Head Start Teacher (1539) - Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

The Head Start Teacher works under the supervision of the Center Director. The Head Start Teacher will be responsible for the organization of classroom space and equipment to meet the individual needs of children enrolled including the provision of activities in all areas reflecting Early Childhood Development practices, which will encourage children to: initiate activities, solve problems, explore, experiment, question and learn by doing.

Required Knowledge & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Early Childhood Education and best practices.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English with children, families, staff and community agencies and partners.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction and make mathematical computations and tabulations.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment (computer, fax, scanner, copier).
• Knowledge of special needs of families and aware of ways to effectively communicate and assist them.
• Ability to operate Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and the internet. Ability to be a mandated reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to work in another position and center when needed.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit at child's level, stand, stoop, squat, bend, walk, talk, hear, use hands to grip, type, reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand, or walk on uneven surfaces, climb stairs, run.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, Associate's degree, or related degree with three (3) years' experience working in Early Childhood Education. Proven proficiency in verbal and written communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Ensure classroom activities (including transitions) are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.
• Ensure classroom interactions are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy.
• Ensure playground interactions are age and developmentally appropriate, as well as aligned with the Head Start Philosophy/Licensing Regulations.
• Complete and submit lesson plans that reflect planning for individuals, small and large groups according to procedures, including IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals and objectives as needed.
• Create a sense of community in the classroom through relationship building and allowing children to complete routine tasks.
• Implement approved weekly lesson plan in the classroom daily.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance for activities.
• Ensure that TSG (Teaching Strategies Gold) and DPRD (Desire Result Development Profile) reflects accurate information on each child.
• Gather, maintain, and review data toward Outcomes and School Readiness Goals three times per year in TSG (Teaching Strategies Gold), and with DRDP (Desired Results Developmental Profile) according to program calendar.
• Understand and utilize the researched based Frogstreet Curriculum for Three Year Olds and Pre-K (4-5).
• Use screenings, ongoing assessments, information from parents and other staff to meet the learning needs of each child.
• Provide a daily balanced schedule of child initiated and adult initiated activities.
• Conduct Parent Conferences using the ChildPlus Parent Report 5024.
• Ensure that modifications are made to include children with special needs.
• Promote and respect children and families' culture by providing experiences and learning materials that are representative of children's cultures.
• Learn and express key words in children's home language.
• Ensure that all screenings, assessments, and observations on each child are conducted/completed according to program calendar and policies and procedures; ensuring all required information is contained in each child's file.
• Ensure classroom compliance with State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program), and agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in child staffing to discuss strengths, needs and goals for children and families.
• Utilize computer and Child Plus program to enter, maintain and monitor data for recordkeeping and tracking purposes according to program calendar.
• Monitor classroom and playground for health and safety concerns according to procedures.
• Establish effective communication with families through monthly calendars, newsletters, home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
• Complete daily health inspections and follow up documentation. Æ Complete and submit accident reports in the required timeframe.
• Ensure sanitation, hygiene procedures and health practices are strictly adhered to daily and assist in the daily maintenance of the classroom.
• Ensure CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) score for classroom is at or above established program threshold.
• Mentor teacher assistants, substitutes, and volunteers. Ensure family style dining.
• Check emails a minimum of 2x daily.
• Submit accurate and timely employee time, attendance, and mileage reports.
• Secure and document in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.
• Attend training and in-service as assigned.
• Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted in a timely manner.
• Adheres to Agency's HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics and standards, demonstrating work habits which comply with agency personnel policies and procedures.
• Regular attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.
• Ability to pass a physical exam and TB (Tuberculosis test) yearly.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.