Fort Hood Head Start Teacher

Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.

Head Start Job Description

JOB TITLE: Head Start Teacher (12 months) FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Teacher/Director, Site Director or Designated Coord. ASSIGNMENT DATE:

DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS: _____________

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for the overall management of a classroom, ensuring that the objectives delineated in the annual Head Start plan are implemented. The Teacher will be knowledgeable of Texas Minimum Standards for Licensing, and provide a supportive, safe, and stimulating learning environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain a calm, safe classroom and playground that incorporates developmental appropriateness; create an atmosphere in which the children feel comfortable and secure, reflecting the cultures of all enrolled children.
• Observe the children at all times; provide positive guidance to promote self-esteem.
• Work with the Teacher Assistant to develop lesson plans that meet the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child, planning for variations in ability levels and individual interests.
• Ensure that all classroom staff are competent in their abilities to interact appropriately with the children.
• Incorporate developmentally appropriate practice according to the Head Start Program Performance Standards as well as Hill Country Community Action quality Head Start standards.
• Consistently implement classroom routines, including hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and transitioning between activities.
• Operate the classroom in compliance with all childcare-licensing standards, paying particular attention to standards prohibiting any form of physical punishment.
• Attend ARD meetings as scheduled.
• Model team leadership: ensure that the teamwork concept is upheld and implemented at the center.
• Ensure that the arrangement of the classroom provides a stimulating, clean, and safe learning environment.
• Responsible for documentation in ½ of the children's files in all content areas.
• Complete Individual Developmental Plans for each enrolled child; continue the on-going assessment process, maintaining written or computer records on each child.
• Supply a variety of materials and planned activities designed to encourage individual and group play.
• Offer a variety of language stimulation activities.
• Provide experiences involving thinking skills such as generalizing, classifying, sorting, and problem solving.
• Make available a variety of opportunities to help children develop and understand appropriate relationships with others.
• Provide continuous opportunities for children to experience success.
• Contribute to the operation of the center by participating in staff meetings and sharing information gained through attendance at workshops and Head Start training.
• Observe, record, and report any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff members.
• Assist with transition activities for the Head Start child and family: into Head Start, during the year, and to the next placement (kindergarten).
• Complete required home visits or center conferences with parents in conjunction with the Family Service staff.
• Assist the children at snack, breakfast, and lunchtime, ensuring that the Head Start philosophy of serving family style meals is maintained and that the children serve themselves. The Teacher Assistant and Teacher will both be seated at the table(s) with the children at mealtimes.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head Start Program Director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

ANNUAL PRE-SERVICE TRAINING IS MANDATORY

EDUCATION: Associates, Bachelor's or advanced degree in early childhood education or related field. (In order for a degree to be considered related, you must have at least 9 college hours of Child Development or Early Childhood Education on your transcript).

EXPERIENCE: Should have extensive experience of working with young children, preferably in a classroom setting. Should have knowledge and experience with lesson planning, classroom management, and social-emotional development.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills, as well as a thorough understanding of developmentally appropriate practice. The Teacher must have the ability to communicate in a positive way to all employees and families and seek solutions to misunderstandings or problems. Must be flexible and have well-developed written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to provide guidance to classroom staff, maintain records, prepare reports, and clearly understand written or verbal instruction. Ability to organize, manage, and control workflow. Ability to work effectively with individuals from various ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. Ability to identify, assimilate, comprehend, and solve critical elements of various situations (initiate solutions without constant supervision).

OTHER: Professional manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment. Must have a valid Class C driver's license and a reliable vehicle with current vehicle liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy. An initial Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire. Must maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications (collateral rather than primary duty of this position). Must comply with all HCCAA Policies, and maintain confidentiality and courtesy in all phases of agency operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the guidance of the classroom team (Assistant, Classroom Aide) and volunteers; may be called upon to assist the Teacher/Director in their supervisory duties.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor), and sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving. May require lifting to 40 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment. Requires a normal range of hearing and vision. Must be able to react quickly (run after a child, immediately go to the scene of an incident).

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to analyze the effectiveness of classroom operations and choose the most effective course of action for the Head Start program at any given point in time. Must handle new and diverse work problems daily. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with employees at all levels within the Agency. Bilingual skills are encouraged. Knowledge of basic math and literacy skills. Ability to record data pertinent to Head Start Performance Standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

During the Head Start school year the classroom staff is scheduled to work an alternate work schedule to coincide with the center's hours of operation. (As assigned for those working less than full time). The center hours of operation are typically 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. The Center Director will plan the work schedule for each employee. To meet program goals, classroom staff will occasionally be required to perform duties outside their alternate work schedule. Some out-of-town and overnight travel are required.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Accrual of sick and vacation leave, health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and up to 15 paid holidays per year. Options for employee paid benefits. Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on Personnel Policies & Procedures and benefits are subject to change.

FLSA STATUS DISCLAIMER:

FLSA status is based in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Any changes in the act which will affect the FLSA status will be adhered to. When wages exceed the position entry level due to tenure, the Exempt/Non-Exempt status will be designated accordingly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT:

I have reviewed the Head Start Teacher Job Description and acknowledge receipt of same. I understand that my job may not necessarily be limited to those listed, as their exact nature may vary as program, project elements, and priorities change in the future. I understand this job description may be updated as needed.

___________________________ _________________________

Signature of Employee Date

As supervisor of the Head Start Teacher position, I have received a copy of this job description and acknowledge its receipt with my signature below.

____________________________________________ _________________________________________

Supervisor Signature Date

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