Head Start Teacher

Job Overview Early Childhood Educator – Head Start program. Responsible for providing responsive care, effective teaching, and a safe, organized learning environment for children ages birth to five, including those with disabilities. Responsibilities Ensure staff, consultants, contractors, and volunteers protect the physical and mental health and safety of children; no child is left alone or unsupervised while under our care (HSPPS §1302.90). Provide responsive care, effective teaching, and an organized learning environment that promotes healthy development and children’s skill growth aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, including children with disabilities (HSPPS §1302.31). Use prescribed curricula to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development, and integrate child assessment data in individual and group planning (HSPPS §1302.31,1302.32). Contribute to and support screenings, assessments, and ongoing evaluation of the child’s developmental level and progress in outcomes (HSPPS §1302.33). Provide and support opportunities for parents and family members to engage in their child’s development and in program services, including parent conferences and group activities (HSPPS §1302.34). Follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities, including reporting at a minimum suspected or known child abuse and neglect, appropriate supervision of children at all times; and all standards of conduct (HSPPS §1302.47, §1302.90). Comply with positive adult‑child interactions as measured by the CLASS: Pre‑K instrument (HSPPS §1304.16). Complete minimum training requirements as specified in state and federal standards (HSPPS §1302.92). Establish regular communication with parents to ensure they are well‑informed about their child’s routine, classroom activities, behavior, and progress. Maintain child files, classroom forms, and other documentation to ensure documents are compliant, current, and organized. Monitor classroom to ensure it is free from physical and environmental hazards. Report all incidents within the timeframes designated in program policy and protocol. Incorporate age‑appropriate equipment, materials, supplies and physical space for indoor and outdoor learning environments, including functional space, and change materials periodically to support children’s evolving interests and development. Respond to classroom observations through modifications to teaching strategies and lesson plans in accordance with prescribed curricula. Identify potential interference with a child’s development and school readiness and coordinate with education, family, mental health and/or child development professional program staff to address identified needs. Participate in school functions, scheduled meetings and team decision and operations. Work collaboratively with other staff members, service providers and professionals. Maintain confidentiality in all areas of child and program operations. Perform other job duties as assigned. Education & Qualifications Required – Associate’s degree (can be trained while completing an AA within 18 months of employment). Bachelor’s degree preferred, especially in Early Childhood Education. Bilingual in Spanish preferred. Prior experience – Prefer two (2) years of experience in an early childhood classroom. Demonstrated ability to respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. Communication skills in written and verbal English (and Spanish preferred). Maintain emotional control, professional composure at all times. Computer literacy required to meet the responsibilities of the position. Familiarity with all INK policies and procedures. Can organize and prioritize duties in a fast‑paced environment. Flexible schedule, including nights, holidays, and weekends. Work independently. Valid driver’s license, successful driving history check, and clean criminal background check. Pass health examination and obtain influenza vaccination or approved exemption. Confirm work eligibility status. Ability to lift up to 60 pounds; stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children. Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane or train for conferences, meetings and other duties, including occasional overnight travel. Some evenings and weekend events may be required for home visits, parent‑teacher conferences, parent committee meetings, community and social events such as field trips. Exposure to communicable diseases and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, at‑risk neighborhoods is expected. EEO Statement Ink is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of INK, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination. #J-18808-Ljbffr 60 Innovative Network of Knowledge