Head Start Teacher

SUMMARY:

Will have an understanding of the philosophy of the Head Start program, and describe the program’s goals and objectives. Integrate the educational aspects of all Head Start components into the daily activities in the classroom, and involve parents and families in educational activities to enhance their role in their child’s education according to the Head Start Performance Standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support the philosophy and vision of Mid-West New Mexico Community Action Program (MWNMCAP).

2. Will be responsible for satisfying the developmental needs of the children in a developmentally appropriate environment by:

a. providing effective and nurturing teacher-child interactions;

b. planning and implementing learning experiences that ensure effective curriculum implementation and use of assessment;

c. promoting children’s progress across the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and state early learning and development standards, including for children with disabilities and dual language learners, as appropriate;

d. providing materials and equipment which will be stimulating to the children’s’ interests; and

e. providing experiences in a classroom environment that represents a variety of cultural, ethnic, and diverse populations and is reflective of the families and children that MWNMCAP serves.

3. Will be responsible for:

a. developing an age-appropriate schedule and daily routines that promote learning opportunities

b. observing each child throughout the program year and planning individual assistance for each child according to their needs

c. conducting assessments designed to assess a child’s developmental progress

4. Focus on promoting growth in the developmental progressions to direct planning of organized activities, schedules, lesson plans, and the implementation of high-quality early learning experiences that are responsive to and build upon each child’s individual pattern of development and learning;

5. Integrate child assessment data in individual and group planning;

6. Include developmentally appropriate learning experiences in language, literacy, social and emotional development, math, science, social studies, creative arts, and physical development that are focused toward achieving progress.

7. Adhere to Food Safety and Handling guidelines

8. Encourage and promote parent and family relationships by:

a. implementing family engagement strategies that are designed to foster parental confidence and skills in promoting children’s learning and development;

b. encouraging parent volunteers in the classrooms and provide developmentally appropriate activities that build parent-child relationships at home;

c. conducting at a minimum two (2) home visits per program year for each family, including one before the program year begins; and

d. conducting at a minimum two (2) family conferences to discuss child’s progress and development.

9. Adhere to state guidelines regarding sick or ill children or medical emergency procedures.

10. Participate in and complete required trainings, ensuring the appropriate amount of hours are completed each program year.

11. Partner with parents to plan, implement and evaluate their Family Partnership Agreement and update throughout the program year.

12. Maintain accurate records necessary for proper operation of the classroom, including but not limited to:

a. lesson plans

b. daily attendance records (ADA);

c. In-Kind; and

d. child health checks

e. child specific records such as emergency contact information, allergens, or other identified health concerns.

13. Act as a mentor and give direction or training to the Teacher Assistant to support his/her professional growth by:

a. allowing time to collaborate on planning, engage in reflective conversations regarding teaching and coaching; and

b. conducting annual appraisals/evaluations of Teacher Assistant’s performance

14. Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines.

15. All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Citizen of the United States or have legal papers to work in the United States.
• Must be 18 years old.
• Must have High School diploma or equivalent AND

o Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Baccalaureate degree and equivalent coursework in early childhood education or related field.

OR

o Have a minimum of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Child Development Certificate (CDC) comparable credential and be enrolled in school, in which a graduation date/program completion is within three (3) years.

• Submit to a Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal history records, including fingerprints.
• Must have a Physical and TB Test screener and submit a copy to the Human

Resources Department.

• Have a valid New Mexico State Driver’s License, proof of insurance on automobile, and provide MWNMCAP with a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) report, and have dependable transportation.
• Must speak English (Bilingual preferred)
• At time, MWNMCAP requires travel in or out of state, in which MWNMCAP will provide per diem and provide accommodation costs.
• At time, MWNMCAP require the use of personal vehicles to conduct official business. In this event, the agency will provide mileage and per diem.
• Must obtain the Food Handlers Certification within 30 days of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of early childhood development best practices
• Ability to effectively and positively communicate to parents, staff and community

through the written and spoken word.

• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, maturity and good judgment to function in crisis

situations.

• Ability to seek supervision and use it constructively.
• Intermediate Computer Skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.78 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person