Early Head Start Teacher

Early Head Start TeacherThis position entails mainly tasks that are technical and diverse in nature and requires that capacity of judgment and action to accomplish program goals. The normal work hours are 40 hours per week, mostly Monday - Friday, but may be varied by the Site Leader to accommodate all hours the Center is open and other needs of the Center.Head Start is committed to establishing a learning environment to which children, parents and staff can teach and learn from one another. To accomplish this goal, staff must display sensitivity to, respect and knowledge of the community's cultural differences and issues. All Head Start staff shall agree to abide by the program's standards of conduct introduced during pre-service and/or in orientation. Employee orientation, pre-service and in-service training are provided in order to assist staff and volunteers in acquiring or increasing the knowledge and skill needs to fulfill their job responsibilities.Teachers are responsible to the Site Leader in the implementation of their respective Center Based program in meeting all required regulations for providing a safe and healthy educational environment and an environment conducive to learning for both enrolled children and their families. Noise level could be moderate to loud in working in center.Teachers will perform a variety of essential functions that include:Planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the intellectual and physical development of children, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy, phonemic, and print awareness, their understanding and use of language, their understanding and use of increasingly complex and varied vocabulary, their appreciation of books, their understanding of early math and early science, their problem-solving abilities, and their approaches to learning;Establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.Supporting the social and emotional development of children; andEncouraging the involvement of the families of the children in a Head Start program and supporting the development of relationships between children and their families.Essential Job FunctionsPlan and implement developmentally appropriate activities in all classroom functionsMaintain a safe, healthy learning environment, both indoors and outdoorsResponsible for planning and implementing a child development program for Head Start classroom that align with developmentally appropriate practices and meets Head Start Performance StandardsMaintain a classroom environment conducive to learningCoordinate and interact positively with parent/volunteer assigned to classroomEncourage the involvement of families in the classroom and in all activities of the childDevelop lesson plans and implement learning experiencesConduct assessments for children in program in accordance with established guidanceMaintain records on enrolled children and families in accordance with established Performance StandardsEnsure all program areas are integrated in classroom curriculum (education, nutrition, mental health, health, disabilities, and transportation)Promote parent involvement in the classroomMaintain an open, friendly, and cooperative relationship with each child's family, encourage their involvement in the program, and promote parent-child bonding and nurturing parent-child relationshipsPromote feelings of security and trust in children by being warm, supportive, and comforting, and by establishing strong and caring relationships with themEffectively use all teaching resourcesProvide experiences to allow children to develop curiosity, initiative, problem-solving, creativity, sense of self and group belongingConduct home visits and parent conferencesEnsure Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) regulations are followed to maintain license.Must be knowledgeable in the various disciplines of the Head Start program, including but not limited to social services, parent involvement, health, and services to children with disabilitiesConduct health checks for children each morningKeep parent idea forms up to datePlan and implement decorations and activities according to weekly themesEnsure child-staff ratios are maintained at all timesRegularly monitor children on playground to safe, appropriate play are visible at all timesRespond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur. Provide First Aid or CPR, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and assess the need for emergency servicesCoordinate and communicate effectively with other team members and managementMust be aware of the legal and professional responsibilities with regard to reporting suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with the provisions of Federal, State, or local law and program policies/procedures.Responsible for cleaning and general maintenance of classroom and related center areas; duties include: mopping, sweeping, dusting, sanitizing equipment, cleaning restrooms or any other cleaning duties as assigned by the Site ManagerPromote Parent Engagement ActivitiesResponsible for reporting to their immediate supervisor or designee, if they witness or see anything present or anyone not following the SPCAA procedures or processes that place a person or program records at riskCapture, value, and appropriately document In-Kind, non-federal shareOther Responsibilities or Job RequirementsMay fill in for Site Leader as needed.Assist with and/or attend parent meetings, orientations, and special functionsAssure that any accidents/illnesses for children or staff are reported immediately and followed-up with appropriate forms and accuracy of details.Show initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness in the classroomWhen assisting in transportation of children/parents:Maintain a calm atmosphere on the vehicleAssist the driver in transporting children and families in a safe and proper mannerEnsure compliance with all laws regarding proper transporting policiesAssist and be responsible for children and adults during boarding and un-boarding of the vehicleEnsure that all children and parents are properly secured in the vehicle according to the transportation lawsMake sure no obstructions exist on the bus and that all exits are properly markedAssist the driver with pre-trip inspectionsMaintain discipline when children are being transportedDemonstrate awareness and sensitivity of cultural and community issues.Employment as a teacher is contingent upon individual retaining credentials to meet position qualifications as set by program requirements of funding source or state licensing.The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.Must possess ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel. Must possess and maintain valid Texas motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required. Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law. MVR background checks may be conducted by the agency.QualificationsSPCAA will strive to meet/exceed staffing requirements by hiring qualified lead teachers so that at least 50 percent of Head Start teachers in center-based programs have:(i) a baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or(ii) a baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.Education requirements (any one of the following):Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or bachelor's degree in related field with college courses in early childhood education or child development to equal a major, focused on children up to age 5.A Texas Teaching Certification (pre-K or all level) orAssociate degree in Early Childhood Education orAssociate degree in a related field with college courses in early childhood education or child development to equal a major.Early Head Start Teachers:Early Head Start teachers must have, at a minimum, a CDA credential and have been trained (or have equivalent coursework) in early childhood development, with a focus on infant and toddler development.Must be at least 18 years oldExperience in teaching preschool childrenAbility to communicate effectively with other team members and managementExcellent ability to communicate effectively with other team members and management.Embrace the principle of the parent as the primary educator and support attachment of parent and childExcellent organizational skillsAbility to balance a variety of duties, prioritize and meet timelines requiredAvailable for light amount of night and weekend work.Ability/knowledge of personal computer operations within a Windows software environment