Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Under general supervision, develop and implement age and developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities that foster social competence, cognitive growth, language development, and physical development in preschool children.

What You'll Do

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Supervising children at all times, adhering to Program Standards of Conduct and ensuring their safety, care, and well-being.
2. Designing and delivering comprehensive early childhood experiences using the Creative Curriculum and state standards, tailoring activities to meet the diverse needs and interests of preschoolers.
3. Applying age-appropriate teaching methods and positive behavior management techniques to create a nurturing, stimulating, and enjoyable learning environment.
4. Evaluating and reporting student progress in collaboration with the Family Development Team and Program Specialists to ensure timely screenings and services for children and families.
5. Embracing continuous improvement by applying Coaches' reflections to enhance the teaching experience.
6. Complying with all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures, including Head Start Performance Standards, Arizona Child Care Licensing, CACFP, and Mandated Reporting requirements.
7. Maintaining positive relationships with families through daily professional communication, supporting their well-being, and encouraging strong parent-child bonds and ongoing learning.
8. Developing and submitting weekly lesson plans aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and WACOG's School Readiness Goals, incorporating individualized activities and opportunities for multilingual and multicultural experiences.
9. Keeping accurate records of children's growth and development, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring ongoing assessments are linked to curriculum goals.
10. Conducting developmental screenings, writing referrals for children with suspected disabilities, and collaborating with families to support their needs.
11. Participating in parent-teacher conferences, visiting families at home, and attending IEP reviews to apply goals and support children's progress.
12. Organizing necessary forms for meetings and maintaining accurate records, including data entry into electronic systems and paper files.
13. Mentoring and collaborating with colleagues to build a professional and effective instructional team.
14. Ensuring a clean and safe environment, adhering to regular cleaning and disinfection schedules.
15. Engaging in ongoing professional development, attending training sessions, and workshops as required.
16. Traveling within the WACOG service area, including overnight stays, and maintaining regular and punctual attendance.
17. Projecting a positive image of WACOG at all times and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters.
18. Performing other duties as assigned or required by the position.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Per Head Start Program Performance Standards, currently:

OPTION ONE:

Associate’s degree in child development or early childhood education

OPTION TWO:

Associate’s degree in a related field and coursework equivalent to a major (18 credit hours) relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children

Per Arizona Licensing Requirements (R9-5-401), currently:

18 years of age, and

Six months of child care experience, and

High school diploma or high school equivalency diploma, or at least 12 credit hours from an accredited college or university with at least six credit hours in early childhood, child development, or a closely-related field.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education

Four years experience working in early childhood education and with federal grants.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 21 years of age

Valid Arizona Driver License, MVR Report of Acceptable Driving Record, and Proof of Vehicle Liability Insurance

Current Health Physical and TB clearance

CPR and 1st Aid Certification

Arizona Food Handler’s Certificate

Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

(Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Arizona, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation. May be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of vehicle insurance, minimum 21 years of age.)

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to establish positive, nurturing relationships with children and families, creating a warm and inclusive learning environment.
• Capacity to design and implement engaging, culturally responsive learning experiences that promote intellectual, physical, and social-emotional development in young children.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Proficiency in planning and delivering literacy, phonemic, and print awareness activities that advance children’s readiness for school.
• Ability to develop and implement language and vocabulary skills, promoting a love of reading and early math and science knowledge.
• Capacity to support children’s problem-solving abilities and approaches to learning, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.
• Ability to establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and respectful learning environment that supports social and emotional development.
• Knowledge of how to engage families in their children’s learning, encouraging their involvement and developing strong relationships.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions and navigate multiple software programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to form and maintain productive relationships.
• Working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, Arizona State Licensing requirements, and data entry systems.

Benefits

• Medical

  Dental

  Vision

  Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  Health Savings Account (HSA)

  Life Insurance

  Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

  Tuition Reimbursement

  Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)