Head Start Teacher

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education (with a passing score on the Early Childhood Education Praxis)

Qualifications: Must have or be eligible for a North Dakota teaching license by the start of school.

Job Goals: To provide high quality, individualized instruction for Head Start children in a center based environment.  Assist children to achieve their School Readiness Goals in a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.  Act as a role model for parents, staff and volunteers by encouraging maximum family engagement.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Adhere to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct with Head Start children, families, colleagues and the community.
2. Implement Head Start Policies and Procedures, the GFHS School Readiness Plan, the Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD in addition to Head Start enrichment curriculums.
3. Develop and maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom environment that meets the Creative Curriculum interest area requirements.
4. Provide an effective program of instruction based on the needs and capabilities of individual students to include but not limited to:
        i. Review of previously taught materia
       ii. Presentation of new material
      iii. Use a variety of teaching materials and techniques
      iv.  Evaluation of student progress on a regular basis
5. Be proficient in the implementation of the Brigance Early Childhood Screen III and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
6. Develop and utilize with your paraprofessional an ongoing system of observing children.  Enter required observations in Teaching Strategies GOLD.
7. Schedule two home visits and two homeschool conferences.  Discuss with families the GFHS School Readiness Plan, the Child Profile/Outcome form and set appropriate goals for each child.
8. Share concerns and pertinent information with coordinators.  Make appropriate referrals to RTI/MTSS, 504 plans, Emotion Management and Children of Change.  Be prepared to actively participate in classroom staffings.
9. Provide emotional support in accordance with CLASS through fostering a Positive Classroom Climate, Teacher Sensitivity and Regard for Student Perspectives.
10. Foster classroom organization in accordance with CLASS through Behavior Management, Productivity and Instructional Learning Formats.
11. Provide instructional support in accordance with CLASS through Concept Development, Quality of Feedback and Language Modeling.
12. Actively supervise children at all times.  This includes: classroom, field trips, gym, and the playground.
13. Use outcome reports, observations and children's Individual Learning Plans to guide instruction.
14. Involve parents in curriculum planning while providing opportunities to volunteer.  Extend learning into the home by sending activities in weekly newsletters and by participation in the Back Pack Reading Program.
15. Attend teacher's meetings, staffings and IEP/MTSS meetings.
16. Maintain children's education files and kindergarten transition files.
17. Submit all required paperwork in a timely fashion.
18. Evaluate paraprofessionals and community volunteers.
19. Transition children in and out of Head Start, working closely with Head Start parents, kindergarten teachers and community agencies.
20. Continue to grow professionally through membership in professional organizations such as NAEYC, attend conferences and workshops, read professional journals and keep skills in technology current.
21. Complete training in CPR/Choking, First Aid and Head Start Policies and Procedures.
22. Other duties as assigned.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Teachers must attend all in-service and pre-service training.  Attend annual training/workshops required to maintain any and all licenses.  Must be CPR and First Aid Certified, and maintain this certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: All Grand Forks Head Start employees are required to have a physical examination by a physician every two years.  Must be able to stand, walk, sit on the floor with children, reach, handle materials, communicate both verbally and in written form, be able to hear and have adequate vision.  Staff must be able to lift 50 pounds carry, push, and/or pull equipment and furniture.

SUPERVISOR OF:  Paraprofessionals and Foster Grandparents

Work Environment and Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; occasionally walk and stand. The ability to hear and see in order to communicate effectively as well as communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain mental capacity, allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.  

Evaluation: By the Director of Head Start at least twice each year in the first three years of service (December 15 & April 15), and at least once each year thereafter (April 15). 

A teaching contract of 188 days. 

Current certified benefit information as well as the Teacher Negotiated agreement can be found at Human Resources

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out www.GrandForksisCooler.com

Salary : $49,477 - $71,312