Head Start Preschool Teacher

About us

Head Start Child & Family Development Centers is a Federally funded preschool in La Crosse, WI. We are professional, fast-paced and rewarding.

Our work environment includes:

• Growth opportunities
• Wellness programs

The Head Start Preschool Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the daily educational and social activities of the children ages 3-5 years, enrolled in the Head Start Center. The teacher directly supervises Head Start Center personnel, such as teacher assistants. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Center Site Supervisor and within guidelines established by federal and state agencies. The Head Start preschool teacher is a 40 hour position, Monday through Friday, during the school year.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions include the following and other related duties as assigned.

• Know, understand, and follow HS Performance Standards, Wisconsin Daycare Licensing Regulations, and HSCFDC School Readiness outcomes and program policies;
• Know, understand, and implement the Classroom Assessment Scoring System;
• Know, understand, and follow best practices from Head Start and HSCFDC training;
• Know, understand, and follow USDA/CACFP training and regulations;
• Required to substitute in co-worker classrooms in the event of staff absences;
• Works directly with children, ages 3-5 years, supervising their individual and group learning, indoor and outdoor play activities, music and art, hygiene, and nutrition programs;
• Documents and reports instances of suspected and/or known child abuse as required by law;
• Implements Active Supervision in the classroom to ensure safe environments for all children;
• Have experience with challenging behaviors;
• Take attendance daily when the children arrive and call within the first hour a child is absent from class with no prior notice from parent/guardian. Enter attendance into Child Plus and maintain a file with all attendance for the school year;
• Record meals at the point of service (at meal and snack times);
• Observe and document student work and progress daily into Teaching Strategies Gold;
• Daily assess student’s health and appearance and document any concerns;
• Direct the work of the classroom general education and special education aides to ensure implementation of Creative Curriculum, program policies, classroom requirements, and schedules as deemed by the Lead Teacher and HSCFDC;
• Role model to children with age-appropriate behavior and offer guidance, assisting in resolving conflicts and instruction in age-appropriate behavior;
• Work collaboratively with co-workers, program managers, site supervisor, and program coordinator;
• Keep the emergency contact binder in the classroom and check approved adults before releasing a child;
• If required, attend staff meetings, training, workshops, conferences/home visits;
• If required, meet with families to discuss the child’s development and progress; develop child and family goals;
• If required, plans, and facilitates Head Start Center Parent Orientation;
• If required, assess the educational and emotional development of each child and, in cooperation with parents.

Required Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education; or
• A Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to Early Childhood Education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching 3-5 year old children.
• A transcript showing coursework in Early Childhood Education is required.

Required Licensure/Certification: Hold a valid Teaching License from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, or if not licensed, must maintain current participation in the Wisconsin Registry showing teacher qualification .

Other Requirements: Ability to pass criminal background check and health screening; participate in at least 15 hours of continuing education each year. Candidates must have an excellent attendance and punctuality record to work for this agency.

Unique work schedule: This position works 9 hours per day, Monday - Thursday, with a 4 hour shift on Friday. In addition to annual paid time off, teachers get one additional paid Friday off each month. Holidays include regular recognized holidays as well as a week paid between Christmas and New Years Day. This is a school year position, August through May.

Current and former Head Start parents are encouraged to apply for positions for which they qualify. Candidates for hire into all HSCFDC, Inc. positions must be comfortable working with diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds of the communities in which they are applying for work and must be able to effectively communicate with the children and families of this community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.84 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Is your Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or is it in a field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• early childhood education: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification or WI Registry Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30