Head Start Teacher (Degreed)

Ecs4Kids•Ocala, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

ECS4Kids is seeking a dedicated and nurturing Head Start Teacher to join their team. This role involves providing a warm, stimulating, and safe environment for young children to develop essential skills. The teacher will implement a culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate educational program, utilizing the Teaching Strategies Cloud and TS Gold for planning and observation. The position focuses on fostering children's cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development, while also engaging with families to support their children's learning and well-being. ECS4Kids is committed to helping children enter school ready to learn and empowering communities through comprehensive early childhood education.

Requirements

DCF 45-hour training
Teacher II: Associate degree in child development or early childhood education; or an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education with 30 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children.
Teacher III: Baccalaureate degree in child development or early childhood education; or a baccalaureate degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or a baccalaureate degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children.
Teacher IV: Advanced degree in child development or early childhood education; or an advanced degree in elementary education with 15 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children; or an advanced degree in any field with 45 credit hours in early childhood education courses, with at least four months experience teaching preschool-age children.
Demonstrate competency to provide effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions, plan and implement learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment and promote children’s progress across the standards described in the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate.
Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
Ability to exercise control and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
Ability and willingness to implement the approved curriculum.
Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity.
Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships.
Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records.
A willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete a minimum of 25 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30.
Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
Acceptable hearing (with or without correction).
Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement a culturally sensitive educational program that is developmentally appropriate for each child’s age and language.
Use Teaching Strategies Cloud to plan and create weekly digital lesson plans that promote the cognitive, language, literacy, social, emotional, and physical development of children and that support ECS School Readiness Goals.
Follow the approved daily schedule to implement to fidelity the daily lesson plans from the approved curricula.
Lead all learning times in a manner consistent with CLASS philosophy and developmentally appropriate practice.
Use teaching strategies that illustrates the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
Input daily child observation data in TS Gold.
Individualize for children throughout the day based on the observed needs of children, the goals set forth in support plans, and the ongoing analysis of child data.
Plan a balanced daily routine that encourages play, exploration, and learning; and which includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and inside and outside time.
Provide a developmentally appropriate, stimulating learning environment by adding new and interesting materials each week.
Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline Policy.
Develop nurturing relationships with each child by encouraging his or her social and emotional development.
Maintain accurate and complete VPK attendance and submit to Center Manager the last day of each month (if applicable).
Assure parents sign the VPK Parental Choice Certificate at the end of each month (if applicable).
Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards (e.g., NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start).
Participate in research initiatives pertaining to early childhood education, development, and related topics.
Conduct daily health checks on each child.
Plan weekly activities promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.
Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
Participate in case management meetings regarding children’s health and development.
Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
Attend parent meetings as assigned.
Encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, learning outcomes, parent conferences and home visits.
Engage parents in the development of school readiness goals for their children and guide parents in the use of curriculum activities related to their children’s school readiness goals.
Maintain transition procedures for children moving to another classroom or program and coordinate transition with other appropriate program staff.
Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
Serve food in a way that encourages the development and socialization of the children.
Assist in kitchen duties (if applicable).
Plan weekly activities that promote good nutrition.
Provide leadership in following best practices in the field of early childhood education.
Assist the center manager in training, mentoring, and developing the Teacher Aide to create an appropriate classroom environment.
Work collaboratively and attentively with an in-class coach.
Participate in the CLASS evaluation and training of peers.
Communicate regularly with other staff in order to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
Have a cooperative, positive and supportive attitude within the program.
Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor.
Maintain appropriate record keeping.
Maintain confidentiality at all times.