The Head Start Teacher is responsible for the general and day-to-day operations of a Head Start center with more than one classroom assuring regulatory and legal compliance with federal, state and local regulations, communicating with parents and the community and monitoring of staff. The position also has responsibility for various centers as deemed necessary for program operations. Receives content area supervision, training and technical assistance from content area managers/specialists/coordinators. The Head Start Teacher is also responsible overseeing and providing educational, relational and social experiences for preschool children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains.
As a Save the Children employee who will come into contact with children on a routine basis, you are expected to prevent child abuse in every situation by striving, through mental awareness, good practice and training to minimize risk to children. You must take positive steps to protect children who may be a subject of concern and report and respond to any instance of child abuse and promote training and awareness around all child safeguarding obligations.
- Plans and implements classroom activities based on the individual needs of the children.
- Plans daily activities jointly with the Head Start Teacher Assistant to reflect curriculum areas, individualized instruction, and component integration.
- Conducts classroom activities according to the appropriate level of the child and in accordance with the daily schedule.
- Provides constant supervision of all children during all activities indoors and outdoors; provides a safe environment by setting up a protective classroom and outdoor play area; provides a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.
- Engages with children during all activities throughout the day.
- Ensure that the child development, disabilities, curriculum, and performance standards are strictly adhered to in all programs.
- Encourages family activities; conducts and documents home visits; plans family activities and encourages family involvement; conducts parent-teacher conferences as needed or required.
- Maintains classroom discipline using developmentally appropriate techniques.
- Maintains documentation as required by agency.
- Participates in an individualized continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Makes routine decisions around day to day execution of the job. Good time management and organizational skills.
- Works closely with management to ensure program compliments Head Start Standards. Keeps manager informed of important issues. Builds effective relationships within the organization, the children and their families.
- Experience working with preschool-age children in a classroom setting.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; great problem solving and time management skills.
- Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
- Ability to work collaboratively with Assistant Teacher, other staff and community partners in the provision of high quality services to children and families.
- Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.
- Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff and parents and families; ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential
- Ability to follow directions and take initiative; great problem solving and time management skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children and staff; ability to work with children with disabilities.