Preschool Teacher

Job Goal :

To implement early learning preschool programs that provide quality learning environments that are safe and nurturing where children can grow and learn. Teachers will partner with families to set goals around school readiness which include social, emotional, educational, physical, and nutritional goals. Work in coordination with health, behavioral health, family services, nutrition, and other components provided by Head Start to ensure the whole child and family is supported. Establish an environment that stimulates a desire for learning, independence, and self-esteem for both parents and children, both indoors and outdoors. Along with the parents, assess each child’s developmental needs and develop individual goals according to their individual interests, abilities, individual traits, and development. Ensure that goals are carried out through home and classroom activities. Teachers will use a multi-generational approach to engage all members of the family who support the enrolled child.

Essential Responsibilities :

• Assist in the planning and coordinating of the Education / Disabilities Component Establish an environment which will stimulate a desire for learning, independence and self-esteem both parents and children, both indoor and outdoors.Develop daily plans and individual activity plans one week in advance and place in the classroom.Along with the parents, assess each child’s developmental needs and develop individual goals according to their individual interests, abilities, individual traits and development Ensure that goals are carried out through home and classroom activitiesConduct Parent / Staff conferences two times per year, with input from Component Managers and team members Encourage parents to participate in curriculum planning and program developmentEnsure that classroom activities are developmentally appropriate and carried out according to Head Start / OPK and program philosophy, policies and proceduresPlan with parents and team members to ensure that daily personal hygiene of the children is met (i.e., feeding, diapering, toileting, tooth brushing and hand washing)Ensure that the planning and involvement of children occurs in the preparation of nutritious snacks and clean-up of eating areaProvide for the constant supervision of all children using active supervision strategies. Maintain, with team members and parents, an approach to guidance within the framework of Head Start / OPK policy to ensure that children are taught, disciplined, and supervised in a consistent mannerAct as the primary contact person for communicating with appropriate staff, families, volunteers, and assistant teacher (where appropriate) in matters relating to Head Start children, at the center levelWith team members and parents, plan and inform all appropriate people of field trip and other activities
• Ensure all home visits with families are done each year as specified by program option Ensure various attempts (at least 3) to make a home visit contact in cases where the parent was unable to meet at the predetermined timeCoordinate home activities incorporating family interests and goals
• Develop, with the parent, individualized plans for each home visit
• Encourage parents to become “teacher” on home visits
• Maintain an adequate social services referral system for coordinating the resolution of family needs and goals (Part Day & Combo models). Make home visits with each family for the completion of the Family Partnership agreement and follow up on goals establishedAssist families in developing resources for resolving emergent social service needs and follow up with families on the appropriateness of the resourcesRefer families to appropriate agencies and follow up on referralsOrient and provide information to staff and parents regarding social services and community resourcesEstablish and maintain communication lines with local schools and social services agenciesRepresent Head Start at local community meetings as designated by supervisor
• Assist in the implementation of an agency wide Parent Involvement Program Work with center teams to encourage parents to be involved in all components and programs of the agencyPromote prevention and family strengthening activities (picnics, parent cafes, leadership training, parenting classes, budgeting, self care, etc.) with center staff and parentsEnsure that volunteers are always supervised and never left alone with a childBe available as a resource person for Parent Center training upon requestProvide assistance to center teams for involving parents in all components and programs of the agencyProvide assistance to center teams for involving males / fathers in the agency programs. Assist Volunteer Coordinator in implementing activities promoting Male / Father engagement in local areaIdentify and recruit parents to participate in Policy Council, Community Leadership Training and other Community activitiesAssist in the coordination of the agency-wide Wellness Day and promote activity with all parents. Work with families to problem solve around barriers to participationAssist in the implementation of the agency’s volunteer / career ladder program
• Assist the Health Services Manager in the Health Services component Help families establish an ongoing relationship with health and dental care providersEnsure that all medical and dental screens and appropriate follow-up and / or referrals are completed, including initial education with parents with first screening and each 6 month follow up thereafter with HS families regarding Lift the Lip examsEnsure that the nutrition assessments are completed and appropriate follow-up and / or referrals are completed to include discussing WIC / Nutrition goals with classroom staff and following up with parentsEncourage parents to complete required immunizations for their children and keep CIS / Immunization Record up to date with all changes routed to Data Entry ClerkParticipate in staffing to share information concerning health issues
• Work with the Family Advocate in coordinating and implementing a parent education and support program for agency families (Enhanced and Full Day models) Survey families for topics of interest and provide information to Family AdvocateEncourage parents to attend parent education programs available through UMHS and other community agenciesAssist families in resolving barriers to attending parent education programs
• Supervision of Teacher Assistant Complete performance evaluation annuallyMonitor job performanceProvide training and consultative services to teacher assistants so that they can adequately complete tasksDelegate and assign tasks as described in the job descriptions and program policiesMonitor the Bus Monitor on the bus 2 times a year
• Be able to handle emergency situations as designated by program policies and procedures
• Assist in completion of the Program Information Report (PIR)
• Maintain a clean, orderly, safe, and attractive classroom with assistance of team members, parents and volunteers

Education Requirements :

Experience and Skills Requirements :

General Staff Responsibilities :

Physical Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to :

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment / Conditions :

Safety :

Apply safe practices in the performance of duties

Agency-Wide Requirements :

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to all individuals in all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, career advancement opportunities, working conditions, scheduling, disciplinary action, termination of employment, compensation, and access to benefits and training. We recruit, hire, and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.