Head Start Teacher

SUMMARY

Plan, organize and manage the Head Start program in a manner that reflects Head Start goals and expectations as defined in the Benodjenh Head Start plan. Develop curricula and provide educational resources for staff and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To report to work as scheduled by your supervisor.
• To be in compliance with GTB reporting procedures, any Federal/State procedures as required and funding agency policies and procedures.
• Be in compliance with Benodjenh Curriculum. Develop culturally appropriate lesson plans based on the approved curriculum and Head Start performance standards. Provide a balanced daily program of child-initiated and adult directed activities, including individual and small group activities. Plan and implement daily activities with input from the Assistant Teacher and parents, following curriculum guidelines.
• Become familiar with the Head Start goals and objectives and the program plan.
• Conduct two home visits per student and two parent-teacher conferences per year.
• Develop a working relationship with parents in order to increase the level of parental involvement with the Head Start program and its activities through communication and weekly updates.
• Attend meetings with Kindergarten personnel annually to strengthen Community Partnership Agreements.
• Teachers will attend all training and education sessions deemed necessary by the Education Development Manager and/or Department Manager.
• Able to deviate from regularly scheduled workday to attend special functions such as parent meetings, home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Evaluate and assess the academic skills of the children.
• Observe and note behavior of children. Make recommendations based on such observation to the Education Development Manager.
• The Teacher will supervise the Assistant Teacher and Classroom Bus Aide during class hours.
• The Teacher will encourage parents to participate to the maximum extent that is possible by attending and taking part in the Center's activities, parent education events and monthly parent meetings.
• Provide a planned program of experiences and activities, which support and enhance the parental role as the principle influence in their child's education and development.
• The Teacher will maintain child attendance records.
• Must make referrals as necessary pertaining to individual children.
• Is bound by mandatory requirements as determined by State of Michigan and Federal law pertaining to the welfare of children.
• The Teacher and parent will develop an Individual Service Plan for the child using results from the Denver II, Portage checklist, portfolio, classroom observations and parent observations.
• Serve as an advocate for the Head Start program. Promote good public relations by serving on boards, committees and participating in community activities.
• Encourage parent participation in the Center, at home and with other activities.
• Attend case management meetings, department staff meetings, as required.
• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, community at large, and children at the center.
• Participate in the development, implementation and analysis of the Self Assessment.
• Will be responsible for compiling documentation and obtaining signatures for volunteer services as the services are provided to the program, submitting these to the Family and Community Partnership Coordinator monthly.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor that relate to the educational efforts of Department X.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have exceptional organizational skills.
• Must possess the ability to work openly and cooperatively in a "team" approach.
• Effective communication with children, families and co-workers.
• Must have exceptional writing and grammar skills.
• Willingness to learn and utilize the Anishinaabe language in the Head Start classroom setting.
• Must have basic budget and analytical skills for statistical reports and forecasting needs.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with supervisors and co-workers in a positive team effort approach.
• Must be enthusiastic, enjoy working with children and be supportive of overall goals of Benodjenh Head Start program.
• Ability to define problem, collect data, analyze data, establish facts and draw conclusions.
• Ability to communicate with a child to develop their social skills and encourage appropriate behavior.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree, with a Child Development Certification, with emphasis in early childhood development, Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Previous experience preferred with skills in classroom management and curriculum planning.
• Must maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers and programs such as word processing.
• Able to develop and implement short and long term educational goals.
• Good observational skills and ability to summarize observed learning/social behaviors in children.

Supervise the Assistant Teacher.

General office equipment; calculators, computers, copiers, fax machine, phone systems, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, which includes lifting children, ages 3 to 5 years. Must be able to work within child-size furnishings and equipment on a daily basis. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to effectively handle stressful and compromising situations, while remaining focused and professional. Must be able to deal with difficult people without losing perspective. Must be able to work productively under strict time constraints with variable deadlines. Must be able to make quick, informed decisions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to work in an outdoor environment as required for child development in all seasons. Able to work with child-size furnishings and equipment on a daily basis. Must be able to tolerate noise levels from child activities.

COMMENT

Native American preference will apply. Current and former Early Head Start and Head Start parents must receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.