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
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Must have Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
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Prefer Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
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Experience in working with pre-school age children preferred
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Proficient in written and oral communications
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Must have access to own vehicle and a valid Virginia Driver’s License
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Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within three months of employment
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Must have a physical exam completed prior to employment and renewed every two years thereafter
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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.”