Head Start Teacher, Flagstaff

Northern Arizona Council of Governments•Flagstaff, AZ

2d•$20 - $27

About The Position

The Head Start Teacher works under general supervision and with moderate difficulty, instructing preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote their social, physical, and intellectual growth. The role includes creating developmentally appropriate learning experiences, maintaining relationships with children and families, and supporting a safe and healthy learning environment. The position is based in Flagstaff and is listed at 40 hours per week for 44 weeks per year. The role requires one of four education levels: Level I requires an age-appropriate Childhood Development Associate Credential (CDA) or a qualifying state-awarded preschool teacher certificate. Level II requires an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a related associate degree combined with preschool teaching experience and a state-awarded preschool teaching certificate. Level III requires a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a related bachelor's degree combined with preschool teaching experience and a state-awarded preschool teaching certificate. Level IV requires a master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and 36 additional undergraduate-level credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Employment is subject to a criminal background check, Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card, and TB skin test. A Food Handlers license and CPR/first aid/interrater certification must be obtained within six months. Travel is less than 5%. The work involves frequent physical activity and medium exertion, including occasionally exerting up to 50 pounds of force, frequently up to 30 pounds, and constantly up to 10 pounds. It requires close visual acuity. Working conditions include regular exposure to potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and infectious disease, as well as occasional exposure to extreme weather.

Requirements

Level I: Age-appropriate Childhood Development Associate Credential (CDA), or a state-awarded preschool teacher certificate that meets or exceeds the CDA requirement.
Level II: Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or an associate degree in a related field plus preschool teaching experience and a state-awarded certificate to teach in a preschool program.
Level III: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or a bachelor's degree in a related field plus preschool teaching experience and a state-awarded certificate to teach in a preschool program.
Level IV: Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development and 36 credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development beyond the undergraduate level.
Criminal background check.
Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card.
TB skin test.
Food Handlers license within six months.
CPR/first aid/interrater certification within six months.
Technical competencies: AZ Early Learning Standards, behavior management, childhood development, early childhood education, and Head Start Performance Standards.
General competencies: collaboration, communication, conflict resolution, cultural competence, discretion, initiative/innovation, mentoring/training, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to meet the listed physical activity, exertion, and visual requirements.

Responsibilities

Instruct children and facilitate developmentally appropriate activities that encourage growth in all areas of childhood development.
Develop and maintain trusting relationships with children and families to support a successful learning environment.
Develop and implement weekly lesson plans to ensure program compliance.
Assign duties to staff and monitor their work to support a successful learning environment.
Complete and submit paperwork, including logs and reports, to document program compliance.
Clean and prepare classrooms regularly to maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.
Complete regular playground and classroom inspection checklists.
Conduct vision, hearing, mental health, and physical health screenings for Head Start children.
Plan and conduct parent-teacher conferences to establish and assess progress toward family goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.