General Summary

Provides activities that support the growth and development of each child in the assigned classroom.  Responsible for the classroom’s day-to-day supervision and operation.  This position will work in a team teaching approach with a Teacher Aide and other cluster staff to assure that all Head Start and curriculum activities and program and licensing standards are implemented. 

Currently accepting applications from all surrounding areas.

Primary Responsibilities

1.Implement a research-based curriculum, and screening and assessment procedures that support individualization and growth in the areas of development in the areas of sensory, behavioral, motor, language, social, cognitive, perceptual and emotional skills of each child in the classroom within 45 calendar days of the child’s entry into the Program.

2.Implement effective teaching practices that promote positive outcomes by promoting growth in the developmental progression described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five.  Integrate child assessment data and developmentally appropriate learning experiences in planning and implementing a collaboratively designed lesson plan.

3.Demonstrates verbally and by role modeling a sound knowledge of good teaching practices of child growth and development and two home-visits.

4.Conducts Parent-Teacher conferences at least three times per year, with more frequent conferences conducted as appropriate and two home visits.

5.Implements the classroom’s emergency procedures, including the posting of procedures, locations and telephone numbers of emergency response systems, emergency evacuation routes and other procedures and the maintenance of up-to-date family contact information and authorization for emergency care.  Conducts and documents monthly fire drills. Conducts and documents severe weather drills every three months.

6.Implements the classroom’s medication administration procedures, including storing all medication under lock, administering medication and maintaining individual records of dispensed medication.

7.Assures that the child’s outdoor and indoor environments are safe and clean at all times, including storing outdoor equipment such as wagons and tricycles and storing dangerous materials and potential poisons under lock.

8.Supervises and ensures the safety and well being of all children in the classroom at all times. Assures that the classroom’s environment is developmentally appropriate for each child.

9.Assists the Family Advocates in making referrals for services for children and their families.

10.Standards, Minimum Standards for Licensing, CACOST’s Head Start Birth to Five 0-5 Program policies and procedures, School Readiness Goals and the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.

11.Assures that the classroom maintains full enrollment and that average daily attendance is at least 85% of enrollment.

12.Supports parent involvement and development by maintaining open communication with parents concerning their child’s needs and strengths, conducting Center meetings and offer opportunities for parents and family members to be involved in the program’s education services.

13.Complies with the Program’s confidentiality policies.

14.Any other duty as assigned by the Cluster Manager.

Work Experience

Must attend 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year to included training on methods to handle suspected or known child abuse and neglect cases, that comply with applicable federal, state, local and tribal laws, training that builds their knowledge, experience and competencies to improve child and family outcomes and any other trainings as outlined by the Head Start Performance Standards and Minimum Standards from the State of Texas.  

• Prior supervisory experience is preferred.
• Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) is preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Must pass DFPS background check.
• Must pass an annual physical.

Education/Certifications/Licensure

• An Associate Degree in child development, early childhood education or equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood or a Baccalaureate or advanced degree and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, experience teaching preschool-age children.

Skills

• Frequent significant decision and problem solving abilities.
• Good communication skills is necessary.
• Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, parents and community resources.
• Ability to supervise pre-school children and ensure a safe environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom and outdoor play areas.  This includes the physical ability to move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to insure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.