Head Start Teacher

Full-Time Position - 40 Hours per week, 43 Weeks per year

Head Start Teachers provide and coordinate education services to children and their families enrolled in assigned classrooms.  Teachers work in partnership with parents on child issues as they relate to the family and provides direction and leadership to teacher, classroom assistant and classroom volunteers. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits.  These duties are a representative example of position expectations.  Actual duties assigned may vary and change depending on the business needs of the department and the agency.

• In a classroom environment, follow the assigned curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices, observe children weekly and regularly document progress as directed by child development services supervisor.
• Plan and carry out daily activities as designed in weekly lesson plan.
• Conduct home visits and parent conferences. Follow the assigned curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices. Observe child and regularly document progress in web based data system as directed by supervisor. Plan and carry out activities as designed in lesson plan. Conduct monthly social activities for all families.
• Document all child and family contact information, attendance, observations and lesson plans in web based data systems.
• Nurture children and respond to their individual needs using developmentally appropriate practices while following a consistent schedule, which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and transitions between activities.
• Complete developmental and behavioral screenings on each assigned child within 45 days of enrollment, and refer children with special needs for additional assessment and services.
• Work collaboratively within a team setting with assistant team members; provide clear expectations; observe their performance in working with children in the classroom and outdoor settings, and give verbal and written feedback using meeting notes.
• Participate in twice-yearly family staffing for each child with child development team, family service educator, community agencies, therapists, and DHS worker or family support and/or resource people as appropriate for planning and sharing information. Meet with speech therapist, child development team and appropriate managers on a monthly basis using meeting notes for documentation.  Participate in IFSP meetings as requested by developmental specialist.
• Report and document incidents of suspected child abuse and neglect to DHS and child development services supervisor within 24 hours of incident.
• Respect the confidentiality of information about Head Start children and families, staff and personnel issues, and agency operations.
• Provide exceptional and measurable customer service to internal and external customers with timely and accurate responses to their inquiries and concerns. Exercise tact, courtesy, and diplomacy when interacting with clients, contractors, vendors and others with whom we may work while enhancing the Company’s public image at all times. Respond to all inquiries for information respectfully without regard to the inquirer’s position, status, or demographic and in a manner that conveys understanding, acceptance and support for UCAN’s programs and objectives.
• Communicate in a professional, respectful and courteous manner with all employees, clients, the Board of Directors, and others with whom we may work. Contribute to a successful work group and foster a team-oriented culture through positive interactions, active listening, meaningful collaborations, and the constructive exchange of ideas.
• Drive a company vehicle in the performance of duties. Driving will be required for travel to training facilities, board meetings, events, client homes, community meetings, partner facilities, and to perform other essential functions as needed.
• Complete designated job tasks, special projects and all other duties as assigned to meet team, department and agency goals while actively demonstrating accountability, high levels of employee engagement, and responsibility for achieving desired outcomes and measurable results.