The Head Start Teacher plans and carries out individual and group activities to meet the social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of preschool children and to maintain a classroom conducive to happy learning and development.  Additional responsibilities include: attending meetings, workshops and participating in related training when necessary.  The Head Start Teacher will be expected to establish good staff / parent relationships, make home visits and provide accurate record keeping. Teachers prepare children for successful transition into the public school system.

• Makes referrals to Health Services Specialist, Child Development Education Specialist/Disabilities Coordinator and Family Community Partnership Specialist
• Attends appropriate committee meetings, including staffing, when scheduled as a member of the IEP team
• Attends meetings, in service training, and conferences as needed
• Attends monthly Parent Committee meetings for the classroom as well as monthly staff meeting
• Works in conjunction with parents to identify learning opportunities in their homes
• Works to help the program meet monthly in-kind goals
• Calls supervisor when unable to report to work due to tardiness, sickness and emergencies
• Is flexible in areas of work schedules, work sites and is punctual when reporting to work
• Administers First Aid in absence of a nurse
• Conducts daily health inspections on each child
• Establishes transition experiences so that children are not rushed
• Maintains visual and auditory supervision of children at all times to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground and on field trips
• Develops consistent and clear rules as well as utilizes positive discipline when necessary
• Supplies a variety of materials and planned activities to provide continuous opportunities for children to experience success
• Assists in maintaining a classroom conducive to happy learning
• Contributes to the maintenance of the classroom keeping interest areas labeled, well defined and accessible to children
• Uses books, stories, puppets and other experiences to reinforce positive social behavior
• Assists in keeping equipment and materials clean and in good condition at all times
• Works with staff and parents to maintain a quality program and maintains confidentiality concerning children, families and records
• Contacts the Family Services Staff after a child is absent for two consecutive days.
• Encourage parent participation daily and sends monthly calendars and menus to parents.
• Is responsible for establishing and maintaining good parent relationships through frequent parent contact/parent newsletters, at least one per month
• Models, respects and helps children demonstrate and appreciation of others
• Participate in and facilitates activities for the “I Am Moving I Am Learning” Project

• Must have Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

• Prefer Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

• Experience in working with pre-school age children preferred

• Proficient in written and oral communications

• Must have access to own vehicle and a valid Virginia Driver’s License

• Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within three months of employment

• Must have a physical exam completed prior to employment and renewed every two years thereafter

• Must have a tuberculosis (TB) screening

• Sit 50% of workday
• Stand 50% of workday
• Uses computer, calculator and other office equipment
• Occasionally lift 25 pounds

“Agency employees share in the responsibility to mobilize community resources and promote community awareness in support of Tri-County Community Action Agency’s anti-poverty efforts.”