Job Description

Job Summary:

The Head Start Teacher will plan, coordinate, and facilitate daily activities, assisting children in classroom learning activities, in small/large groups and on an individual basis as well as lead a team in reviewing children’s experiences and planning the educational program.

Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities:

• Arrange and maintain safe, clearly defined classroom environment which is developmentally appropriate and conducive to learning. 
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team within the Case Management System to ensure the provision of comprehensive services to children and families. Participates in team meetings as part of case management approach.  
• Maintains ongoing observation and anecdotal records of children to use in curriculum planning. 
• Maintains children’s attendance, meal attendance records, and volunteer records. 
• Facilitate the development of self-control in children by using consistent, positive guidance techniques such as; listening, reinforcement and redirection. 
• Extend the home/school partnership through monthly newsletters, Center Committee meetings, home visits and distribution of training materials to parents. 
• Annually conduct a required number of home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss child’s progress/share concerns/suggest activities.
• Implement school readiness goals monthly and work with parents continuously on school readiness goals and parent engagement, supporting and encouraging parent’s participation with children at Head Start with a continuum into elementary school up to the third grade.

Skills & Qualifications:

Early Head Start Teacher requires a minimum of a CDA in Infant/Toddler and willing to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Head Start Teacher requires a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and willing to pursue a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education.

• Must meet current Office of DEEC staff requirements for position. 
• Use of a car/means of transportation is required for home visiting.
• Written references and DEEC/DCF BRC/CORI/SORI (Background Record Check) will be completed before hire.
• A First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate are preferred.  Schedule flexibility is required based on the needs of our children and families.
• Classroom activities require occasional physical activities such as lifting items weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to work flexible hours according to program needs, be a positive team player, and demonstrate patience, empathy and kindness.

Must be able to participate in classroom housekeeping duties in all areas, able to use bleach/cleaning solutions for sanitization purposes, be capable of hearing and seeing the children to monitor their health and safety.

• Must be able to comprehend/communicate in English both verbally and in writing, and have basic computer literacy skills.  Bilingual- English/Spanish beneficial.
• Attendance at relevant trainings, meetings, Open House/Family Nights and special events required.
• Engage in ongoing staff development to improve professional skills.
• Must show documented proof of current physical exam, negative TB test, proof of MMR immunity (Hepatitis B Immunity is advisable). First Aid & CPR certification are preferred.
• Must have a suitable CORI, SORI & DCF background check on file prior to employment.
• Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, including underserved communities and people from the different racial groups, socioeconomic statuses, nationalities, and languages that make up GLCAC’s clientele, to support the agency’s mission of building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization for employees and clients alike.

Other:

Supervisory Responsibility:  Leading a team in planning

Travel: Is required for field trips, family visits, training and visits to other locations.

Physical Demands: This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing on a daily basis. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. 

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines.

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