Teacher - Head Start

Pay Grade: Teacher Salary Schedule


Department: School & Preschool/Head Start Services


Accountable To: Administrator of Head Start


FLSA Status: Exempt


Summary: Under general direction, incumbent(s) supervises Head Start staff and directs and implements the Head Start program at the school. Incumbent(s) ensures the Head Start program is in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and Methodology, federal and state laws, District policies and procedures, and Arizona State Board of Education approved organization that provides accreditation for preschool programs requirements by attending meetings and maintaining bookkeeping records, student files, and employee files.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and instructs developmentally appropriate practices and lesson plans by applying departmental goals, District academic and curriculum requirements, accredited organization requirements, and state and national early childhood standards. Designs and maintains a creative environment by promoting learning and establishing and maintaining standards of acceptable behavior. Conducts on-going performance assessment and developmental screening.

• Supervises community Head Start staff including determining workloads, establishing work schedules, monitoring work performance, recommending new hires and terminations based on District procedures, conducting performance evaluations, performing training functions, maintaining personnel records for licensing purposes, and resolving staff conflicts.

• Interprets licensing regulations and cooperates with the inspection of the Preschool facility to ensure Department of Health Services (DHS) requirements are in compliance. Assists with the preparation of compliance reports for DHS and meets with Head Start Administration, principal, facility manager, M.O.S.T. coordinator, and special needs teacher to ensure licensing deficiencies are amended. Maintains accreditation with a state Board of Education approved organization that provides accreditation for Head Start programs.

• Creates and provides newsletters and memos to families in regards to the Preschool program at their school. Distributes and collects family surveys on a yearly basis. Evaluates and analyzes the survey for the purpose of implementing training needs. Promotes family involvement, education, and communication with the Preschool programs and promotes family meetings. Informs families regularly of their child's progress by provides on-going family information and education at school and/or during home visits.

• Coordinates developmental screening and referral processes with Head Start Administration and Special Services staff regarding the special needs of students attending the Preschool program. Participates in IEP meetings, works with school therapists and families to ensure the success of each child.

• Communicates with all Head Start staff, the District staff, school principal, office manager, health services, facility manager, transportation department, cafeteria staff, preschool staff, and special needs programs to ensure quality services for children and families. Refers families to City of Phoenix caseworkers, District, and community resources.

• Maintains up-to-date files and records of enrollment, attendance, and emergency information in compliance with DHS licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and District procedures. Prepares and submits Head Start reports and required documentation to the Head Start Administration and District departments.

• Attends Preschool and school staff meetings. Stays current and implements school, District, state, and federal policies regarding the Preschool program. Attends meetings and conferences with professional early childhood organizations.

• Assists the Administrator of Head Start in the preparation of annual classroom/site budget for the Head Start program. Determines needs for the Head Start program and submits purchase requisitions within budgetary limitations and in accordance to District purchasing guidelines.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

• Bachelor's degree, AND
• Hold a valid Arizona teaching certificate(A.R.S § 15-502.B)-Intern, Provisional, Reciprocal or Standard Early Childhood B-8, OR Elementary K-8, AND an Early Childhood B-8 Endorsement, OR Elementary 1-8, AND an Early Childhood B-8 Endorsement, AND
• Structured English Immersion (SEI) requirements, AND
• a valid Identity Verified Print (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card, AND
  • Possession of valid Health Examination clearance prior to hire;
  • Possession of TB Testing clearance prior to being hire;
  • Possession of valid First Aid Certification within 30 days of hire;
  • Possession of valid CPR Certification within 30 days of hire;
  • Possession of valid Arizona Food Handler's License Certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

It is preferred that applicant possesses the following preferred qualifications; however, the following qualifications are not required to be eligible for this position.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education or related field;
• One year of instructional experience;
• Possession of a valid Arizona Department of Transportation Driver's License.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Skills required, but not limited to, for this position include:

• Understanding child development and curriculum related to early childhood;
• Knowing safety and health issues;
• Following basic budget principles;
• Understanding and implementing Head Start Performance Standards;
• Implementing management practices including assigning and monitoring the work of others;
• Implementing bookkeeping practices and procedures;
• Using computer software applications;
• Engaging and encouraging communication skills while interacting with supervisors, staff, students, families, etc. to exchange information.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

Working Conditions:

The working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The Washington Elementary School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Washington Elemtnary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.