Teacher/Advocate

Oregon Coast Community Action•Charleston, OR

17d•$20 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher/Advocate delivers high-quality child and family services in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing rules, program work plans and goals, and applicable funding requirements. The role oversees day-to-day classroom operations for children ages three to five and their families, maintaining safe, healthy, developmentally appropriate learning environments. The Teacher/Advocate also provides family engagement and advocacy services, supports children’s development and school readiness, maintains program records, and supervises assigned staff, volunteers, and students. This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt position based in Charleston, Oregon, serving the South Coast Head Start program. Pay starts at $20.26 per hour, depending on experience. The position reports to the Area Manager and supervises Teacher Assistants, Classroom Assistants, volunteers, and students.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
For the preschool program, a current Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) with direct experience teaching infant, toddler, or preschool children, or Oregon Registry Step 7.5 with such direct teaching experience. Applicants meeting these minimums must enroll in an AA/BA program upon hire and obtain a federal waiver; completion is required within three years.
For the infant and toddler program, a current Infant/Toddler CDA with direct experience teaching infant, toddler, or preschool children, or Oregon Registry Step 7.5 with such direct teaching experience.
For either program, upon hire, enroll in a credential, certification, or AA/AS or higher program in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, to be completed within 18 months.
Enroll in the Oregon Department of Education Child Care Division Central Background Registry at hire and maintain enrollment as required.
Obtain Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire and maintain it as required.
Obtain an Oregon Food Handler’s card or ServSafe Food Safety Certification within 30 days of hire and maintain it as required.
Complete a health appraisal within 30 days of hire and update it as required.
Current Oregon driver’s license and reliable transportation to work.
Proof of automobile liability insurance with limits of $100,000/$300,000 and maintenance of those limits.
Must be free from illegal drugs; may be subject to suspicion testing.
Ability to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
Regular attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with the specified early childhood education credits and direct teaching experience.
Oregon Registry Step 10 or higher with direct teaching experience.
Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with the specified early childhood education credits and direct teaching experience.
Oregon Registry Step 9 with direct teaching experience.
Credential, certification, or AA/AS degree or higher in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.
One year of experience working with low-income families.
One year of experience with home visitation.
Knowledge of community resources.
Two years of experience in family support programs or adult education.
Experience with children with special needs.
For preschool minimum-qualification applicants, preference is given to those enrolled in a BA program when applicable.

Responsibilities

Provide responsive care, effective teaching, and organized learning environments that promote children’s growth and development.
Use Creative Curriculum and child assessment information to plan developmentally appropriate learning experiences and individualize instruction.
Complete developmental, vision, and hearing screenings and assessments; share results with parents and facilitate referrals when warranted.
Maintain children’s health and safety by following hygiene, medication, cleaning, supervision, emergency, and illness procedures.
Provide inclusive, culturally and linguistically appropriate classroom environments and coordinate with early intervention and special education providers.
Track attendance, contact families about unexpected absences, conduct home visits when required, and provide individualized attendance support.
Provide family-style meals, supervise children during meals, follow food safety practices, and ensure access to drinking water.
Conduct educational home visits and parent-teacher conferences; support parents as their child’s primary educators and engage them in program activities.
Support transitions to Head Start and kindergarten in collaboration with families, providers, and school districts.
Maintain accurate, timely, confidential child and family records and document services in program databases.
Communicate and collaborate with families, coworkers, and community partners, including through available technologies and scheduled team communication.
Supervise assigned staff, volunteers, and practicum students; provide feedback, conduct evaluations, support professional development, and orient volunteers to emergency procedures.
Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and workshops; maintain regular attendance, confidentiality, professional communication, and compliance with agency procedures.
Drive to home visits when required by the position and attend off-site staff training events.