Position Purpose
To assist the Head Teacher to ensure our youngest children have a solid foundation for life. Responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive and physical developed of each child enrolled, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards. To promote family engagement in all aspects of the program. To abide by the Head Start of Lane County Code of Conduct and Ethics Statement written within the employee handbook. Must meet requirements per Federal Head Start Performance Standards and any local, state and or agency policies and procedures
Essential Job Responsibilities: Performance Indicators
Classroom Time
- Supervise and monitor children at all times.
- Assist in setting up environment (indoor/outdoor) for the activities of the day.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to facilitate activities with groups and individuals.
- Assist in developing lesson plans based on state requirements and the specific needs of each child.
- Assist Head Teacher in completing screenings within 45 days of child’s first day.
- Collaborate with the Head Teacher to monitor the development of each child.
- Understand the Head Teacher’s routine when it comes to delivering a lesson plan and running the class in the event that the Head Teacher is absent on a particular day.
- Work with children in the classroom to promote their learning and development.
- Communicate with parents and keep them informed about their child’s development and any changes to the regular day-to-day schedule.
- Observe and record behaviors of children to assist the Head Teacher in the identification of each child’s strengths and areas to grow.
- Participate in monthly staffing of children with all staff as appropriate.
- Work with and encourage parent and community volunteers.
- Integrate all Head Start components into classroom time.
- Utilize lesson plans which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of Head Start children.
- Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, choice time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals, and effective transitions between activities.
- Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.
- Work with ECEC staff in the classroom to develop a collaborative approach that benefits all children in the classroom and meets the needs as specified on the IFSP.
- Respond to crisis or emergency situations that may occur. Provide first aid or CPR, prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens, and access emergency services as needed.
- Sanitize classroom equipment and laundry.
- Assist with meal service as needed
Family Engagement and Community Partnerships
- Provide an atmosphere that promotes and reinforces family and volunteer engagement.
- Support the role of families as the first and primary teachers of their children.
- Support families’ safety, health, financial stability, life goals and aspirations.
- Complete family partnership agreements and all other required assessments with families in a timely manner.
- Maintain regular communication with families based on family’s individual needs.
- Conduct the required parent/teacher conferences and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support, and to share information on classroom progress and educational strategies at school and at home. Provide additional home visits if needed.
- Help plan and participate in family activity events.
- Coordinate with the Family Support Coordinator (FSC) as needed to assist families to complete follow-ups (i.e. dental, medical, physical and mental health needs of families, etc.)
- Coordinate with the Early Childhood Education Coordinator (ECEC) and FSC to provide families with timely information and referrals appropriate to their needs.
- Monitor and document attendance concerns.
- Provide learning opportunities for dual-language in the home
Documentation/Preparation
- Maintain accurate written records, including: assessments, IFSP documentation, screening instruments, anecdotal observations, and other required forms.
- Provide Head Teacher with information to develop curriculum plans which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of Head Start children.
- Collaborate with Head Teacher, to establish children’s goals and comprehensive individual plans designed to promote current learning and attend to nutritional, health and social issues.
- Maintain accurate written/electronic records related to home visits
Additional Job Responsibilities
- Assure/assist in general maintenance and security of facility.
- Assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
- Assist with breaks and other classroom needs as requested.
- Attend meetings, training’s, and appropriate professional development activities.
- Monitor and report child abuse.
- Other duties as assigned
All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start’s policy on confidentiality
Minimum Requirements:
- At least one year of qualifying teaching experience in a Certified Child Care Center (3-5 age group) AND be currently enrolled in a program that will lead to an associates associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire OR
- Documentation of attaining at least step 6 in the Oregon Registry AND be currently enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree OR
- One year State awarded Early Childhood Education Certificate or Child Development Associate certificate OR
- A minimum of an associate degree in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, human development, child and family studies, or special education.
- Staff hired after November 7, 2016: within 18 months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field. (agency paid training available)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish skills highly desirable.
- Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet and e-mail.
- Within 30 days of employment must be Pediatric CPR & First Aid certified and have a current Food Handler’s Card.
- Health Appraisal Questionnaire is required at hire and will be updated annually.
- At time of hire must be currently enrolled in Child Care Division-Central Background Registry and must renew every two years.
- Within 60 days of employment, must provide valid proof of enrollment into the Oregon Registry Step’s Program. Application forms will be issued at time of Hire
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Frequent significant decision and problem solving abilities.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work as a team member.
- Compassionate attitude and strong understanding of child development.
- Nurturing teaching approach.
- Ability to supervise and monitor children at all times to ensure a safe environment. This includes 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 insure their safety or the safety of others.
- Ability to apply Early Childhood Development (focus on 3-5 year olds) theory in daily activities, and adapt to the individual needs of children.
- Must be able to work independently without intensive supervision.
- Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
- Regular kneeling, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to child’s needs.
- Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. in classroom setting and assisting children into seats on the bus and the ability to carry or drag a child in an emergency situation out of a bus to a safe area.
Position Information
- Extended Year (with layoff weeks) Bargaining Unit/Non Exempt
- Supervised by Regional Manager
Policy Council approval 05/2017
Edited/updated 04/21/2017. 4/30/2018. 08/2021. 08/2024 (updated knowledge/skills and family engagement section)
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Head Start of Lane County is an EEO Employer.
Head Start of Lane County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Are you able to perform all of the duties stated in the job description?
Signature : _____________________________________ Date: _______________
Print Name: __________________________________________________________