Teacher, Head Start

Texas ESC Region 16•Amarillo, TX

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Primary Purpose: To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.), Day Care Minimum Standards, and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services. To provide children with a learning environment and varied developmentally appropriate experiences which will help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner appropriate to their age and stage of development toward the overall goal of social competence.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required
Texas Teaching Certification required
Current certification in Early Childhood or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential required
Experience working with young children required
Loving, nurturing disposition toward young children required
Valid Texas Driver's License or other reliable mode of transportation during work hours required
Proof of current automobile liability insurance required
Clear background history checks at the local, state, and federal levels required
Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and uphold the high standards of the Head Start quality of care according to the Head Start Performance Standards
Moderate technology skills required
Willing to uphold the Head Start Standards of Conduct required
Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work as a team player, enjoy a variety of activities, and possess organizational abilities
Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; frequent exposure to bodily fluids; tolerate occasional travel between work sites
Must be able to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children
Regular Attendance is an essential function
Obtains and maintains first aid and CPR certifications

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Responsibilities

Acts as instructional leader in the classroom
Prepares and maintains a developmentally appropriate learning environment
Meets the standard set by the Appropriate Teaching Behaviors found in the Region Head Start Policies and Procedures
Adheres to the Head Start Standards of Conduct
Responsible for daily schedule, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping
Cooperates with assistant regarding schedules, lesson plans, classroom activities, materials, and record keeping
Attends hours of professional development annually
Completes documentation, records, and forms as required
Plans with assistant at least one small group activity each day
Models correct speech patterns, vocabulary, behavior, and skills for children
Uses appropriate and positive methods of child guidance
Extends learning to meet the individual needs of individual children
Interacts with children during all indoor and outdoor activities
Provides opportunities for each child to experience success and reinforces all efforts
Eats one meal daily with children (sharing the same menu) and assists children with clean-up
Supervises children at all times
Provides emergency medical care for the children as needed
Obtains and maintains first aid and CPR certifications
Assists children, as needed, with diapering and toilet training using approved Head Start procedures
Makes home visits, with another staff member, as required by Head Start Performance Standards
Assists Head Start families or refers them to social services personnel or agencies for services
Monitors the approved persons to pick up children
Helps recruit parent volunteers and provides parents opportunities to share their skills
Maintains a parent bulletin board for dissemination of information to parents, including lesson plans, schedules, emergency evacuation plans, and campus events
Cooperates with supervisor concerning working hours and center policies
Cooperates with ESC staff concerning reports, policies, guidelines, etc for Head Start
Completes early childhood certification if appropriate
Maintains current licenses and certifications
Supports program policies, accepting changes, and new ideas
Performs other duties as assigned
Demonstrates respect and accepts differences for each child and their family
Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding children and their families
Attends parent meetings as required by supervisor
Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success, and family well-being
Attends all required Head Start staff development/PLC and meetings
Complies with ESC personnel policies regarding absences and tardiness
Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as ongoing monitoring and continual improvement in services
Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines