Head Start Teacher

Description Position Overview To ensure the young children we serve have a solid foundation for life. To encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children and to attend to their safety and welfare. To promote family engagement in all aspects of the program. To meet requirements of Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and/or agency policies and procedures.

Physical Demands Work involves frequent movements in the classroom and the facility. Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard office equipment. Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.

Must be able to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more as it may be required during emergencies or other unusual circumstances. Must be able to perform activities on the floor and outdoors with children, keeping pace with the energy level of the children. Must recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action. Must be available to accompany children on field trips and assisting them on/off the bus and crossing the street.

Mental Demands Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Must have the ability to apply Early Childhood Development (focus on infant/toddler) theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.

Special Demands Must possess superior customer service skills and professional etiquette. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e. telephone, fax, etc.).

Must have the ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment including the physical ability to monitor and move quickly in order to respond to children who are very active and may need restraint or redirection in order to ensure their safety or the safety of others.

Must have a valid drivers’ license and a satisfactory driving record.

Requirements

Education An associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education; an associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; OR A baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children; OR A baccalaureate degree in any field and has been admitted into the Teach For America program, passed a rigorous early childhood content exam, such as the Praxis II, participated in a Teach For America summer training institute that includes teaching preschool children and is receiving ongoing professional development and support from Teach For America’s professional staff. NOTE: Transcripts are required to validate educational requirements.

Experience Must have a minimum of 6 months experience working with infants and toddlers in a daycare setting.