prevent injuries by:
   • Providing safety instruction and modeling safe practices.
   • Reinforcing rules during gross motor play.
   • Addressing potential hazards and reporting unsafe equipment.
3. Maintain constant supervision and required adult/child ratios.
4. Promote health and nutrition by:
   • Maintaining a healthy classroom environment.
   • Reporting possible illness or concerns to the Family Advocate.
   • Encouraging good hygiene and modeling healthy food choices.
5. Create a physical environment conducive to active learning:
   • Organize clearly defined areas with adequate, culturally inclusive materials.
   • Ensure accessibility of supplies and equipment.
6. Implement a consistent daily routine balancing small and large group activities, encouraging independence, problem-solving, and cooperation.
7. Involve parents by maintaining open communication, providing volunteer opportunities, conducting home visits, and sending classroom newsletters.
8. Integrate all content areas (Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, Dental, Parent Involvement, Special Services, and Family Services) using an active learning approach.
9. Assume the Lead Teacher role in their absence.

B. Administration and Supervision (15%)

1. Complete lesson plans, attendance, and CACFP documentation.
2. Collaborate with program resource staff, participate in case conferences, and refer children with special needs following established procedures.

C. Professional Development (10%)

1. Attend required staff, education, center, and classroom meetings.
2. Demonstrate professional growth by participating in training, identifying learning needs, and staying current with professional literature.

III. MARGINAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in non-mandatory training and meetings as directed.
• Assist with classroom organization and cleanup.
• Help supervise interns, high school students, or job development participants.

IV. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

• Member of a teaching team (Lead Teacher, Teacher, Teacher Assistant) responsible for daily planning and interaction with children.
• Collaborates with Family Advocates, Bus Drivers, Nutrition staff, and Site Manager.
• Opportunity for promotion to Lead Teacher.

External

• Interacts with therapists, counselors, and outside agency representatives supporting children in the classroom.
• Occasionally participates in meetings with other agencies or the public (e.g., field trips).
• Promotes community awareness of agency programs and services.

V. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in a Head Start classroom with occasional home visits. The environment includes moderate noise and occasional crisis situations requiring sound judgment.

VI. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting: 15%
• Standing: 10%
• Walking: 40%
• Talking/Interaction: 25%
• Driving: 5%
• Cleaning/Other Tasks: 5%

Major physical activities include engaging with children (40%), documentation (25%), communication (25%), and other tasks (10%).

Pay Grade: $17.08/hour