Head Start Teacher

Position Summary:

Plan, organize and deliver a developmentally appropriate preschool education program based on the individual cognitive, motor, social and emotional needs of children enrolled. Manage the classroom to create a positive, healthy, and safe learning environment. Implement the program’s early childhood education curriculum of choice. Work directly with parents. Ensure the implementation and maintenance of program’s policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, State of Nebraska childcare licensing requirements and other funding source requirements in the classroom. Provide direction and leadership to classroom staff. Partner with the other staff to manage program activities. Some evening hours are required. Position contingent upon funding.

Reporting Relationships:

Supervisor: Education Specialist

Direct Reports: Teacher Assistant

Other Relationships: Program Director, Mentor Teacher/Coach, Parent, Family, & Community

Engagement Specialist, & Health Specialist

Essential Job Functions: Family Support and Engagement

• Plan and implement the Creative Curriculum in the classroom and on the playground according to developmentally appropriate and individual learning expectations.
• Plan and implement effective child guidance techniques; define and communicate appropriate limits and boundaries for children, ensure smooth transitions between activities.
• Work one-on-one or in small groups with children.
• Observe and assess children to create classroom and individual lesson plans incorporating Individual Education Plans as appropriate.
• Keep classroom environment clean, wash and disinfect tables after snacks/meals, art projects and other classroom activities throughout the day, pick up toys, books and other materials, keep floors and sleeping areas free of debris, sweep floors, clean counters and cabinets as needed to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
• Supervise and train the Teacher Assistant in the classroom.
• Engage families in the involvement and education of their children.
• Observe and supervise children at all times, including the classrooms, bathrooms and playground.
• Maintain the safety of children at all times.
• Implement food service/CACFP requirements according to program policies and procedures, serve meals family style; sit, interact, and eat with children during snack and mealtimes.
• Use age-appropriate conflict resolution skills to assist children with learning to resolve their own conflicts.
• Model friendly, respectful, warm, and responsive interactions with children; interact with children at eye level.
• Recruit and support enrollment of children.
• Ensure ethnic and cultural backgrounds are appropriately recognized and cultural activities are integrated into the education program.
• May involve interaction with educationally, culturally, and racially diverse persons whose first language may not be English.
• Read, write and complete significant amounts of paperwork accurately and on a timely basis, including but not limited to: classroom observations, classroom and individual lesson plans etc. and must be able to perform basic mathematical computation.
• Provide a supportive approach to learning, especially when dealing with students with developmental problems, emotional problems, physical limitations, or learning disabilities.
• Communicate with children/parents, the general public and the community in English.
• Respond to questions and concerns from parents, licensing representatives, and the community in a timely and professional manner.
• Cooperate with other program staff in coordinating the day-to-day operations of the center to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children and staff and smooth operational functioning of the center.
• May perform other tasks as assigned by the Management Team to meet unusual staffing conditions: those tasks may include but are not limited to, changing classrooms, cooking, or working in the kitchen to prepare or serve meals, clean and put dishes away, riding the Head Start bus.

Essential Job Functions: Operational

• Collect and compile report data as required by Head Start Performance Standards and program policies.
• Collect and compile report data related to attendance, education, special services, parent engagement, and mental health as required by Head Start Performance Standards and program policies.
• Enter information/data into ChildPlus, TSGOLD, and other data management systems as required by program policies.
• Work with other program staff to assure compliance with requirements of childcare licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, child abuse and neglect reporting, and all other program policies.
• Maintain and update all children’s files in consultation with the Education Specialist.
• Assist in the documentation of the program's required non-federal/in-kind match.
• Comply with all program, state and federal policies, rules, and regulations regarding confidentiality.
• Participate in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Comply with program, state, and federal training and professional development requirements.
• Attend on-going training to maintain State of Nebraska licensing level and program requirements (may include evenings or weekends).
• Maintain professional and effective working relationships with co-workers and program staff.
• Effectively resolve conflict; remain calm in a very busy or emergency situation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Position Qualifications/Certificates/Licenses:

• AA or BA in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Valid State of Nebraska driver’s license with current State of Nebraska automobile insurance with at least minimum liability requirements.
• Proficient knowledge of child development.
• Basic math ability.
• Clear understanding of verbal, written and oral communication.
• Compliance with other regulatory requirements as applicable.
• Pass criminal background check and post-employment medical examination.

Desired Qualifications/Skills/Licenses/Certifications:

• BA in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• 1-2 years of experience teaching preschool and/or elementary children.
• Supervisory experience.
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR.
• Bi-lingual or basic understanding of Spanish.

Condition of Employment:

• Individuals who do not meet and/or continue to comply with education and or professional development requirements may be dismissed or moved to another position as appropriate.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Safely lift a child or children with total weight of approximately 50 pounds.
• Conduct activities involving substantial standing, walking and moderate sitting; stooping kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to stoop, bend and kneel on the floor without assistance.
• Must be able to assist with bus transportation.
• Push, pull, playground equipment, art supplies, manipulate office equipment, etc.
• Participate in routine conversation in person or via telephone and distinguish telephone radio/pager signals, alarms and other auditory tones.

Environmental Conditions:

• Typical office environment.
• Children’s indoor classroom environment.
• Playground
• Bus
• Individual family homes.

Equipment Used:

• Office Equipment: Telephone, cell phone, IPad, computer, fax, calculator, copier, and similar office equipment.
• Use of mild cleaning chemicals.
• Light cleaning equipment: Vacuum cleaner, plunger, mop, broom.
• Educational materials: Art supplies, toys, reading materials, other learning materials and supplies.
• Outdoor equipment: playground equipment, pull wagons.