Head Start Teacher

Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA•Scranton, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is work at the supervisory level in the instruction and guidance of children in ACE’s Early Learning Program. Work involves responsibility for the day to day planning and operation of a preschool classroom including supervision of the Teacher Assistant/Aide and oversight of the Cook and Bus Monitor in the performance of classroom duties. The Teacher provides a safe and healthy learning environment; develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide learning opportunities to meet individual child goals; performs ongoing assessment on child progress; and facilitates the transition to kindergarten. This position encourages parent involvement in all aspects of the program; schedules educational home visits and parent teacher conferences; and works in partnership with parents to promote their child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. This position requires general knowledge and ability to work with individuals or groups of diverse cultures, varying abilities and linguistic preferences to perform duties as assigned.

Requirements

Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of Head Start philosophy, federal Performance Standards, and child care center regulations
Knowledge and use of best practices to engage in positive supportive conversations and interactions with young children
Knowledge and use of best practices for integrating family engagement in positive behavior interventions and supports.
Ability to recognize and use sensitivity in addressing individual differences
Ability to recognize cultural differences and use sensitivity in dealing with cultural issues.
Ability to apply developmentally appropriate and cultural and linguistic responsive practices for young children in the classroom, playground and bus settings
Knowledge of the physical, social and emotional needs of children and of educational experiences which will further the child’s social interpretation and the socialization process.
Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies and procedures as they relate to classroom operation
Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of the classroom team
Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of First Aid and CPR through coursework, certification and maintenance of credentials.
Basic computer skills including data entry, email for communication purposes, and Google Drive.
Valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance required.

Nice To Haves

State Awarded Certificate to teach in a preschool program preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervises/mentors the Teacher Assistant /Aide assigned to the classroom. Works with them to develop Professional Development Plans and evaluates their performance.
Provides information, support, and resources to build skills and improve child outcomes
Conducts and documents “Emergency Plan” training for the classroom team annually
Implements the Creative Curriculum which reflects Head Start Performance Standards, parental and cultural influences, and promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of preschool children.
Develops and implements classroom curriculum to provide developmentally and culturally and linguistically appropriate opportunities to meet individual child goals
Creates weekly lesson plans and schedules addressing individual goals for children ensuring for a safe and healthy learning environment
Follows a consistent schedule that provides for choice, small and large group experiences, music and movement, large and small motor activities, opportunities for skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities
Assesses children, documents behavior and evaluates results.
Conducts two home visits per school year.
Works with parents to set educational goals for their child and strengthen their role as the child’s first and most important teacher.
Discusses child progress/challenges with parents on a periodic basis and recommends appropriate action.
Consistently maintains and promotes open and honest relationships with the classroom team, parents, community members and other ACE staff members.
Respects the capabilities and cultural differences of others
Working with the classroom team, serves children meals in accordance with food service guidelines.
Maintains a developmentally appropriate classroom environment, including organization of space and material storage.
With supervisor’s guidance, supervises leadership and direction to teaching assistants, aides, practicum students and volunteers, providing leadership and direction.
Enters and tracks data in the COPA data management system.
Maintains complete and accurate required child files, forms and records within required timelines.
Prepares comprehensive reports as requested.
Works with supervisor to set goals for professional development.
Participates in training, self-assessment and classroom/staff meetings as required
Maintains strict confidentiality of the programs children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Functions as a mandated reporter reporting any allegations of alleged child abuse/neglect to appropriate Child Welfare Agency
Works with the ERSEA Coordinator to develop & implement recruitment strategies.
Actively recruits for all program options on an ongoing basis
Participants in staff meetings to discuss methods of program operation, evaluation and improvement in areas such as lesson plans, child guidance and parental involvement.
Facilitates transfers from the Early Learning Program to the school district in collaboration with kindergarten teachers
Works to understand the children’s special needs and accepts individual differences.
Actively participates in planning with Special Services and management staff and community professionals to meet those needs.
Engages in the active supervision of children at all times.
Keeps children safe by creating and maintaining a Culture of Safety that engages people in identifying safety concerns and working with others to improve strategies used in homes and in centers
Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, abilities and family structure of all children, families and staff members
Maintains a developmentally appropriate and culturally & linguistically responsive classroom environment
Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
Participates actively in opportunities for continuous professional development
Performs related work as required.