Early Head Start Teacher

Early Head Start Teacher

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for planning and organizing a teaching environment by implementing a curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 0 to 3 years of age. The position reports to the Center Director and operates under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion, and initiative.

Essential Job Duties:

• Ensure safety in performing all job responsibilities; adhere to all safety policies in alignment with Head Start/Day Care licensing standards; observe children at all times.
• Coordinate, schedule, and complete parent-teacher conferences and individual home visits with the co-teacher.
• Assess and document the health and behaviors of children as needed.
• Plan, prepare, and present daily instructional activities/lesson plans coordinating with co-teacher, Center Director, Program Coordinators, and/or parents/guardians.
• Implement an individualized curriculum for all children including IEP/IFSP goals.
• Conduct individualized activities to meet the needs of each child as planned
• Organize time and materials to effectively manage the classroom, attend meetings, and complete required reports/documentation.
• Provide and integrate activities from all content areas into the classroom, including communicating with parents about student enrichment and experiences.
• Complete children's observations: keep necessary computerized reports/documentation weekly.
• Provide customer service in reception, greet and direct visitors at the site as needed.
• Review weekly lesson plans with the Center Director securing appropriate approvals; lesson plans will meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child.
• Follow step-by-step activities as outlined in content area plans and policies and procedures.
• Maintain and protect confidential information about staff, students, and families.
• Complete child observations: retain reports/documentation weekly or as instructed by the supervisor.
• Assume administrative duties for co-teacher when requested.
• Maintain custodial duties in the classroom and Head Start Center.
• Maintain Point of Service, family-style meals
• Model Toothbrushing skills daily
• 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
• Must attend monthly parent meetings as directed by supervisor.
• 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 always respect confidentiality.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training: High school diploma or GED CDA (Child Development Associate) in Infant and toddler Preferred: Spanish Bilingual

• Experience: One (1) year of related childcare experience.
• Licenses/Certifications: Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications Current Child Development Certificate

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

F | Standing: planning and leading physical activities, arranging the classroom and play areas; facilitating and leading age-appropriate physical activities; required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area

F | Handling: reports, vehicles, laptops, keys, utensils, outside toys, curtains.

F | Hearing/Talking/Listening: to hear classroom door open and close; to hear fire alarm, overhead messages, children in distress; communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations, interact with children

F | Fine Dexterity: helping toddlers with dressing, and undressing, including zippers, buttons, and other fasteners; feeding infants; operating a computer and calculator, to write reports and documentation, mouse, and projector tools; maintaining written or digital records on children; locking and unlocking classroom and building doors for security; providing fine motor skills activities

F | Sitting: Sitting on the floor during playtime or learning activities to engage with infants and toddlers at eye level; sitting with a child at the table at mealtimes; performing work at a desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in a vehicle to sites and meetings; to administer first aid and CPR; and during emergencies

O | Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling: Sitting on the floor during playtime or learning activities to engage with infants and toddlers at eye level; administering first aid; plug-in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, opening lower desk drawers; administering first aid and CPR; and during emergencies

F | Walking: from vehicle to site, area to area, to the copier; responding to emergencies quickly to accidents or emergencies

F | Bending/Twisting: Interacting with children to get on the floor at their level; changing diapers and assisting with toileting; assisting children with dressing; reaching files, reports, handling paper, reaching drawers; with music and movement activities; administering first aid and CPR; and during emergencies

F | Grasping/Holding : arranging and organizing materials and supplies; holding binders, phones, tablets, and work resources; hand over hand; modeling utensils.

F | Balancing: Standing, reaching, and driving as associated with physical play activities and sports play; and gross motor skills activities

F | Lifting/Carrying : lift and carry infants and toddlers to change diapers; move them from one area to another; to provide comfort to children. Report binders, paper, laptop, and supplies up to 50 pounds

F | Vision : to complete face-to-name; to monitor children in and out of the classroom; to drive; to observe children's behavior, interactions, and activities; active supervision and scan and count during inside and outside play

F | Pushing/Pulling: pushing and pulling strollers with children and carts for supplies up to 65 pounds; open/close file/copier drawers, open and close doors, rolltop carriers

F | Foot Controls: going up and down step stools as associated with physical play activities and sports play; driving

F | Driving: scheduled and unscheduled trips to and from meetings, trainings, and sites

Other: required to work outdoors at playtime and designated zoning area; to gather center supplies

F | Reaching: reaching for bottles, clothing, diapers, and supplies; reaching for food during snack time; answering the phone, reaching for files and reports, plugging in a laptop

Working Conditions: Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly. Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.

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