Preschool Teacher-Harmony Elementary (Cullman County)
About The Position
The Preschool Teacher provides responsive, high-quality early education and child development services that support children’s school readiness and cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The Teacher creates a safe, active, and nurturing classroom environment and works collaboratively with a partnering Teacher or Teacher Assistant, Classroom Partners, Special Needs Aides, Volunteers, family members, and agency staff. The role includes building supportive relationships with children and families and representing the agency professionally in the classroom and community. The Teacher plans and delivers developmentally appropriate learning experiences, assesses children’s development, uses assessment data to individualize instruction, and supports children with IEPs in coordination with families and relevant providers. The position also involves maintaining accurate classroom documentation and data-system records, participating in professional development and Practice Based Coaching, and following applicable Head Start, licensing, curriculum, state-guideline, and agency requirements. Work is primarily performed in a classroom setting and includes active engagement with children indoors and outdoors, communication with families, and two home visits per child each school year. The position requires sitting, standing, bending, and minimal lifting of at least 50 pounds.
Requirements
- Minimum Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, with 9 hours of concentrated coursework.
- Experience working in a preschool environment.
- Obtain and maintain current age-appropriate CPR/First Aid certification.
- Valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and a safe driving record.
- Proficiency with digital technology.
- Pass an ABI/FBI background check every five years and a drug test at employment and randomly.
- Ability to use effective and appropriate teaching practices and promote children’s growth and developmental progressions.
- Ability to integrate and analyze child assessment data for planning and provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences across developmental areas.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with accuracy and acuity.
- Ability to conduct screenings and assessments and to meet individual children’s needs while maintaining classroom order.
- Understanding and sensitivity to the challenges faced by income-eligible families, low-income communities, and families whose primary home language is not English.
- Willingness to continue learning and advance along a professional development path.
Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality early education and child development services that promote school readiness and children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
- Collaborate with the partnering Teacher or Teacher Assistant, Classroom Partners, Special Needs Aides, Volunteers, family members, and agency support staff.
- Follow Head Start Performance Standards, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, daycare licensing standards, agency and HR policies, Creative Curriculum, and Alabama early-learning standards and guidelines.
- Collect and analyze data to identify each child’s strengths and areas for growth.
- Use Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD to prepare weekly lesson plans and individual child plans.
- Communicate professionally and regularly with parents about children’s routines, activities, and behavior.
- Participate in Practice Based Coaching and assess teaching practices to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Plan activities for children with IEPs and their families, including coordinating with the LEA or provider to extend activities.
- Review and verify required documentation before submission and ensure required information is entered correctly into the data system.
- Assess children’s development and learning, complete classroom-level school-readiness data analysis, and individualize learning based on children’s needs and interests.
- Complete required checklists, review ChildPlus reports, and review classroom paperwork for accuracy.
- Conduct two parent conferences and two home visits per child each year; complete initial home visits before the child begins attendance.
- Work with the Family Engagement Specialist to build relationships with families.
- Maintain accurate timekeeping and follow program policies and procedures.
- Secure a Classroom Partner when absent from work.
- Perform other duties necessary to fulfill the position’s responsibilities.
Benefits
- Full medical coverage managed by PEEHIP (BC/BS Plan) for full-time employees.
- The agency contributes over 10% monthly to the Retirement System of Alabama on behalf of each employee.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
