Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Head Start classroom, supporting the educational, social, emotional, and physical development of program-eligible preschool children. This role requires a thorough understanding of Head Start (ACF) Policies, performance standards, and CAA procedures, with the ability to implement and model them with integrity, curiosity, and collaboration. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to teamwork, innovation, respect, and accountability in all interactions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Exceptional Teaching & Classroom Leadership:

• Serves as a Head Start Classroom Teacher, modeling effective teaching techniques and innovative approaches. Exceeds expectations by creating a learning environment that is both responsive and high-achieving.
• Establishes a classroom that respects and values all children. Promotes independence while addressing the social, emotional, and physical needs of each child with a non-judgmental approach.
• Designs and implements activities that foster curiosity, problem-solving, and engagement. Uses guidance techniques that build connection s and encourage the child's confidence.

Partnerships & Collaboration:

• Collaborates closely with the Teacher Assistant to execute daily routines (attendance, meals, hygiene). Acts as a leader who provides guidance and mentorship, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Organizes parent-teacher collaborations through conferences and home visits, valuing parents as Allies and the primary educators. Listens to family needs and maintains open lines of communication.
• Partners with the Family Advocate to support health and social service needs. Ensures families are supported through appropriate referrals and consistent follow-up.

Integrity & Accountability:

• Maintains the daily classroom schedule with consistency, fairness, and high expectations. Follows all Childcare Licensing requirements.
• Administers all required screenings and assessments (such as LAP-D). Maintains honest, accurate, and organized records, ensuring accountability in data and child progress tracking.
• Follows and maintains QRIS 5-Star criteria. A minimum of 30 hours must be obtained.
• Develops plans based on ongoing assessments, ensuring families are active partners and that all questions regarding child development are welcome.

Innovation & Professionalism:

• Actively engages in professional development to enhance teaching practices. Demonstrates an open mind and a willingness to research and execute change to adapt to evolving educational strategies.
• Participates in center activities, recruitment, and special events.

Technology:

• Must be proficient in technology, both software and hardware.  This includes utilizing ChildPlus, KidKare, and Online LAP.

Other:

• Performs other Head Start/Early Head Start duties required to accomplish the Head Start/Early Head Start mission.
• This position requires frequent travel to off-site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a licensed childcare facility with children aged from one to twelve years of age; most of the children are between the ages of three and five.  Activities are performed in all areas of the building, including the classroom, restrooms, cafeteria (if separate from the classroom), and on the playground.  Activities are not limited to the center but will include field trips to child-oriented activities.  Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning the body to be on a child’s level and floor level.  Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety.  No physical limitations that would preclude the active performance of classroom duties.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Must be a member of the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) with an Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) level of 4 or higher.
• Master Teacher Status: Ability to complete necessary steps on the OPDR to be counted toward the center's Master Teacher ratio.
• Commitment to maintain at least 2 college credits or 20 professional development (PD) hours annually per PDL certification.

• Completion of approved entry-level training (e.g., ELCCT ) on the OPDR website within 90 days of employment.
• Completion of Early Learning Guidelines training and one full set of Pyramid Model modules (Birth to Five, Preschool, or Infant/Toddler).
• CPR certified annually (or within 90 days of hire) and formal professional development in Safe Sleep practices before caring for infants.

• Demonstrated ability to assume full responsibility for an Early Childhood classroom and all related instructional duties.

• Must meet all state and funding source requirements, including mandatory fingerprinting.
• Valid Oklahoma State driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Understanding that entry-level training must be refreshed if the individual has not been employed in a licensed program within the last five years.

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED:

• Two (2) years of full-time employment in an Early Childhood classroom.