Head Start Teacher

Matrix Human Services•Detroit, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Matrix Human Services is seeking a Head Start Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. The Teacher will develop and implement individual educational plans to foster social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development, ensuring children are school-ready. This role involves active supervision of children, collaboration with an Assistant Teacher and volunteers, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement and ethical conduct in line with Matrix Human Services' mission and values.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in child development or early childhood education, or equivalent coursework.
Two years of experience working with preschool aged children preferred.
Emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities.
Work independently and provide guidance and direction to team members.
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations.
Effective in an environment of cultural diversity; comfortable in a collaborative, team-based work setting.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Reliable transportation is required.
Must take leadership role in the classroom.

Responsibilities

Supervise and monitor children at all times and respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations.
Establish a positive classroom climate.
Guide the behavior of children in positive, effective ways.
Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, work time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities.
Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions to promote further thinking skills.
Use outdoor time as an extension of the classroom; assure the playground is safe.
Release children only to individuals with appropriate signed consent.
Plan and implement learning experiences that promote all developmental areas, including improving the readiness of children for school by developing their literacy and phonemic, print, numeric awareness, and language-including English as a second language if applicable.
Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices.
Sanitize classroom equipment/toys regularly as required by policy.
Complete daily health and safety classroom checklist.
Support the role of the families as the first and primary teacher of their child.
Conduct the required parent/teacher conferences and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support, and share information on classroom and educational strategies at school and at home.
Adapt lesson plans to meet the individual goals for children as identified in their individual learning plan (ILP), individualized education plan (IEP) and Individualized family service plan (IFSP).
Monitor for and report child abuse.
Assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
Ensure all developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment.
Use appropriate observation and ongoing assessment, and tracking to ensure positive child outcomes.
Maintain ongoing anecdotal notes to monitor children’s individual development.
Input COR notes into data base system within timeline set by the program.
Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information.
Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources.
Provide for the physical needs of preschool children, including diapering and potty training.
Must be willing to fill in where needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.