Head Start Teacher 1

Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.

Heartland Head Start is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families in McLean and Livingston Counties in Central Illinois. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive child and family development program that supports women receiving prenatal care, children from birth to 5 years old, and their families.

• Summary

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Teacher 1 to create and manage an attractive, warm and challenging learning environment for preschool children. This position is responsible for the development of appropriate classroom activities that will support and nurture children. This position is also responsible for encouraging and promoting parent involvement and coaching parents throughout the school year on methods that will help their children improve their school readiness skills. The Teacher I is responsible for meeting all applicable Head Start Performance Standards and DCFS Licensing regulations.

• Essential Functions :
• Establish an environment which will stimulate a desire for learning, independence and positive self- esteem for children and families, both indoor and outdoor.
• Develop and implement weekly plans, appropriate activities and learning opportunities within the classroom atmosphere. Encourage parents to participate in curriculum planning and program development. Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS Licensing regulations and Heartland Head Start program goals.
• In association with parents, assess each child’s developmental needs and develop individual goals according to their interests, abilities, traits and development. Collaborate with classroom staff to document individualized activities for all children.
• Prepare classroom handouts, newsletters and reports to communicate effectively with children, parents, families, and staff. Submit all reports in the appropriate timeframe and meet all program deadlines. Maintain current files and up-to-date records of children and programs.
• Participate in family-style meal service, providing supervision and model appropriate meal behavior. Clean the eating areas after meal service using the appropriate sanitation methods.
• Work with Family Resource Advisor and other PFCE staff to ensure that children in the classroom are receiving applicable services. Ensure that the FRA is notified of family changes. Along with the FRA, follow Heartland Head Start attendance procedures.
• Provide an active leadership role within the classroom. Be a role model to classroom staff, parents and volunteers. Supervise classroom staff and volunteers. Provide input on performance reviews for classroom staff and volunteers.
• Promote best practices in early childhood development based on Head Start Performance Standards, Creative Curriculum, HSELOF, Teaching Strategies, CLASS, and other prescribed curricula used at Heartland Head Start.
• Actively participate in parent engagement activities including Parent / Child Connection meetings, classroom activities and other HHS events. Encourage parent and community participation.
• Nurture the development of self-esteem and social skills in children. Promote appropriate behavior practices.
• Provide appropriate screenings of children as required by Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS Licensing regulations and Heartland Head Start curriculum.
• Other Functions :
• Foster positive relationships between Heartland Head Start and Early Head Start children, their families, staff, and outside agencies, civic groups and the general public.
• Assist with all parts of developing child outcomes as assigned.
• Participate in ongoing training on a regular basis.
• Assist with classroom coverage, food service, and bus monitoring for field trips and other classrooms’ needs as requested.
• Assure general maintenance and security of facility and assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Qualifications and Job Requirements :
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in early childhood education or related degree with 21 credit hours of educational coursework related directly to childcare and / or child development from birth to age 6, with a minimum of 3 semester hours focusing on the exceptional child.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from varied ethnic, social and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to relate positively to young children.
• Ability to operate a computer and computer programs including Microsoft Office and the Internet.
• Must successfully complete Illinois Food Handler’s card within 30 days of hire and maintain every 3 years.
• Must successfully obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 11 months (90 days if at CCAP site) of hire and maintain current certifications.
• Must pass a DCFS background check.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable vehicle transportation.
• Environment :

This position requires the employee to handle a fast-paced, changing environment. Employee is regularly required to respond quickly, lift children, walk and stand, have the use of arms and hands, sit on the floor, reach, and climb stairs, crouch, crawl, stoop, bend, and squat. Employee must be able to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds regularly and carry thirty (30) pounds occasionally.

• Disclaimer :

This document only summarizes the typical functions of the job and is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in this description and all other duties, as assigned, are part of the job. It is not an employment contract. Heartland Head Start reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

• If you are ready to make a significant impact on the lives of young children and their families, we invite you to apply for the Teacher 1 position at Heartland Head Start today!

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours : 40 per week

Benefits :

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location : In person