Head Start Teacher

Company Description
HCCAA is a Non Profit Social Service Agency that operates service program in the Central Texas area. www.hccaa.com
Job Description
The Head Start Teacher is responsible for the overall management of a classroom,
ensuring that the objectives delineated in the annual Head Start plan are
implemented. The Teacher will be
knowledgeable of Texas Minimum Standards for Licensing, and provide a
supportive, safe, and stimulating learning environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB
FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintain a calm, safe
   classroom and playground that incorporates developmental appropriateness;
   create an atmosphere in which the children feel comfortable and secure,
   reflecting the cultures of all enrolled children.
2. Observe the children at all
   times; provide positive guidance to promote self-esteem.
3. Work with the Teacher
   Assistant to develop lesson plans that meet the physical, social, emotional,
   and intellectual needs of each child, planning for variations in ability levels
   and individual interests.
4. Ensure that all classroom
   staff is competent in their abilities to interact appropriately with the
   children.
5. Incorporate developmentally
   appropriate practice according to the Head Start Program Performance Standards
   as well as Hill Country Community Action quality Head Start standards.
6. Consistently implement classroom
   routines, including hand washing, tooth brushing, eating, napping, and
   transitioning between activities.
7. Operate the classroom in
   compliance with all childcare-licensing standards, paying particular attention
   to standards prohibiting any form of physical punishment.
8. Attend ARD meetings as
   scheduled.
9. Model team leadership;
   ensure that the teamwork concept is upheld and implemented at the center.
10. Ensure that the arrangement
    of the classroom provides a stimulating, clean, and safe learning environment.
11. Responsible for
    documentation in ½ of the children's files in all content areas.
12. Complete Individual
    Developmental Plans for each enrolled child; continue the on-going assessment
    process, maintaining written or computer records on each child.
13. Supply a variety of
    materials and planned activities designed to encourage individual and group
    play.
14. Provide experiences that
    promote individual self-expression in conversation, imaginative play, and
    creativity.
15. Offer a variety of language
    stimulation activities.
16. Provide experiences
    involving thinking skills such as generalizing, classifying, sorting, and
    problem solving.
17. Make available a variety of
    opportunities to help children develop and understand appropriate relationships
    with others.
18. Provide continuous opportunities
    for children to experience success.
19. Increase the complexity and
    challenge of activities as children develop.
    Job Description: Teacher
    Date: January 02, 2015
20. Contribute to the operation
    of the center by participating in staff meetings and sharing information gained
    through attendance at workshops and Head Start trainings.
21. Observe, record, and report
    any child's behavior, sharing information appropriately with other staff
    members.
22. Show personal development
    and growth by being relaxed, using a calm, quiet voice, being pleasant and
    enthusiastic about the children, and by using self-control in trying
    situations.
23. Assist with transition
    activities for the Head Start child and family: into Head Start, during the
    year, and to the next placement (kindergarten).
24. Complete required home
    visits or center conferences with parents in conjunction with the Family
    Service staff.
25. Assist the children at
    snack, breakfast, and lunchtime, ensuring that the Head Start philosophy of
    serving family style meals is maintained and that the children serve
    themselves. The Teacher Assistant and
    Teacher will both be seated at the table(s) with the children at mealtimes.
26. Serve as transportation
    escort on a rotating basis with other center staff, or as requested by
    supervisor.
27. Perform any other duties as
    assigned by the Head Start Program Director.

Qualifications
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: Associates, Bachelor's or advanced degree in
early childhood education or related field. (In order for a degree to be
considered related, you must have at least 9 college hours of Child Development
or Early Childhood Education on your transcript).
EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 2 year's employment in a
licensed child-care facility. (Bachelor's degree requirement: one year of
experience in a licensed child-care facility).
SKILLS: Strong leadership,
management, and organizational skills, as well as a thorough understanding of
developmentally appropriate practice.
The Teacher must have the ability to communicate in a positive way to
all employees and families, and seek solutions to misunderstandings or
problems. Must be flexible and have well-developed written, verbal, and
interpersonal skills. Must be able to
provide guidance to classroom staff, maintain records, prepare reports, and
clearly understand written or verbal instruction. Ability to organize, manage, and control work
flow. Ability to work effectively with
individuals from various ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and cultural
backgrounds. Ability to identify,
assimilate, comprehend, and solve critical elements of various situations
(initiate solutions without constant supervision).
OTHER: Professional in manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would
contraindicate employment. Must have a
valid Class C driver's license and a reliable vehicle with current vehicle
liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy. Every 2 years: a TB test with a negative
reading and a Head Start physical screening. Must maintain current CPR and
First Aid certifications (collateral rather than primary duty of this
position). Must comply with all HCCAA Policies, and maintain confidentiality and
courtesy in all phases of agency operations.
SUPERVISORY
RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for the guidance
of the classroom team (Assistant, Classroom Aide) and volunteers; may be called
upon to assist the Teacher/Director in their supervisory duties.
EQUIPMENT TO
BE USED: Must be able to operate a computer and other
office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires
interacting with the children on their level at times (on the floor), and also
sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving. May require lifting up to 40 pounds. Requires
manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as
computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office
equipment. Requires normal range of
hearing and vision. Must be able to
react quickly (run after a child, immediately go to the scene of an incident).
Additional Information
40 hours per week Monday-Friday