Head Start Teacher, 10-month

Description

As a recognized leader in our field, The Guidance Center provides a broad range of services that have helped children, adults and families unlock potential and build better lives since 1958. With 25 programs we offer treatment, prevention, growth and education services to more than 14,200 people annually. Together we: Nurture development. Foster resilience. Cultivate well-being.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Teacher to join our team of talented professionals.

Work hours are 37.5 hours per week.

Specific responsibilities include:

Individualization, Curriculum and Assessment

1. Plan and implement lesson plans that support the classroom daily schedule, the HighScope Preschool curriculum and the achievement of individual children goals.

2. Develop and implement classroom activities that encourage cognitive, social emotional and physical development.

3. Develop and implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) for preschool children with parent input that are based on their individual strengths, interests, and needs.

4. Coordinate the planning, writing and implementation of lesson plans, including incorporating individual learning plans (ILPs); individual education plans (IEPs) goals and anecdotal note information.

5. Review and utilize Child Observation Record (COR) data to plan and develop activities to support the growth and development of preschool children.

Classroom Management

1. Mentor, collaborate and work together with the Asst. Teacher in utilizing the HighScope Preschool curriculum to plan and implement daily activities.

2. Promote social-emotional growth by utilizing the HighScope Preschool Curriculum strategies.

3.. Implement and document curriculum, health and safety and classroom management strategies provided by Grantee Specialists and/or collaborative partners.

4. Maintain a safe, healthy and clean classroom environment by cleaning and sanitizing all classroom materials, furniture and equipment on a regular basis.

Documentation

1. Maintain the confidentiality of all information and discussions of children, parents, community volunteers and staff.

2. Identify and report and report suspected child abuse and neglect.

3. Initiate, complete and submit Referral to Specialist documentation according to appropriate timelines and procedures.

4. Complete anecdotal notes as required to document classroom observations and children’s progress.

5. Plan, implement and document activities on lesson plans that promote positive self-image, physical and mental health, nutrition and diversity.

6. Complete recordkeeping documentation for child attendance, daily meal counts, toileting, home visits, parent teacher conferences, developmental screenings and assessments, lesson plans, and Individual Learning Plans according to required procedures and timelines.

Family Engagement and Community

1. Assist in recruitment and enrollment of children and families.

2. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family and volunteer engagement.

3. Provide and maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment for children and families.

The Guidance Center believes that our team members are our most valuable resources, and we invest in them accordingly. We offer our employees a competitive salary, flexible scheduling opportunities, a team-oriented work environment and much more!

Requirements

Qualifications: Bachelor of Science/Arts Degree (BS or BA) or Associate's Degree (AA or AS) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a degree in a related field, with 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education previous experience working with preschool children in a classroom setting. Knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum practices

Must also have good physical mobility including ability to find and direct and move children in case of an emergency. Additionally, you must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted in order to assist children during emergencies. Employee must be able to stand consecutively for 3-1/2 hours per part-day class session and 5 hours per full-day class session. Employee must be able to ambulate between sitting on the floor and standing and chair sitting to standing a minimum of 20 times per session. Employee must be able to bend and stoop to child level and lift for urgent and emergency situations. Employee must be able to bend and stoop to address child concerns a minimum of 12 times per hour on average (ex: tying shoes for child safety). Employee must be able to sit on the floor or on a child size chair for up to 60 minute duration multiple times during class session.

Knowledge of or ability to learn to conduct developmental assessments of children. Good understanding of child development, age appropriate behaviors, common childhood behavior problems and appropriate interventions. Ability and willingness to continue personal and professional growth and skill development. Additional requirements include a nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of our students, families, business partners and of the people in the programs represented by The Guidance Center. Must have the ability to appropriately handle crisis situations.