Head Start Teacher Advocate
About The Position
NeighborImpact Head Start is a comprehensive early education program serving children and families in Central Oregon. It combines high-quality pre-kindergarten education with health, nutrition, and family advocacy services to support social competence, school readiness, and the overall well-being of children ages three to five. The Teacher Advocate fosters young children's educational development and empowers parents as their primary educators. The role plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum, maintains a safe classroom environment, and delivers classroom and in-home instruction aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. The Teacher Advocate works with parents to set and achieve individual goals for their children, assesses children's progress, supports their transition to kindergarten, maintains regular family contact, conducts home visits, and coordinates services that support children and families. This position is located in Bend and is scheduled for 40 hours per week, subject to normal school-year furloughs of approximately 12–16 weeks per year, depending on position and location. Compensation is $31.92 or $34.47 per hour, depending on education, with an additional $0.50 per hour for bilingual English/Spanish ability. The position is union represented.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field (human development, child and family studies, social work, sociology/psychology, or education), with at least 35 college quarter credit hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related classes; OR Step 9 in Oregon Registry Online in lieu of a degree, equivalent to an AA in ECE. The Step 9 alternative is recognized through December 31, 2025.
- Submit a diploma, transcripts, and/or certificate with the application to validate the degree, related coursework, or Oregon Registry Online Step level.
- Complete Teaching Strategies GOLD inter-rater reliability within 90 days of hire and maintain it throughout employment.
- Be available for a flexible schedule to accommodate family needs, which may include evening or weekend hours.
- Meet the physical demands of frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor; the position is rated active and occasionally requires lifting 50 pounds.
- Be able to ride a school bus with children for assigned periods.
- Complete an initial health examination and periodic re-examinations as recommended by a health care provider to ensure communicable diseases do not pose a significant risk to others that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation.
- Have a valid driver's license and proof of current auto insurance before hire and throughout employment.
- Have a Food Handler's Card before hire and throughout employment.
- Maintain current enrollment in the Oregon Office of Childcare Central Background Registry (CBR) before hire and throughout employment.
- Have access to reliable transportation.
- Obtain Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification within 60 days of hire and maintain it throughout employment.
- Obtain a Family Service Certificate within 18 months of hire if hired after November 6, 2016, and working in a half-day class.
- Keep required certifications current to remain employed.
Nice To Haves
- One year of experience as a lead teacher, or equivalent, in a preschool classroom.
- Head Start experience.
- Experience in a social services field or home visiting.
- Current or past Head Start parent.
Responsibilities
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum.
- Provide and maintain a safe classroom environment for children.
- Deliver classroom and in-home instruction aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
- Prepare children for school and support their transition to kindergarten.
- Collaborate with parents to set and achieve individual goals for their children.
- Assess children's progress.
- Maintain regular contact with families and conduct home visits.
- Coordinate services to support the holistic development and well-being of children and their families.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums paid 100% by the agency.
- Agency-paid retirement plan, up to 6%.
- Almost two weeks of paid vacation accrued within the first year.
- 14 paid holidays annually.
- Separate sick leave accrual.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
