Head Start Teacher

Position Purpose
Department | Head Start
Reports to | Head Start Director & Child Development Education Specialist
Employment Type | Non Exempt

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.

Job Requirements and Skills
  • 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
Education and Experience
  • 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

Physical Requirements
  • 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.”