Early Head Start Teacher

Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.

JOB TITLE: EHS Teacher FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Site Director or Designated Coordinator ASSIGNMENT DATE: ____________

DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS: ___San Saba EHS____________________

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for the overall management of a classroom, ensuring that the objectives delineated in the annual HS/EHS Service plan are implemented. The Teacher will be knowledgeable of Texas Minimum Standards for Licensing, and provide a supportive, safe, and stimulating learning environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain a calm, safe classroom and playground that incorporates developmental appropriateness; create an atmosphere in which the children feel comfortable and secure, reflecting the cultures of all enrolled children.
• Observe the children at all times; provide positive guidance to promote self-esteem.
• Develop individual goals for children, individualize one-to-one and group activities to reflect the unique needs and strengths of all children, provide on-going assessment on progress and facilitate transition into Head Start or other pre-school settings.
• Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces parental involvement, supporting them in their role as primary caretakers and educators of their children.
• Develop and utilize daily plans, which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of EHS children; integrating all EHS components according to the Head Start Program Performance Standards as well as Hill Country Community Action quality Head Start standards.
• Follow consistent routines, including hand washing, tooth brushing as appropriate, feeding, napping, diapering and toileting, planned small and large group experiences, choice time, activities such as music and movement, large and small motor activities, and effective transitions between activities.
• Operate the classroom in compliance with all childcare-licensing standards, paying particular attention to standards prohibiting any form of physical punishment.
• Work with appropriate agencies in developing specialized planning for children/families as needed.
• Model team leadership; ensure that the teamwork concept is upheld and implemented at the center.
• Ensure that the arrangement of the classroom provides a stimulating, clean, and safe learning environment.
• Responsible for documentation in ½ of the children's files in all content areas.
• Complete Individual Developmental Plans for each enrolled child; continue the on-going assessment process, maintaining written or computer records on each child.
• Supply a variety of materials and planned activities designed to encourage individual and group play.
• Provide experiences that promote individual self-expression in conversation, imaginative play, and creativity; offer a variety of language stimulation activities.
• Provide experiences involving thinking skills such as generalizing, classifying, sorting, and problem solving.
• Make available a variety of opportunities to help children develop and understand appropriate relationships with others.
• Provide continuous opportunities for children to experience success.
• Increase the complexity and challenge of activities as children develop.
• Contribute to the operation of the center by participating in staff meetings and sharing information gained through attendance at workshops and trainings.
• Observe, record, and report any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff members.
• Show personal development and growth by being relaxed, using a calm, quiet voice, being pleasant and enthusiastic about the children, and by using self-control in trying situations.
• Complete required home visits or center conferences with parents in conjunction with the Family Service staff.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head Start Program Director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Must attend annual pre-service training in summer (date TBD upon interview).

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 2 year's employment in a licensed child-care facility. Associates, Bachelor's or advanced degree in early childhood education or related field. (In order for a degree to be considered related, you must have at least 9 college hours of Child Development or Early Childhood Education on your transcript) or a CDA with an Infant and Toddler endorsement.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills, as well as a thorough understanding of developmentally appropriate practice. The Teacher must have the ability to communicate in a positive way to all employees and families, and seek solutions to misunderstandings or problems. Must be flexible and have well-developed written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to provide guidance to classroom staff, maintain records, prepare reports, and clearly understand written or verbal instruction. Ability to organize, manage, and control work flow. Ability to work effectively with individuals from various ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. Ability to identify, assimilate, comprehend, and solve critical elements of various situations (initiate solutions without constant supervision).

OTHER: Professional in manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment. Must have a valid Class C driver's license and a reliable vehicle with current vehicle liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy. An initial Head Start physical screening. Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications (collateral rather than primary duty of this position). Must comply with all HCCAA Policies, and maintain confidentiality and courtesy in all phases of agency operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Requires interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor), and also sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving. Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be able to react quickly (run after a child).

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to analyze the effectiveness of classroom operations and choose the most effective course of action for the program at any given point in time. Must handle new and diverse work problems on a daily basis. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with employees at all levels within the Agency. Bilingual skills are encouraged.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasionally called upon to work outside of the normal 8-5 working day, or work odd schedules. Requires some travel to meetings as scheduled, including in-service and pre-service training.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Accrual of sick and vacation leave, health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, 125 Cafeteria Plan, up to 14 paid holidays per year. Options for employee paid benefits. Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on Personnel Policies & Procedures and benefits are subject to change.

FLSA STATUS DISCLAIMER: FLSA status is based in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Any changes in the act which will affect the FLSA status will be adhered to. When wages exceed the position entry level due to tenure, the Exempt/Non-exempt status will be designated accordingly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RECEIPT:

I have reviewed the Early Head Start Teacher job description and acknowledge its receipt. I understand that my job may not necessarily be limited to those listed, as their exact nature may vary as program, project elements, and priorities change in the future. I understand that this job description may be updated as needed.