Head Start Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world" -Dr. Seuss.

Why work for us?

No Nights or Weekends

15 Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Paid Education (Upon Approval)

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

403(b) plus employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Chipper-Assistance in Student Loan Forgiveness and Lower Payments

Who We Serve :

Opportunities serves thousands of people annually in Williamson & Burnet Counties. Working cooperatively with other agencies, we are an advocate for those who might not otherwise have a voice in the community. We are dedicated to providing services to help those in need achieve a better, more productive life.

Our Mission :

To empower children, families, and seniors to achieve and maintain independence by partnering with area organizations to provide education, nutrition, and community support.

Our Vision :

A healthy, educated community in which all people live independently and with dignity.

Position Summary :

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for managing a teaching environment by implementing curriculum and developing lesson plans for children 3 to 5. The position reports to the Center Director and operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion and initiative.

Essential Job Duties :

• Design, manage and organize the classroom to create and encourage a positive learning environment;
• Assess and track student developmental progress, enrichment opportunities and daily experiences and provide feedback to parents.
• Coordinate, schedule and complete parent-teacher conferences and individual home visits.
• Follow prescribed curriculum as outlined in content area plans, policies and procedures and curriculum guides.
• Plan, prepare and present daily instructional activities / lesson plans coordinating with co-teacher, Teacher Aide and / or parents / guardians.
• Prepare and implement an individualized curriculum for all children including IEP / IFSP goals.
• Ensure safety in performing all job responsibilities; adhere to all safety policies in alignment with Head Start / Day Care licensing standards.
• Maintain clean and safe work area in the classroom and playground areas.
• Ensure reports and subsequent documentation is submitted within appropriate timeframes for incident / accidents, ensure daily health checks are completed for students.
• Manage and coordinate volunteer activities for the classroom ensuring appropriate background checks have been completed.
• Encourage parents to complete required physical, dental and health screen offerings in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate records of classroom activities and child development.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom in alignment with prescribed policies and procedures.
• Work with Center Director and Comprehensive Support Specialist (CSS) to ensure classroom initiatives and curriculum are being met securing appropriate approvals prior to delivery.
• Maintain and protect confidential information pertaining to staff, students and families.
• Schedule and organize time and materials to effectively manage classroom, attend meetings and complete required reports / documentation.
• Ensure that activities from all content areas are integrated into the classroom.
• Complete child observations; retaining reports / documentation on a weekly basis or as instructed by supervisor.
• Maintain custodial duties in classroom and Head Start Center.
• Serve as a model while brushing teeth daily
• Complete Point of Serves, Family Style Meals
• All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations
• Must be able to cooperate and work effectively with others
• Must be diplomatic, honest and fair
• Regular and Punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.

Ability to work effectively with others.

Ability to assess the health and behaviors of children by sight and sound.

Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.

Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.

Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.

Ability to respect confidentiality at all times.

Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications :

Education and Training :

Bachelors degree in Childhood Development / Early Childhood Education or related field of study, including six or more courses in Early Childhood Education and / or Child Development.

Six years of Childhood Development Experience may be substituted in lieu of a bachelors degree or a combination of an Associates Degree in Childhood Development / Early Childhood education and four years of related experience.

Experience :

None

Licenses / Certifications :

Valid Texas drivers license.

Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications

Mental / Physical Tasks (F= Frequent, O=Occasional, R=Rarely) :

F Standing- required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area

F Handling- reports, vehicles, laptop, keys

F Hearing / Talking / Listening -communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations

F Fine Dexterity-operate computer, calculator, to write, mouse, projector tools

F Sitting-performing work at desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in vehicle to sites and meetings

O Kneeling / Crouching / Crawling -plug in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, open lower desk drawers

F Walking-from vehicle to site, area to area, to copier

F Bending / Twisting to reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers

F Grasping / Holding-holding binders, phones, tablet, work resources

F Balancing standing, reaching, driving

F Lifting / Carrying-report binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs.

F Vision-to drive and assist individuals in medical need

F Pushing / Pulling open / close file / copier drawers, open & close doors, rolltop carriers

F Foot Controls driving

F Driving scheduled & unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites

F Reaching-to answer phone, reach files, reports, plug in laptop

Working Conditions :

Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.