Preschool Teacher

General Description:

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the daily educational and social activities of the preschool children enrolled in the Head Start Center. The work also requires direct contact with the parents to involve them in planning and cooperating with the Head Start Program. The Teacher directly supervises their designated Assistant Teacher and Classroom Aide. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Site Education Supervisor and within guidelines established by federal and state agencies.

Classification: Non-exempt

Job Duties include but are not limited to:

Daily/Regular:

1. Works directly with preschool children, supervising their individual and group learning, indoor and outdoor play activities, science and math, music and art, gross and fine motor, hygiene and nutrition programs.

2. Designs an educationally comprehensive program to meet the individual need of children enrolled.

3. Completes daily, weekly, and monthly paperwork including Attendance, Anectdotals, Pedestrian Safety Lessons, Lesson Plans using the Creative Curriculum, Classroom Newsletter, Disabilities Team Meeting Report, Contact Sheets and Monthly Packet.

4. Completes developmental and social-emotional screenings on children within 45 days after enrollment.

5. Required to complete an initial home visit, three parent conferences of which one must be a home visit.

6. Ensures the availability of necessary developmental program materials.

7. Ensures equipment and room are clean, well maintained and safe at all times.

8. Maintains a positive learning environment for the children where they feel safe and secure at all times.

9. Assists with toileting, tooth brushing and hand washing.  Models appropriate eating habits, tooth brushing and hand washing for the children.

10. Maintains classroom ratios at all times which includes following appropriate attendance and child count procedures.

11. Adheres to and enforces all Head Start Standards, NYS OCFS Regulations, and EOP Policies and Procedures.

12. Includes and implements IEP goals in lesson plans for children with disabilities.

13. Maintains a monthly portfolio for each child which should include at least three items to show developmental progress.

14. Performs First Aid or CPR if needed and completes Accident Report Form. Notifies parent/guardian immediately if there is a head injury.

15. Adheres to and acts in line with EOP Mission and Values at all times.

16. Directly supervises and evaluates Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide, college students, parent and community volunteers in classroom procedures, Head Start philosophy and program curriculum.

HEAD STARTCLASSROOM TEACHER – page 2

Periodic:

1. Attends center staff meetings, Teacher/Assistant Teacher meetings, professional development days, classroom team meetings, case conferences, and CPSE/CSE meetings.

2. Completes Initial Home Visit and Cultural Practices Survey upon admission of new child.

3. Completes referrals for Speech, Social Skills, OT, PT, and/or Mental Health Specialist if needed.

4. Utilizes Resource Room for classroom materials and professional literature. Complete CORE Inventory Form and notify Assistant Education Manager of any items that are broken or need repaired.

5. Encourages parents/guardians to visit classrooms, volunteer, and be involved to the extent that they are able. Plans and holds parent/guardian involvement activities.

6. Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Requirements:

1. An associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; or an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early education, with experience teaching preschool-age children.

2. Thorough knowledge of preschool child’s mental, emotional and social development process.

3. Demonstrated computer literacy in email and word processing applications.

4. Ability to demonstrate creative problem solving skills, patience, good judgment, and resourcefulness.

5. Must be comfortable working with diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds of the families and children.

6. Must be willing to participate in trainings, professional development and Practice Based Coaching to advance skills and then apply them.

7. Ability to work effectively as a member of team and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse groups.

8. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

9. Must be empathetic to children’s emotions and parent/guardian’s needs.

10. Must present self in a professional manner, which includes professional appearance, attire, vocabulary and conduct.

11. Must be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on floor, and lift, hold and carry preschool children without restriction.

12. Physical, Tine (TB) test, and SCR at time of hire.

13. Valid NYS driver’s license.

Desirable:

1. Experience working with preschool children

2. Supervisory experience

3. Experience with Head Start

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)
• Childcare: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18