Head Start Teacher

TEACHER: Under the supervision of the Center Director or designee administers the Head Start program at the classroom level. Responsibilities encompasses all facets of the program, including: childcare, integration of components following Head Start Performance Standards; and State regulations, health/safety and developmentally appropriate education of young children; involvement of parents/guardians; supervision and mentoring of subordinates; and maintenance and security of the Head Start classroom.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BA in Early Childhood Education. Experience working with ages 3 to 5 in a group setting.

Ability to establish an effective professional manner in all dealings with clients and the general public.

Ability to exhibit emotional maturity and good judgment, to include high standards of morals and speech.

Must be dependable and flexible with regard to working hours.

Must possess basic computer skills.

Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. Bilingual staff preferred.

**Entry level pay is based on level of education.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a professional position, which requires organizational, and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact and diplomacy in contacts with Head Start employees, community residents, parents and local government/collaborative agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.

Good general health and ability to lift and carry 55 lbs are essential. Background investigation to include fingerprinting is required. TB Skin Test and Physical are required upon hire, and may be required intermittently.

Frequent travel is required by employee and valid drivers license must be maintained. Proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment. YDI reserves the right to change work hours, work location and status of position (seasonal to year-round) at any time.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Inclusive):

• Plan and implement a developmentally appropriate classroom environment and experiences for young children based on early childhood principles and practice and Head Start philosophy.

1. Implement the curricula (with fidelity and consistency) that has been selected by the agency in all domains, such as Education, Mental Health, Nutrition and Health, etc.

2. Utilize, organize and safe keep classroom resources and curricula materials, ensuring materials are readily available at any time in the classrooms, and accounted for in the beginning and at the end of each school year.

3. Implement and comply with Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start component work plans.

4. Administer developmental screenings and assessments of each child based on the agencys timeline, making relevant referrals to component manager(s) and/or collaborating agencies. Assist in developing and implementing IEPs.

5. Develop and implement written daily lesson plans, which meet the individual developmental needs of children in the classroom.

6. Integrate educational aspects of all components into the daily schedule and lesson plans.

7. Develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with parents/guardians and community volunteers.

8. Perform scheduled home visits and parent/teacher conferences in accordance with the agencys timeline and the parents needs.

9. Reports health- and other needs of children: making appropriate referrals upon obtaining parental consent where applicable.

10. Works with Teacher Associate(s) in performing and documenting daily health checks of children, meal counts, attendance, incident/accident reports, lesson plans, communication contact sheets, etc.

11. Encourage parent/guardian involvement in the education of their children, both in the center/classroom and at home, including providing parents/guardians with ideas for developmentally appropriate home activities.

12. Encourage parent/guardian involvement in the classroom, including supervision and coaching of volunteers and parents.

13. Attend center parent meetings/trainings as assigned; either as a teaching representative or as a provider of childcare for the meeting participants.

14. Meet/plan/confer with Social Services programs such as CYFD and collaborating agencies (such as PRO, Peanut Butter and Jelly, etc), YDI Service Specialists, Center Directors, and YDI HS content area managers as needed to ensure all efforts are made to meet the families needs and strengthen the family unit.

15. Complete/maintain all records and reports needed for proper operation of the classroom, including, but not limited to: 1) childrens files; 2) daily attendance records; 3) monthly attendance reports; 4) meal counts; 5) In-Kind documentation; and 6) all needed screenings and assessments.

16. Maintain confidentiality in all aspects pertaining to the childrens files and families information.

17. Carry out all job-related duties and responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner (refer to Head Start Employee Code of Ethics and NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Comment).

18. Work as a team with teacher associate in planning and implementing all aspects of the program in the classroom. Ensure appropriate training has been obtained before the administration of any screens or assessments required by Head Start.

19. Participate in all pre-service and in-service trainings provided for Head Start staff.

20. Participate in regular job performance assessments, including development and implementation of an Individual Professional Development plan.

21. Comply with all program, agency, local, state, and federal rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

22. Supervise and ensure that teacher associate, floater, and volunteer are in compliance with all YDI program Head Start performance standards, NAEYC accreditation regulations, as well as New Mexico state and federal rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

23. Responsible for knowledge of New Mexico State Licensing requirements regarding child care code.

24. Responsible for helping children change their clothes and diapers (when applicable) when accidents/incidents occur such as; wetting, soiling, spilling etc. Assist and support children in transition from diapers to underwear.

25. Mandated Reporting
    Every person who knows or has reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected in New Mexico must report the matter immediately to CYFDs Statewide Central Intake child abuse hotline (1-855-333-SAFE [7233] or #SAFE from a cell phone), or to law enforcement or the appropriate tribal identity. YDI Early/ Head Start has specific procedures set up for staff members to follow should need arise to make a report.

26. Other duties as assigned.

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Under the direct supervision of the Center Director.

    SUPERVISION GIVEN:

    Classroom supervision of the Teacher Associate (and others as assigned).