Head Start Teacher

Position Overview

Head Start Teacher is responsible for the planning, implementation and coordination of the comprehensive education program for children 3-5 years old in collaboration with their co-lead teaching partner.  The Head Start Teacher ensures that the education program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of the children as mandated by Office of Head Start, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin’s quality rating and improvement system, YoungStar, and Next Door policies and procedures.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks

• Develops, weekly plans, and implements age appropriate curriculum (lesson plan) aligned with Head Start Development and Early Learning Framework and Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
• Performs on-going developmental evaluations of children as required by funding sources and develops lesson plans and follows curriculum implementation that addresses the individual needs of each child.
• On an on-going basis, plans, evaluates and improves the physical environment in the classroom to create opportunities to meet the changing needs of the developing child.
• Provides responsive care to all children by adapting daily care giving routines and plans to the interests and needs of the individual child and the group.
• Prepares developmental progress reports as needed.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and respect for the child’s background by incorporating cultural, linguistic and familial values and beliefs into the childcare program and lesson plans.
• Completes child transition and orientation of the classroom with parents.
• Maintains ongoing, open communication with parents/ caregivers.
• Provides a classroom environment that encourages parent participation.
• Ensures that each family receives an opportunity to build strong relationships and experiences clear communication with teaching staff.
• Conducts two parent conferences and home visits a year to discuss children’s developmental progress, needs and interests.
• Serves as a liaison with children’s families to ensure smooth transition from home to childcare setting and transitions from classroom to classroom when needed.
• Assists families with children’s transitions from toddler to preschool and from preschool to kindergarten.
• Maintains accurate, complete and timely client and agency records.
• Completes daily meal and attendance records.
• Maintains up to date emergency forms, curriculum plans, individual child development profile and other records as needed.
• Completes daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of the children.
• Reports all staffing and classroom concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Reports family changes in schedules and excessive absences to administration in a timely manner.
• Participates in on-going in-service and educational development opportunities provided by the Agency.
• Collects in-kind using take-home activities, field trips, and etc.

Accountability and Performance Requirement

All staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission.  All staff will support the agency mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics and strategic directions and support administrative decisions.  This must demonstrated by maintaining a positive work environment, and by behaving and communicating in an appropriate manner with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field.

Special Position Requirements

• Supervising Head Start Teacher will conduct Reflective Supervision with the Co-Teacher monthly.
• Supervising Head Start Teacher will complete performance appraisals on the Co-Teacher annually and conduct performance appraisal discussions.
• Supervising Head Start Teacher will ensure that the Co-Teacher, volunteers and substitutes are trained and fulfill all requirements of their position.
• Supervising Head Start Teacher will maintain appropriate certifications and training hours as required.

Preferences

• Supervisory experience is preferred.

Safety and Health

Next Door is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. An essential part of each employees’ job is the development of safe working practices and the observance of safety rules, including:

• Following safety warnings and directions at all times.
• Using personal safety devices when required.
• Reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Following process for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Reporting unsupervised children, after ensuring child’s safety.
• Implement active supervision practices at all times, including transition times.
• Ensure knowledge of each assigned child’s location at all times.
• Ensure medication is stored according to licensing regulations (DCF 251) and Next Door policies and procedures.

Physical Demands

• Primarily active work; occasionally lifting, holding or moving up to 50 lbs.
• A biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employment.

Physical Activity

• Bending, stooping, kneeling, sitting on the floor, walking/transporting, handling, reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling, talking and speaking clearly, hearing conversation level, smelling, and seeing; ability to interact daily with children outdoors in varied weather condition.

Work Environment

• Mainly classroom setting and travel to various sites for meetings and/or trainings.

Personal/Physiological

• Ability to make frequent, significant decisions to understand and react to the employees and candidates.
• Ability to respond quickly and competently to an emergency or crisis situation in order to keep children and staff safe.

Note: This position description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills or efforts associated with the position.  It is intended to be an accurate reflection of principal job elements.