Head Start Preschool Teacher - Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation

The Teacher has a responsibility of providing high quality early learning experiences for children in the classroom setting, thus preparing them to have a solid foundation for school readiness. Maintain a general knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards and comply with the standards.

SCOPE OF WORK:

School Readiness/Inclusion:

1. Integrate the High Scope curricula into daily practice, using effective strategies to guide children's learning.
2. Prepare the classroom environment and materials to support developmentally appropriate lesson plans and learning experiences.
3. Assist in collaborative lesson planning and assessment with the School Readiness Coach and Classroom Coach, engaging in the planning goals for individual children based on specific strengths, needs, and interests.
4. Obtain initial screening data on each child, review information, and collaborate with parents and staff to refer children with potential delays.
5. Assist School Readiness Coach in completing ongoing child assessments, reviewing data, and adjusting teaching practices to support each child's unique learning style.
6. Modify curriculum and lesson plans to meet individual children's needs based on IEP/IFSP goals or concerns identified through referrals for potential delays.
7. Participate in IEP/IFSP meetings as needed; review IFSP/IEP documents to ensure appropriate curriculum and lesson plan modifications are in place to meet children's IFSP/IEP goals.
8. Takes on responsibilities of Lead Teacher in his/her absence.

Family Engagement and Community Partnerships:

1. Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family and volunteer engagement.
2. Support the role of families as the first and primary teachers of their children.
3. Collaborate with Family Coach to support families' safety, health, financial stability life goals and aspirations.
4. Maintain regular communication with families regarding child's development.
5. Assist the Lead Teacher in attending required parent conferences and home visits for the purpose of sharing screening and assessment information,and developing shared goals and strategies with the family to support child's growth and development in both the home and class setting.
6. Help plan and participate in family activity events.
7. Coordinate with the Family Coach as needed to assist families in completing health follow ups as needed.
8. Monitor and document attendance concerns and follow up with appropriate staff.
9. Provide learning opportunities for dual-language learning in the home and classroom setting as appropriate.

Health and Safety:

1. Follow all supervision policies and procedures regarding child health and safety.
2. Assist the Lead Teacher in the development and implementation of a daily routine zoning chart, follow consistently, and provide feedback to the School Readiness Coach if revisions need to be made to meet individual children.
3. Monitor for child safety, document and report any injuries and incidents, following agency policies and procedures.
4. Understand and follow all health and safety policies and procedures for reducing illnesses in the classroom.
5. Follow policies and procedures to ensure children are released only to individuals with appropriate signed consent.
6. Monitor and report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

Documentation:

1. Utilize agency tools for ongoing assessment and documentation.
2. Ensure all federal, local, state, and/or agency documentation is completed accurately.
3. Document all family contacts, lesson plans, and home visits in the agency database.
4. Document and keep record of individualized plans and curriculum modifications for referred children and children with existing IEP/IFSP's.
5. Keep updated records and files of each enrolled child.

Professional Development:

1. Attend and participate in training and professional development activities; attend extensive training in TBRI, Autism, and other trainings specific to supporting children with disabilities.
2. Attend and participate in meetings.
3. Engage in team and/or individualized coaching meetings, self-reflecting on teaching practices and solution-based problem solving strategies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS;

1. Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a closely related field with a minimum of 9 ECE credits, and/or an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) required.
2. Work and/or field experience in early childhood required.
3. Experience working with special needs children preferred.
4. Experience working with low-income families, childcare, health or education preferred.

OTHER REQUIRED CAPABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Able to problem solve, handle crisis, and work with families and children of various cultures and low-income backgrounds.
2. Able to establish positive working relationships with families, agency staff, and community members.
3. Able to maintain a calm and nurturing demeanor when working with children.
4. Physically able to stand for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting, running, and lift an estimated 50 pounds.
5. Able to navigate email, internet, Microsoft Word, and other computer database programs.
6. Must have an active driver's license and will be required to travel in or out of community with own transportation.
7. Advanced computer skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook)