Early Head Start Teacher

Description

Under the supervision of the Education Manager and the Center Director, the Teacher I will be responsible to :

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans which reflect program philosophy and goals that align with the Child Development and Early Learning Frameworks, Alabama Early Learning Guidelines and Alabama Pre-K Standards.
• Plans daily schedule to provide a variety of activities and prepares a learning environment for all children that includes indoor and outdoor settings.
• Displays children's work at the children's eye level, work displayed includes art, group projects, science experiments, block creations, etc. Work should be labeled with children's name and a brief description of activity for parents and visitors
• Develops a "print-rich" learning environment, including using environmental print, labels, children's writing, symbols, street signs, etc.
• Initiates and observes play with and between children and permits children to move about freely and explore their environment.
• Selects and uses a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and equipment in daily activities, uses TCR resource room materials and shares with other teachers for optimal use of learning materials :
• Fosters a positive self-image through activities which focus on children as individuals (exp. self-portraits, family, pets, feelings, etc.).
• Develops social skills through activities which focus on problem-solving, communication, manners, working in groups, etc.
• Encourages language through activities such as storytelling, rhyming, exploring different types of children's books, music / movement, repetitive stories, exploration of sounds through nursery rhymes and other children's literature, etc.
• Enhances physical development and skills through activities which focus on fine and gross motor development such as activities which exercise hand-eye coordination, pre-writing skills, group games, music / movement activities, etc.
• Encourages and welcomes parent participation in the classroom. Looks for creative ways to engage parents in their children's early education, ex. Parent response journals, parent workshops, parent information boards, parent advisory committee, etc.
• Respects cultural diversity in staff and children and includes developmentally-appropriate culturally diverse activities in the classroom based on children's interests as appropriate with input from parent.
• Conducts smooth, creative and varied transitions, frequently using music, rhythm, movement and puppetry activities to move from one activity to the next. Changes planned or routine activities according to needs and interests of children maintaining flexibility.
• Incorporates routine tasks as a means of furthering children's learning (self-help / social skills, toileting, feeding, etc.).
• Interacts with children showing affection (smiling, touching, holding, etc.), engages with children in active conversation, encourages children to self-express and share experiences and speaks to children at their eye-level.
• Abstains from corporal punishment, raised voice, or other humiliating or negative techniques. Practices and adheres to TCR discipline policy.
• Greets children upon arrival and conducts daily health inspections and dismisses children in a courteous manner (exp., hugs child, makes positive comments to parent).
• Participates in meal time. (Serves meals, sits and eats with children, engages in conversation, and models appropriate table manners.)
• Enforces strict hand-washing procedures (adult and child). Hands are washed before breakfast / lunch. Hands are washed after toileting. Hands are washed after cleaning noses. Hands are washed before and after water play. Hands are washed before and after diapering.
• Follows USDA Guidelines concerning feeding patterns with all children in cooperation with Teacher I.
• Ensures that medication forms are filled out properly by parents. Checks medication for expiration date. Securely locks medication in cabinet. Ensures that medication is in properly labeled container
• Establishes program goals for improving the school readiness of children participating in its program in accordance with the requirements of section 641 A (g)(2) of the Head Start Act.

Housekeeping specific item listing is as follows (but may not include every item) :

a) Updated list of birthdays (year and month) of children enrolled in classroom.

b) Maintains that there are two emergency contacts for each child.

c) Medical doctor name / number for each child.

d) Person(s) child may be released to.

e) Completes referrals as necessary.

f) Provides parents with weekly notes to child's progression.

g) Reports accidents promptly regardless of severity to Center Director.

h) Reports suspected child abuse immediately to Center Director.

Required Education and Experience

Preferred : Bachelor of Science in Early Education, Child Development, or Early Child Development with one year of work experience.

Required : Associate of Science in Early Education, Child Development, or Early Child Development with two years of work experience.

Knowledge and Abilities

Physical Abilities

Must be physically able to lift (up to 50 Lbs.) repetitively, bend, and stoop in the care of young children throughout the workday.

Positions requiring the use of personal owned vehicle to perform job tasks; successful applicants must :

General :

Requirements

NOTE : Cheaha Regional Head Start operates in 6 counties in Eastern Alabama - Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Randolph, and Talladega. The corporate office is in Talladega, but there are 15 Head Start Centers in the 6 counties. Applicants selected for this position will need to specify in which locations they are interested in working.

In addition to the requirements below, all job offers / work agreements are contingent on the approval of the Policy Council, a negative State Child Abuse / Neglect registry check, negative results of a State / Federal criminal history background check, and negative results on drug screening (pre-employment and random). After successful completion of the 3-month probationary period, employee will be offered benefits and regular employment status.

You must :

This agency is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, disability, or federal, state, or local protected classes. This agency strives to hire the most qualified person for each job. Listed below is an attempt to describe the normal responsibilities for this position. Please realize that this is not an all-inclusive list, and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Must meet all of the following minimum requirements :

Official transcripts of college coursework or a copy of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for all new teachers must be submitted to confirm credentials. All college coursework must be from an institution that has received regional accreditation.

Demonstrates ability to work with children and parents.

Demonstrates emotional and physical ability to care for children.

Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude.

Good attendance is required.

Must agree to abide by the policies in the Employee Handbook.

Must maintain confidentiality of information regarding children and families.

Must meet state licensing requirements, clear State Child Abuse / Neglect registry and Criminal History Background check.

Must adhere to Alabama Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers.

Coursework must be from an institution that has received regional accreditation.

Job Type : Full-time

Salary : $25,000.00 to $27,000.00 / year

Salary : $25,000 - $27,000