Job Description

The Teacher plans, prepares, and implements all activities for an assigned classroom. Facilitates parent engagement through parent conferences and parent meetings. Supervises, schedules, trains, and evaluates assigned staff and volunteers. Provides leadership in the classroom and the center. In the absence of the supervisor, manages day-to-day operation and maintenance of center, ensuring program quality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plans, prepares, and implements classroom activities and field trips; implements new modules as they are introduced to the program; plans classroom teaching strategies using classroom outcome reports; follows through on planned activities on a daily basis; writes daily plan and posts in the classroom.
2. Completes screenings and records observations of children and work with parents to plan and implement programs to meet their needs; supervises planning and implementation of classroom activities; ensures completion of programmatic and Agency reports by classroom staff; completes ongoing COR assessments as required by individual programs.
3. Plans and implements cultural awareness program within the center, with an activity at least once per month.
4. Helps prepare and supervise the preparation of nutritious meals and snacks as needed; purchases food supplies; fosters environment where mealtime is a learning and enjoyable time.
5. Orients parent as classroom volunteer and assists staff and parents in organizing parent activities; attends parent meetings.
6. Coordinates and attends home visits.
7. Interviews, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff. Maintains and complies with performance review system for direct reports; mediates staff conflicts; counsels employees with performance issues; recommends disciplinary action as necessary; assesses program equipment and supplies and orders and may distribute to staff and sites as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience and Skill Requirements: The following experience and skill requirements are considered essential:

Experience:

• 2-3 years of experience teaching young children in a center based program/home day care program
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience
• Planning for individual needs
• Establishing and maintaining safe, healthy learning environments
• Conducting developmental screenings

Skills:

• Excellent customer service skills
• Use Microsoft Office applications and other computer software as applicable to the position
• Communicate with and relate to young children
• Work with a diverse population
• Ability to Multi-task
• Promote feelings of trust and security by establishing strong, caring relationships

Education and Knowledge Requirements: The following education and knowledge requirements are considered essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, or in a related field with at least 36 credits in Early Childhood
• Credential or certification in family services or a related field within 18 months of hire
• Head Start Performance Standards
• Must hold Ed Tech Certification (II or III)
• Open classroom/hands-on learning philosophy
• Working knowledge of Early Childhood Education
• First Aid and CPR certification

Other Requirements: Additional requirements that are considered essential:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Must pass required background checks
• Must hold current C.H.R.C.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and provide proof of insurance

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GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Maintains and promotes the highest level of understanding of the Agency's Mission, Vision, and Goals.
2. Maintains confidentiality; protects the Agency by keeping information concerning employees, those we serve, and the Agency itself confidential.
3. Follows all safety policies and procedures with a "safety first" approach to all job duties.
4. Exhibits a positive, professional, and collaborative attitude with others inside and outside the Agency.
5. Exhibits teamwork through effective internal communication and working relationships.
6. Is punctual for scheduled work and uses time appropriately.
7. Performs required amount of work in a timely fashion with a minimum of errors.
8. Participates in trainings, conferences, and meetings as necessary.
9. Possesses and exhibits the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity.
10. Represents the Agency in the community as appropriate to the role.

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the Incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must have the ability to arrange classroom equipment, lift and move furniture, sit in small chairs and on the floor for extended periods of time, and work at low tables. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

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WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in a child-based classroom setting and occasionally in residential homes. May encounter risks associated with unsanitary and/or unsafe living conditions, for example, poor indoor air quality or unruly pets. Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions. Occasional local travel may be required, sometimes in inclement weather. There may be limited exposure to blood borne pathogens and other bodily fluids.

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