Head Start Teacher (Preschool)

The Teacher possesses a minimum of a job-related associate degree, bachelor’s degree preferred.
Has primary responsibility for classroom operation including planning, carrying out activities, maintaining the classroom environment, supervising children and conducts parent/teacher conferences.
Supervises classroom volunteers and provides direction to Teaching Assistants.
This position is responsible to and supervised by the Site Administrator under the direction of the Vice President for Early Childhood Education.
*General Qualifications: *The Head Start Teacher has knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, and bilingual education.
They must have the required educational background and ability to collaborate with parents.
Successful Teachers demonstrate cooperation and align their practices with the program philosophy.
They are emotionally mature, show respect for children and adults, are flexible and have patience.
Teachers must have good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health.
*Essential Functions (not an exhaustive list):* * Use developmentally appropriate, effective teaching practices that align with the NAEYC code of ethical conduct and demonstrate an understanding of child development for children aged three to five.
* Plan developmentally appropriate activities that meet the social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of the children in the classroom.
* Work with teaching assistant to complete documented lesson plans and implement the Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers with fidelity.
* Align assessment, observations, and lesson plans to the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five.
* Pull classroom reports and use your data to inform teaching practices and plan for individualization.
* Incorporate IFSP/IEP goals in lesson plans and make necessary environmental adjustments.
* Provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment in line with ECERS, licensing standards, and developmental needs of the children in care.
The classroom environment must be conductive to exploration and materials must be accessible to children.
* Keep equipment and materials safe, clean and in good condition, both indoors and outdoors.
* Understand the CLASS observation tool and best practices for adult child interactions and instructional support.
Meet minimum CLASS score thresholds.
* Be open and receptive to change and personal growth.
Actively participate in your own professional development planning.
Participate in your own professional development by attending classes, meetings, workshops, and conferences related to Head Start and early childhood education meeting annual training requirements.
* Complete and submit required foms and records in a timely and accurate fashion, to include but not limited to, lesson plans, assessments, observations, timesheets, meal counts, etc.
* Schedule field trips, submit forms, and ensure safety protocol are adhered to during all field trips.
* Complete developmental screenings of each child as required.
Use the results from screening tools to individualize educational programming for each child and modify the environment to meet their needs.
* Complete and maintains ongoing assessment, observation, and documentation for each child.
* Schedule and make home visits.
* Schedule, and conduct parent/teacher conferences.
* Serve as team leader in the classroom, working closely with the classroom assistant and volunteers to create an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration.
* Drive family and community engagement by incorporating classroom volunteers, creating opportunities for parent involvement and skill development.
Provide consistent, professional, documented parent communication.
* Follow Agency specific policies and procedures, adhere to applicable State and Federal laws.
*Education: *Minimum, an associate degree with concentration in early childhood education or child development; baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field with at least 18 credit hours in early childhood education, or related field and experience teaching children in the age range for which she/he is applying for.
*Additional Requirements: *Valid Virginia Operator’s License and reliable transportation.
Must pass drug screen (including marijuana), criminal background screening including criminal, sex offender and child protective services.
Obtain/maintain a certification in First Aid and CPR for infants and children.
Able to move with ease and lift 50 pounds.
Able to squat, bend and interact with children and willing to adjust work schedule as needed.
Ability to read, write and communicate with staff, parents, and children in an appropriate and professional manner.
Ability to occasionally attend meetings or training in evenings and/or weekends.
Ability to pass a health examination and provide a tuberculosis screening.
Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community.
COVID-19 Vaccination required.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract Pay: $17.
00 - $19.
00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Professional development assistance * Tuition reimbursement * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday License/Certification: * CPR Certification (Preferred) Work Location: In person