Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Responsible for the day-to-day operation of a Head Start classroom, supporting the educational, social, emotional, and physical development of program-eligible preschool children. This role requires a thorough understanding of Head Start (ACF) Policies, performance standards, and CAA procedures, with the ability to implement and model them with integrity, curiosity, and collaboration. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to teamwork, innovation, respect, and accountability in all interactions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Exceptional Teaching & Classroom Leadership:

• Innovative Instruction: Serves as a Head Start Classroom Teacher, modeling effective teaching techniques and Innovative approaches. Exceeds Expectations by creating a learning environment that is both Responsive and high-achieving.
• Respectful Environment: Establishes a classroom that Respects Always and Values All children. Promotes independence while addressing the social, emotional, and physical needs of each child with a No Judgment approach.
• Curiosity & Growth: Designs and implements activities that foster Curiosity , Problem-Solving , and engagement. Uses guidance techniques that build Connections and encourage child confidence.

Partnerships & Collaboration:

• Teamwork in Action: Collaborates closely with the Teacher Assistant to execute daily routines (attendance, meals, hygiene). Acts as a Leader who provides guidance and mentorship, fostering a Supportive and inclusive environment.
• Family Alliances: Organizes parent-teacher collaborations through conferences and home visits, valuing parents as Allies and the primary educators. Listens to family needs and maintains Open lines of communication.
• Integrated Support: Partners with the Family Advocate to support health and social service needs. Ensures families are Supported through appropriate referrals and consistent follow-up.

Integrity & Accountability:

• Consistent Standards: Maintains the daily classroom schedule with Consistency , Fairness , and High Expectations . Follows all Childcare Licensing requirements and QRIS 5-Star criteria with total Integrity .
• Accountable Assessment: Administers all required screenings and assessments (such as LAP-D). Maintains Honest , accurate, and organized records, ensuring Accountability in data and child progress tracking.
• Individualized Planning: Develops plans based on ongoing assessments, ensuring families are Active Partners and that all Questions regarding child development are Welcome .

Innovation & Professionalism:

• Adaptive Learning: Actively engages in professional development to enhance teaching practices. Demonstrates an Open mind and a willingness to Research and Execute Change to adapt to evolving educational strategies.
• Technical Proficiency: Utilizes technology efficiently, including KidKare and Online LAP, to support classroom and administrative responsibilities. Remains Responsive to new digital tools.
• Service & Mission: Participates in center activities, recruitment, and special events. Performs other duties as needed to accomplish the mission, maintaining a commitment to Service , Respect Always , and Exceptional results.

Operational Commitment:

• Reliability: Travels to off-site locations as required to fulfill program responsibilities, demonstrating Responsibility and a commitment to the broader agency team.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a licensed childcare facility with children aged from one to twelve years of age; most of the children are between the ages of three and five.  Activities are performed in all areas of the building, including the classroom, restrooms, cafeteria (if separate from the classroom), and on the playground.  Activities are not limited to the center but will include field trips to child-oriented activities.  Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning the body to be on a child’s level and floor level.  Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety.

Qualifications Required:

Education & Professional Credentials:

• Academic Foundation: Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• OPDR Registry: Must be a member of the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) with an Oklahoma Professional Development Ladder (OPDL) level of 4 or higher .
• Master Teacher Status: Ability to complete necessary steps on the OPDR to be counted toward the center's Master Teacher ratio.
• Annual Growth: Commitment to maintain at least 2 college credits or 20 professional development (PD) hours annually per PDL certification.

Specialized Certifications & Training:

• Entry-Level Readiness: Completion of approved entry-level training (e.g., ELCCT ) on the OPDR website within 90 days of employment.
• Instructional Frameworks: Completion of Early Learning Guidelines training and one full set of Pyramid Model modules (Birth to Five, Preschool, or Infant/Toddler).
• Safety & Health: CPR certified annually (or within 90 days of hire) and formal professional development in Safe Sleep practices prior to caring for infants.

Experience & Leadership:

• Classroom Management: Demonstrated ability to assume full responsibility for an Early Childhood classroom and all related instructional duties.
• Technology Literacy: Must be proficient and computer literate to manage digital assessments and reporting.
• Field Experience (Desired): Two (2) years of full-time employment in an Early Childhood classroom.

Regulatory Compliance & Mobility:

• Security Clearances: Must meet all state and funding source requirements, including mandatory fingerprinting .
• Transportation: Valid Oklahoma State driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Professional Longevity: Understanding that entry-level training must be refreshed if the individual has not been employed in a licensed program within the last five years.

Physical & Cultural Readiness:

• Physical Capability: No physical limitations that would preclude the active performance of classroom duties.
• Inclusion: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse cultures .
• Environment: Ability to meet all established Work Environment standards and a willingness to pursue further schooling or training as required.

Supervision:

Reports to: Head Start Center Director

Supervises: None assigned

Coordinates with: Head Start Support Staff and Support Staff.