Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world" -Dr. Seuss.

Why work for us?

· No Nights or Weekends
· 15 Paid Holidays
· Paid Time Off
· Paid Education (Upon Approval)
· Medical Insurance
· Dental Insurance
· Vision Insurance
· 403(b) plus employer match
· Employee Assistance Program
· Chipper-Assistance in Student Loan Forgiveness and Lower Payments

Who We Serve:

Opportunities serves thousands of people annually in Williamson & Burnet Counties. Working cooperatively with other agencies, we are an advocate for those who might not otherwise have a voice in the community. We are dedicated to providing services to help those in need achieve a better, more productive life.

Our Mission:

To empower children, families, and seniors to achieve and maintain independence by partnering with area organizations to provide education, nutrition, and community support.

Our Vision:

A healthy, educated community in which all people live independently and with dignity.

Position Summary:

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing a teaching environment by implementing curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 3 to 5. The position reports to the Center Director and operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion and initiative.

Essential Job Duties: 

• Design, manage and organize the classroom to create and encourage a positive learning environment;
• Assess and track student developmental progress, enrichment opportunities and daily experiences and provide feedback to parents.
• Coordinate, schedule and complete parent-teacher conferences and individual home visits.
• Follow prescribed curriculum as outlined in content area plans, policies and procedures and curriculum guides.
• Plan, prepare and present daily instructional activities/lesson plans coordinating with co-teacher, Teacher Aide and/or parents/guardians.
• Prepare and implement an individualized curriculum for all children including IEP/IFSP goals.
• Ensure safety in performing all job responsibilities; adhere to all safety policies in alignment with Head Start/Day Care licensing standards.
• Maintain clean and safe work area in the classroom and playground areas.
• Ensure reports and subsequent documentation is submitted within appropriate timeframes for incident/accidents, ensure daily health checks are completed for students.
• Manage and coordinate volunteer activities for the classroom ensuring appropriate background checks have been completed.
• Encourage parents to complete required physical, dental and health screen offerings in a timely manner. 
• Maintain appropriate records of classroom activities and child development.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom in alignment with prescribed policies and procedures.
• Work with Center Director and Comprehensive Support Specialist (CSS) to ensure classroom initiatives and curriculum are being met securing appropriate approvals prior to delivery.
• Maintain and protect confidential information pertaining to staff, students and families.
• Schedule and organize time and materials to effectively manage classroom, attend meetings and complete required reports/documentation.
• Ensure that activities from all content areas are integrated into the classroom.
• Complete child observations; retaining reports/documentation on a weekly basis or as instructed by supervisor.
• Maintain custodial duties in classroom and Head Start Center.
• Serve as a model while brushing teeth daily
• Complete Point of Serves, Family Style Meals
• 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
• 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 respect confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood Education or related field of study, including six or more courses in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development.
• Six years of Childhood Development Experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree or a combination of an Associate’s Degree in Childhood Development/Early Childhood education and four years of related experience.

Experience:

• None

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications

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

F Standing- required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area

F Handling- reports, vehicles, laptop, keys

F Hearing/Talking/Listening -communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations

F Fine Dexterity-operate computer, calculator, to write, mouse, projector tools

F Sitting-performing work at desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in vehicle to sites and meetings

O Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling -plug in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, open lower desk drawers

F Walking-from vehicle to site, area to area, to copier

F Bending/Twisting – to reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers

F Grasping/Holding-holding binders, phones, tablet, work resources

F Balancing – standing, reaching, driving

F Lifting/Carrying-report binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs.

F Vision-to drive and assist individuals in medical need

F Pushing/Pulling – open/close file/copier drawers, open & close doors, rolltop carriers

F Foot Controls – driving

F Driving –scheduled & unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites

F Reaching-to answer phone, reach files, reports, plug in laptop

Working Conditions:

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.