Head Start Teacher

Matrix Human Services•Detroit, MI

10d•$25 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit. THE IMPACT YOU WILL BE A PART OF WITH JOINING MATRIX Over 30 program locations throughout Detroit and surrounding areas 20,000+ individuals benefiting from Matrix services every year The largest Head Start Program in the city of Detroit The largest HIV treatment and prevention program in Detroit After school youth services and academic enrichment Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Programs Housing Education and Home Buying Assistance Healthy Senior Living Program FOCUS ON PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Tuition Assistance. Professional Development Support. In-House Learning and Professional Development Platform. WE EMBRACE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Vacation Banks. Paid Holidays. BENEFITS OPTIONS. Medical/Rx. Nonstop Visa Card. Dental. Vision. Life/AD&D Insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Combine Short- & Long-Term Disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403(b) Retirement Account. CEO Starr Allen-Pettway has been honored by the Michigan Chronicle as a distinguished nonprofit leader in Southeast Michigan. CORE VALUES: Positive Attitude Always Learning Results Through Accountability Building Relationships JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTIBILITY: The Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. The Teacher develops and implements individual educational plans for children, which help them to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their stage of development and to ensure they are school ready. The Teacher works collaboratively with the Assistant Teacher and volunteers, and at all times provides active supervision for all children. This position requires a full-time on-site presence, offering you the chance to engage directly with our team and projects, and ensuring a hands-on role in our dynamic work environment.

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
Personal qualifications: 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 as they occur
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