Head Start Preschool Teacher
About The Position
The Head Start Preschool Teacher establishes, maintains, and manages classroom activities and provides services necessary to meet Head Start Performance Standards. The teacher implements developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily lesson plans and schedules, using observations and assessments of individual children and goals developed jointly with parents or guardians. The role includes maintaining learning centers, documenting observations in Teaching Strategies GOLD, completing mandated screenings and assessments, and recording daily health and anecdotal observations. The teacher also completes home visits and parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year. The teacher supports children's learning, development, and safety by responding to their needs and interests, communicating at their level, extending their thinking through activities and routines, modeling developmentally appropriate social behavior, and applying positive discipline techniques. The role also involves supporting children and families during classroom transitions, maintaining classroom and adjoining restroom cleanliness, recruiting volunteers, soliciting in-kind contributions, attending required meetings and trainings, and advocating for the Head Start Program, families, and children. The position maintains confidentiality regarding staff, children, and families and performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- One to three years of experience (Experience Level 2).
- For Head Start Teacher I: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or TCC/CDA with an Associate's Degree.
- For Head Start Teacher II: Bachelor's Degree in ECE, or TCC/CDA with a Bachelor's Degree.
- For Head Start Teacher III: Master's Degree in ECE, or TCC/CDA with a Master's Degree.
Responsibilities
- Establish, maintain, and manage classroom activities in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
- Maintain confidentiality concerning staff members, children, and families.
- Observe and respect children's interests, and intervene as needed to maintain safety.
- Enhance children's play and learning through language, toys, and activities.
- Communicate directly with children at their level and engage constructively with them during activities and routines.
- Respond to children's needs, questions, and requests, and extend their thinking and actions.
- Encourage and model developmentally appropriate social behavior and expectations.
- Acknowledge children's feelings sensitively and demonstrate appropriate emotional expression.
- Use positive discipline techniques consistent with NAEYC, Bright from the Start, and Caring for our Children Basics.
- Support children and families during transitions to and from classrooms.
- Implement daily lesson plans and schedules.
- Record observations in Teaching Strategies GOLD.
- Organize and maintain classroom learning centers.
- Recruit volunteers and solicit in-kind contributions.
- Attend required meetings, trainings, and workshops.
- Maintain cleanliness of classrooms and adjoining restrooms.
- Advocate for the Head Start Program, families, and children.
- Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum informed by observations, assessments, and goals jointly developed with parents or guardians.
- Complete mandated child screenings and assessments.
- Complete daily health and anecdotal observations of children.
- Complete home visits and parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance ($50,000)
- Voluntary short-term and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid time off, including sick, personal, and holidays
- 401(k) plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
