Early Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Under general supervision, develop and implement age and developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities designed to promote the social competence, cognitive and language development, and physical growth of Early Head Start aged children.

• Assume responsibility for the care, safety, and welfare of the children through active supervision; abide by the Program Standards of Conduct.
• Plan and facilitate comprehensive and culturally sensitive early childhood experiences using the Creative Curriculum and State standards; implement developmentally appropriate practices which meet the needs and interests of the children.
• Apply age appropriate teaching techniques and positive behavior management skills while working with preschool age children. Provide children a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and enjoyable learning environment through positive behavior management techniques and constant ("Active") supervision during all activities including instructional, playground, combined staff and child meal times, hand washing, and teeth brushing.
• Evaluate and report student progress while working with the Family Development Team and Program Specialists to ensure screenings and delivery of services to children and families.
• Apply Coaches' reflections to enhance and improve the overall teaching experience.
• Understand and adhere to all WACOG and applicable external regulations, policies and procedures, and safety standards to include Head Start Performance Standards, Arizona Child Care Licensing, CACFP, and all Mandated Reporting requirements regarding suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
• Develop and maintain respectful partnerships with families, including communicating with parents professionally on a daily basis, that support family well-being, strong relationships between parents and their children, and ongoing learning and development for both parents and children.
• Develop weekly lesson plans that include individualized activities for each child in a timely manner and that align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and WACOG's School Readiness Goals to ensure children's daily experiences provide multi-cultural and dual language opportunities that lead to improvements in cognitive, social/emotional, and physical growth. Follow up on goals on a monthly basis.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records including ongoing observations to evaluate each child's growth and development while maintaining the confidentiality of child, family and program information.
• Conduct developmental screenings and ensure each child's ongoing assessment is linked to curriculum goals. Use screening results to develop written referrals for children with suspected disabilities.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences; drive to family homes for home visits and screenings on a regular basis.
• Attend IEP reviews and apply goals to meet children's needs. Write needed IEP referrals in a timely manner.
• Feed children and change diapers; maintain communication logs.
• Care for the children that requires regular lifting, bending, and reaching.
• Remain prepared and organized with necessary forms for meetings and everyday classroom needs. Take responsibility for the completion and accuracy of sections five and six of the family files.
• Perform data entry into assigned electronic systems and paper files to include MTS and ChildPlus.
• Actively participate to build and maintain a professional and collaborative instructional team that includes Assistant Teachers, parents, and volunteers; mentor and lead other classroom staff.
• Clean and disinfect assigned areas on a regular basis and as needed.
• Develop professionally by taking educational training or workshops as required.
• Travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel maybe required.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
• Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality; project a positive and professional image of WACOG at all times.
• Other duties as assigned or required of the position.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Per Head Start Program Performance Standards, currently:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or comparable credential, and
• Trained on infant and toddler development, or have equivalent coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development.

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

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education

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

• All interested applicants must submit an application on our website at

EOE/ADA

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.)

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Arizona State Retirement System
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program