Preschool Teacher - Head Start Program (Full year and School Year Positions) - LEO Inc

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Teacher (Birth to five)

DEPARTMENT: ECD

REPORTS TO: Center Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher in the planning, implementation, and administration of a Head Start classroom in adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards as well as the Head Start Act (OHS) regulations

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Classroom Management/Curriculum:

Under the direction of the Lead Teacher:

• Provides developmentally appropriate atmosphere
• Maintain a healthy, safe and clean learning environment
• Maintain ongoing interaction/communication with parents in order to best meet needs of child and family
• Incorporate CLASS and ECERS guidelines into daily teaching practices and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
• Assists with the completion of weekly lesson plan including individualizations based upon outcomes of all children's assessments
• Assist with providing activities meeting all areas of development for the whole child (cognitive, social/emotional, language, fine/gross motor)
• Exhibits warm, positive and respectful interactions with all of the children in their care.
• Ensure that all educational activities are sensitive to the cultural needs of the families
• Maintain a print rich environment including labels, pictures, and schedules in several languages.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Ensures safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compliance and Record Keeping:

Under the direction of the Lead Teacher:

• Ensure that service delivery is performed according to LEO mission statement.
• Ensure compliance with OHS and DEEC regulations, Emergency Management Plan, as well as compliance with USDA and city and state regulations.
• Ensures appropriate staff to child ratios and will act as a teacher in other classrooms or programs and act as a bus monitor when needed
• In collaboration with Lead Teacher and family service worker, conduct at least 2 home visits per year, parent/teacher conferences, maintain up to date records for each child and maintain confidentiality
• Maintain and submit program documentation as required by DEEC and OHS
• Use and navigate CAP60 and assessment computer programs
• Assist in the completion of all screenings and assessments of children as required by DEEC and OHS
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.

Enhance personal and professional growth:

• Successful completion of the 90-day orientation.
• Attend all trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards as well as DEEC Regulations
• Attend trainings, conferences and workshops as assigned and approved by immediate supervisor
• Identify other educational opportunities that enhance overall Center/Head Start knowledge

Skills / Knowledge Required

• DEEC certificate and CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience working with preschool children.
• Strong computer skills, including internet, email and excel, and the ability to learn new systems as required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; Strong time management skills; positive work ethic.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.The employee must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.