Head Start Teacher

ECS4KIDS•Ocala, FL

11h•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher I provides a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe, and loving environment where each child can develop language, cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. The role supports a culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate educational program and helps implement approved curricula and daily lesson plans. Teachers use positive guidance, observe and document children’s progress, individualize learning, and maintain an engaging classroom environment with both indoor and outdoor activities. The position also supports children’s health, safety, hygiene, and nutrition; builds collaborative relationships with families; and communicates and coordinates with classroom staff, supervisors, and other program staff. The role requires compliance with applicable federal, state, local, accreditation, and Head Start standards, along with accurate recordkeeping and confidentiality. The position reports to the Center Manager.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
DCF 45-hour training.
National CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate meeting or exceeding CDA requirements.
Demonstrated competency in nurturing teacher-child interactions; planning and implementing learning experiences; effective curriculum implementation; using assessment; and promoting progress under the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and applicable state standards, including as appropriate for children with disabilities and dual language learners.
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.
Good judgment and emotional maturity.
Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Proper grammar and communication skills, including effective oral and written communication.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to plan and organize work and maintain records.
Willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening and physical before direct contact with children, with renewal every two years.
Complete the online Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
Current First Aid and Pediatric CPR training.
Complete at least 25 hours of in-service training annually from July 1 through June 30.
Pass a Level II background screening, including local, state, and federal criminal checks.
Acceptable eyesight and hearing, with or without correction.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Ability to perform heavy physical work, including lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds; physical work is more than 70% of the job.

Responsibilities

Assist in implementing a culturally sensitive educational program appropriate to each child’s age and language.
Follow the approved daily schedule and implement daily lesson plans from approved curricula with fidelity.
Use teaching strategies reflecting CLASS principles in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
Assist the classroom Teacher by co-facilitating Groups A and B and keeping children engaged in learning activities.
Interact purposefully with children and extend play and learning by rotating through learning centers.
Enter daily child observation data in TS Gold.
Individualize instruction and support based on children’s observed needs, support-plan goals, and ongoing analysis of child data.
Implement a balanced routine that includes play, exploration, learning, teacher-directed and child-directed activities, and indoor and outdoor time.
Help provide a stimulating learning environment by adding new and interesting materials each week.
Maintain a warm, positive environment using positive guidance and following the ECS Discipline policy.
Develop nurturing relationships that support each child’s social and emotional development.
Maintain applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, including relevant NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Head Start standards.
Participate in research initiatives related to early childhood education, development, and related topics.
Conduct daily health checks on each child.
Follow procedures for medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and medication administration, handling, and storage.
Follow safe practices to prevent injuries to children and self.
Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and help maintain the center.
Communicate effectively with families and encourage relationships that help parents feel comfortable discussing their children.
Attend parent meetings as assigned and encourage parent involvement in the program.
Inform parents about children’s progress formally and informally, including through notes, learning outcomes, conferences, and home visits.
Maintain transition procedures for children moving to another classroom or program and coordinate transitions with appropriate staff.
Eat with children, encourage proper eating habits and conversation, and serve food in ways that support children’s development and socialization.
Assist with kitchen duties as assigned.
Communicate with staff, attend staff meetings and trainings, and share information to better serve children and families.
Follow directions and assignments from the classroom Teacher and supervisor.
Work collaboratively and attentively with an in-class coach.
Maintain appropriate records and confidentiality.
Perform other related duties as required.