Head Start Teacher

Head Start Teacher

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing a teaching environment by implementing curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 3 to 5. The position reports to the Center Director and operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion and initiative.

Essential Job Duties:

• Design, manage and organize the classroom to create and encourage a positive learning environment;
• Assess and track student developmental progress, enrichment opportunities and daily experiences and provide feedback to parents.
• Coordinate, schedule and complete parent-teacher conferences and individual home visits.
• Follow prescribed curriculum as outlined in content area plans, policies and procedures and curriculum guides.
• Plan, prepare and present daily instructional activities/lesson plans coordinating with co-teacher, Teacher Aide and/or parents/guardians.
• Prepare and implement an individualized curriculum for all children including IEP/IFSP goals.
• Ensure safety in performing all job responsibilities; adhere to all safety policies in alignment with Head Start/Day Care licensing standards.
• Maintain clean and safe work area in the classroom and playground areas.
• Ensure reports and subsequent documentation is submitted within appropriate timeframes for incident/accidents, ensure daily health checks are completed for students.
• Manage and coordinate volunteer activities for the classroom ensuring appropriate background checks have been completed.
• Encourage parents to complete required physical, dental and health screen offerings in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate records of classroom activities and child development.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom in alignment with prescribed policies and procedures.
• Work with Center Director and Comprehensive Support Specialist (CSS) to ensure classroom initiatives and curriculum are being met securing appropriate approvals prior to delivery.
• Maintain and protect confidential information pertaining to staff, students and families.
• Schedule and organize time and materials to effectively manage classroom, attend meetings and complete required reports/documentation.
• Ensure that activities from all content areas are integrated into the classroom.
• Complete child observations; retaining reports/documentation on a weekly basis or as instructed by supervisor.
• Maintain custodial duties in classroom and Head Start Center.
• Serve as a model while brushing teeth daily
• Complete Point of Serves, Family Style Meals
• All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations
• Must be able to cooperate and work effectively with others
• Must be diplomatic, honest and fair
• Regular and Punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to assess the health and behaviors of children by sight and sound.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.
• Ability to respect confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

• Bachelor's degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education or related field of study, including six or more courses in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development.
• Six years of Childhood Development Experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree or a combination of an Associate's Degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood education and four years of related experience.

Experience:

• None

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications

Mental / Physical Tasks (F= Frequent, O=Occasional, R=Rarely):

• F Standing- required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area
• F Handling- reports, vehicles, laptop, keys
• F Hearing/Talking/Listening-communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations
• F Fine Dexterity-operate computer, calculator, to write, mouse, projector tools
• F Sitting-performing work at desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in vehicle to sites and meetings
• O Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling-plug in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, open lower desk drawers
• F Walking-from vehicle to site, area to area, to copier
• F Bending/Twisting – to reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers
• F Grasping/Holding-holding binders, phones, tablet, work resources
• F Balancing – standing, reaching, driving
• F Lifting/Carrying-report binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs.
• F Vision-to drive and assist individuals in medical need
• F Pushing/Pulling – open/close file/copier drawers, open & close doors, rolltop carriers
• F Foot Controls – driving
• F Driving –scheduled & unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites
• F Reaching-to answer phone, reach files, reports, plug in laptop

Working Conditions:

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties (OWBC) was established in 1965 as the area's official Community Action Agency. Opportunities is a private, non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors comprised of community leaders, elected officials and target area representatives. Throughout its history, Opportunities has administered a wide range of social service and economic opportunity programs. Serving thousands of people annually, OWBC helps with energy assistance, childcare, nutrition, and education for those in need.

Mission: To empower children, families, and seniors to achieve and sustain independence by delivering vital services and partnering with local organizations to provide education, nutrition, and community support.

Vision: A healthy, educated community in which all people live independently and with dignity.

Benefits We Offer:

Physical: Medical, Dental and Vision coverage

Financial: Employer Matching Retirement Program - Flexible Spending Accounts - Employer-Paid Life insurance, Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance Plans & more

Emotional: Employee Assistance Program (24-hour support line for emotional, mental/personal well-being, financial & legal assistance, and webinars and podcasts) - Wellness Program

Social: Paid time off (PTO) - three (3) weeks in your first year -14 paid holidays per calendar year