Teacher

Description

Job Summary

The Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing an early childhood education program that fosters the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of preschool age children. This position ensures that the classroom environment is safe, nurturing, and conducive to learning and works closely with families to support each child’s development. The Teacher develops lesson plans, assessing children’s progress and collaborates with other staff to meet program standards and goals.

The Teacher must be open to continuous feedback from all levels of the organization and be willing to have open and honest communication with peers, families, and community members.

Job Responsibilities

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans that align with Head Start and MA Department of Early Education and Care standards and curriculum guidelines.
• Facilitate a variety of learning experiences, including individual, small group, and large group activities.
• Use a range of teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of children, including those with special needs.
• Integrate health, nutrition, and parent involvement components into daily classroom activities.
  
  

Child Assessment And Development

• Observe and assess children’s developmental progress using formal and informal assessment tools.
• Maintain accurate records of each child’s development, learning, and behavior.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) for children with identified needs and monitors progress towards goals.
• Use assessment data to inform instructional practices and make adjustments as necessary.
  
  

Classroom Management

• Create a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Implement effective classroom management strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
• Ensure the classroom is safe, clean, and well-organized.
• Supervise children at all times and ensure their safety and well-being.
  
  

Family Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly with families about their child’s progress, development, and classroom activities.
• Encourage and facilitate family involvement in classroom activities and program events.
• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to discuss children’s progress and collaborate on goals.
  
  

Health And Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures, including sanitation, emergency preparedness, and child supervision protocols.
• Administer basic first aid and follow protocols for handling illness and injury.
• Monitor and support children’s health and nutritional needs.
• Assist with the supervision of children on the bus as needed.
  
  

Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Attend staff meetings and contribute to collaborative planning and decision making.
• Stay informed about early childhood education best practices and Head Start and EEC policies.
  
  

All Other Duties as Assigned

Statements

EEO/AAP Statement

Berkshire County Head Start is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

ADAAA Statement

Berkshire County Head Start is committed to hiring and providing continued employment to qualified candidates and employees and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position; and can perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• MA EEC Teacher Certification or willingness to obtain within one year of hire.
• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
  
  

Experience

• Previous experience working with young children, preferably in an early childhood education setting.
• Experience with the Head Start program preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations and an understanding of cultural competency in education.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Bilingual preferred, especially in Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole
• Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood education principals.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Patience, creativity, and a passion for working with children.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
• Proficiency in using technology for educational purposes and record-keeping.