Head Start Teacher

JOB SUMMARY:

Fort Valley State University's Family and Consumer Sciences Department is seeking candidates for the Head Start Teacher position. The Head Start Teacher will provide a successful, safe and supervised educational setting for infants & toddlers while they are in the Head Start environment (classroom, outdoor play area, and field trips). The Head Start Teacher will be developing individual goals for children, provide on-going assessment on progress and facilitate transition into Head Start or other pre-school settings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under general supervision, applicant must be able to maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom setting, confident files on all children, correspond and work with parents;
• Teach and develop lesson plans as outlined in the program's adopted curriculum;
• Participates in daily planning with Child Development Specialist (Teacher Assistant) based on assessment outcomes and child interest;
• Assure classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Fort Valley State University Head Start Policies and Procedures and the Head Start Performance Standards;
• Assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices;
• Use home visits and parent conferences to discuss the child's individual development and progress, assist the parents in developing observational skills and solicit parent observations;
• Must be willing to relocate to another center within the program whenever needed;
• Displays a high level of effort and commitment to performing work; operates effectively within the organizational structure and be inclusive of children with special needs and disabilities;
• Assist in implementing children's I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) seeking clarification for any aspects that are not well understood;
• Bring willingness to learn and grow with other members of the program, center and community by participating in staff development opportunities;

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Infant & Child Development or related area; or an Associate's degree and two years or more of work experience.
• Significant experience and alternative training in early childcare and development may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Must successfully pass a drug screening and background check.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related area.
• Experience in working with children birth to three years of age.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications are desired.
• Maintain an annual physical and Tuberculosis vaccination.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must have own reliable transportation to travel to and from one of the centers located in Taylor, Macon, Dooly and Crisp counties;
• Must be punctual and able to work Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
• Must be able to work indoors as well as transition the classroom to outdoors;
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases;
• Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues;

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Be able to occasionally lift 40 pounds from waist to shoulder.