Head Start Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's Degree with Early Childhood Education Certification; or a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, with a commitment to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) within 2 years of hire, and documentation of 30 hours ECE college courses successfully completed. Experience: One (1) year classroom experience, preferably with pre-school children.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge: a. Problem solving ability where independent judgment may be required. b. Ability to maintain confidentiality. c. Excellent interpersonal skills. d. Effective oral and written communication skills. e. Machine operation including calculator, computer, photocopier. REPORTS TO: Preschool Supervisor SUPERVISES: Assistant Teacher, Classroom Volunteers JOB REQUIREMENTS: Mental Concentration: Considerable concentration intermittently.

Physical Effort: Must frequently stoop, crouch, bend. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. Special Demands: Moderate travel. Valid PA driver's license. Potential eye strain. Special Requirement: History verification showing free of child abuse, state and federal criminal record. Act 33, 34, FBI Fingerprinting and National Sex Offender Registry search completed.

Pre-employment staff health assessment (including Mantoux TB screen) completed, renewed biennially. SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Provides instruction and guidance to pre-school children in the Center Based Program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties may include any or all of the following. This list is intended to be representative.

1. Implements curriculum designed to meet educational, social, and health needs and abilities of children.
2. Remains up-to-date on information that pertains to the needs of the children in the program including Head Start Performance Standards, child care licensing regulations and other applicable regulations and practices.
3. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
4. Implements education lesson plans and daily programs for children in accordance with each child’s need, based on a method of observing and recording children’s interests and current levels of functioning.
5. Supports social and emotional development and provides positive guidance and discipline.
6. Provides opportunities for children to develop social relationships by promoting fair play and sociability through games and group activities.
7. Maintains commitment to professionalism, continues own professional development so that decisions are based on knowledge of early childhood theories and practice.
8. Attends training as determined appropriate.
9. Shares pertinent information with Family Service Worker to ensure coordinated services that meet the needs of individual children and families.
10. Supervises and eats nutritionally prepared meals with the children as a curriculum activity, to model good nutrition and proper social skills.
11. Participates in and supports Parent and Family Involvement activities, including PCC childcare and activity development and implementation.
12. Responsible for and supports respectful inclusion of children with all special needs into the classroom community.
13. Participates in all curricular activities, including swimming, gym, etc.
14. Provides a stable classroom routine and environment.
15. Implements Education Service Plan through child observations, record keeping, outcome recording, child progress reports, etc.
16. Screens, observes, and assesses children as required.
17. Meets with parents, other content area staff, and community agencies on children's progress.
18. Works with other staff in providing comprehensive services for children at the center.
19. On a weekly basis, provides families with information and activities concerning education, health, nutrition, social services, and parent activities.
20. Participates in staff meetings discussing program operation methods, child guidance, parent involvement, etc.
21. Assists with the recruitment of children as required.
22. Involves parents in the educational activities of the program to emphasize their role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development and to assist parents to increase their knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in basic child development.
23. Encourages In-Kind participation.
24. Works with other staff in providing comprehensive services for children at the center.
25. Conducts at least 2 home visits and 2 parent conferences per year.
26. Supervises and evaluates classroom, assistant teachers, and program aides.
27. Performs other related work as required on behalf of the agency. Applicable Fringe Benefit Package