Head Start Teacher

Position Overview

Head Start Teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program for children 3-5 years old in collaboration with their co-lead teaching partner.  The Head Start Teacher ensures that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Office of Head Start, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin’s quality rating and improvement system, YoungStar, and Next Door policies and procedures. 

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks  

• Develops, weekly plans, and implements age appropriate curriculum (lesson plan) aligned with Head Start Development and Early Learning Framework and Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
•  Performs on-going developmental evaluations of children as required by funding sources and develops lesson plans and follows curriculum implementation that addresses the individual needs of each child.
• On an on-going basis, plans, evaluates and improves the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.
•  Provides responsive care to all children by adapting daily care giving routines and plans to the interests and needs of the individual child and the group.
•  Prepares developmental progress reports as needed.
•  Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for the child's background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.
• Completes child transition and orientation of the classroom with parents.
• Maintains ongoing, open communication with parents/ caregivers.
• Provides a classroom environment that encourages parent participation.
• Ensures that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experiences clear communication with teaching staff.
• Conducts two parent conferences and home visits a year to discuss children's developmental progress, needs and interests.
• Serves as a liaison with children's families to ensure smooth transition from home to childcare setting and transitions from classroom to classroom when needed.
• Assists families with children's transitions from toddler to preschool and from preschool to kindergarten.
• Maintains accurate, complete and timely client and agency records.
• Completes daily meal and attendance records.
• Maintains up to date emergency forms, curriculum plans, individual child development profile and other records as needed.
• Completes daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of the children.
• Reports all staffing and classroom concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Reports family changes in schedules and excessive absences to administration in a timely manner.
• Participates in on-going in-service and educational development opportunities provided by the Agency.
• Collects in-kind using take-home activities, field trips, and etc.